CONTROL AND AUTOMATION OF FERTIGATION IN AGRICULTURAL CROPS

Abstract

Irrigated agriculture is one of the major water-consuming sectors. However, fresh water is a limited resource, which is now under an unprecedented pressure due to global population growth and climate changes. To assure the development of the plants and maximize crop yields, a suitable water and nutrient supply is required. Concentrated fertilizer dissolved in irrigation water before its application to the plants (fertigation) should result in benefits when compared to conventional fertilization. In this review article, the main concepts associated to the control and automation techniques applied to fertigation are presented. The adoption of these techniques can result in water and fertilizer savings, contributing to less environmental contamination.