5 ways Smart Fertigation systems increase productivity while helping you achieve sustainability

The farmers in today’s era must adopt intensive technical advancements to generate a higher farm yield. However, they also need to ensure that the input cost stays low to secure overall profitability. To attain this twin objective of gaining higher yield without increasing the cost, farmers can leverage futuristic technology called a smart fertigation system. To further reduce the cost, farmers can take agricultural loans from top Agri finance companies in India like NAFA.

A smart fertigation system enables farmers to optimally utilise fertilisers in their fields. Implementing this advancement can bring several benefits to farmers in general. The article shares the top 5 ways smart fertigation systems boost productivity while being easy on the pockets.

 

Ways smart fertigation systems upgrade farm productivity 

Smart fertigation is one of the important aspects of futuristic agriculture due to the various ways it helps in boosting crop productivity. As per Statista, the global market for tech-based agriculture might show a growth of 34.1 billion USD by 2026.

Furthermore, by 2050, global agricultural production needs to rise by an estimated 50% to meet the demand of around 10 billion people. Thus, the adoption of agriculture technologies like smart fertigation systems is necessary. Let us see how it increases agricultural productivity with sustainable approaches.

● By eliminating the waste

Using smart fertigation systems is very helpful in waste reduction by allowing farmers to use fertiliser most suitably. This type of modern fertigation machine is embedded with sophisticated injectors. By utilising these injectors, farmers can regulate the number of fertilisers they want to use in the field. Thus, as a farmer, you would not need to use unnecessary fertiliser, reducing the input cost. In addition, controlled fertiliser use also prevents the occurrence of pH imbalance in the soil. It aids in increased crop yielding. Farmers in India can obtain financial assistance for the purchase of smart fertigation systems through many agriculture equipment leasing companies.

● Reducing the risk of excess chemicals leaching

Smart fertigation systems can automatically assess the crop type and its growing medium to deliver a precise nutrient dosage. This system works perfectly for both hydroponic and soil-based environments. Farmers can use the smart system to determine precise fertiliser amounts and delivery timings.

Plant fertilisers contain chemicals that can harm the environment, and this pollution is one of the biggest concerns. Smart systems use chemical spill trays and backflow prevention devices to separate the fertilised irrigation water from the external environment. Thus, by dialling in exact doses, the smart system provides fertiliser as much as the plant requires. Therefore the excess chemical leaching risks are reduced.

● Preventing groundwater pollution

Many farmers are moving towards organic farming to avoid chemical fertiliser usage altogether. But, crop production gets significantly reduced by this method. To tackle the problem of groundwater pollution, farmers use techniques like dry farming, drip irrigation, and scheduling, along with smart fertigation systems. The smart system uses information technology to control the wastage of irrigated water and suggest needed conditions for high crop production.

SAF (Smart Air Fertigation) offers a robust solution for the reduction of water wastage in irrigation and the distribution of natural fertilisers to crops. You can take agricultural loans to finance the implementation of SAF with various sensors and IT tools. It will make the overall process less time-consuming and reduce the need for labour.

● Decreasing environmental pollution by preventing nitrogen leaching

Though nitrogen is an essential nutrient for agriculture production, excess nitrogen can negatively affect the environment. It reduces crop yield and affects native biodiversity and species badly. According to a case study, adopting strategies consisting of a variable irrigation component can decrease nitrogen loss to water by a margin of 46–72%. Smart Fertigation systems can be combined with real-time soil moisture visualisation and monitoring methods for controlling the use of fertilisers in the soil.

● Lowering nitrous oxide amount released from the soil

Multiple research suggests that all kinds of nitrogen inputs such as legumes, manure, and fertilisers contribute to the release of nitrous oxide. The matter of concern is that nitrous oxide is around 300x more powerful in comparison to carbon dioxide. In fact, nitrous oxide remains in the environment for over 100 years. However, if farmers apply manure or fertilisers to the soil only when it is needed by the plants using specific equipment, less inorganic nitrogen fertiliser will be used. In this scenario, smart fertigation systems are the best way to perform it.

 

Conclusion

Today’s agricultural developments have proven sustainable farming is possible without compromising the quality and quantity of crops. The advent of smart fertigation has added to future possibilities of increased productivity with affordable investment. On top of that, agriculture finance corporation loans have become more accessible to the farmer community. Thus, an increase in demand for agricultural equipment finance programs is expected.