Nutrient efficiency unlocked: Water-soluble fertilizers in horticultural crop production
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.5229Keywords:
Water soluble fertilizers, horticultural crops, nutrient use efficiency, fertigation, Water use efficiencyAbstract
Horticultural crops are invaluable to the lands of small and marginal farmers across the nation, making a substantial contribution to the national economy. The significant productivity gap in horticulture is mostly attributable to the inefficient utilization of water and fertilizer resources. Soil fertility has been declining, driven by nutrient depletion and excessive fertilizer application with low nutrient-use efficiency, which hampers productivity despite the steady increase in cultivated area. Numerous research has investigated the application of water-soluble fertilizers to enhance the yield of horticulture crops, achieving greater profitability while minimizing environmental effects. Water-soluble fertilizers are closely linked to improvements in growth, yield attributes, and soil fertility in various horticultural crops. These fertilizers offer numerous advantages, such as controlling weed growth, reducing the need for herbicides, and enhancing the quality of vegetables and fruits, leading to widespread adoption. Additionally, drip irrigation systems in horticulture have conserved nearly half of the fertilizers and water resources used. Achieving self-sufficiency and sustainability in food production further supports precision farming through water-soluble fertilizers. Consequently, higher nutrient use efficiency (NUE) can be attained, making water-soluble fertilizers an essential component of precision agriculture and site-specific nutrient management.
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