Fertigation: Concept and application in citrus

Abstract

Citrus is one of the most relevant crops worldwide with a yearly average production of 90 × 10 6 Mg. As in other crops, the use of fertilizers is crucial to maintain a high-quality yield. However, its abuse has led to environmental problems such as eutrophication, pollution, deforestation and loss of productive soil through erosion, in the last decades. Therefore, fertilizer together with other agricultural inputs (seeds, pesticides, water, machinery, etc.) should be managed more efficiently, enhancing, at the same time, the development of new technologies and government policy that ensures an agricultural systems that will produce safe and quality fruits. A rational fertigation programme should consider not only plant requirements but also a rational seasonal distribution of nutrients. This chapter describes different considerations to keep into account an optimal fertigation schedule in order to improve nutrient use efficiency, reduce nutrients losses and protect water quality.