What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture? 1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is…

What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture? 1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible. 2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible. 3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible. 4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
  1. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. 1, 2 and 4 only
  3. 1, 3 and 4 only
  4. 2, 3 and 4 only

Solution

Fertigation allows pH/alkalinity control (1 correct), improves nutrient availability (3 correct) and reduces leaching (4 correct). However, phosphatic fertilizers like Rock Phosphate are not readily soluble and can clog micro-irrigation systems (2 wrong). Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only.

Asked in: UPSC Prelims 2020

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