Next Topic
Select SDGs to find out how we are taking action in support of the UN Substinable Development Goals
Fertigation delivers soluble fertilizers via irrigation systems to enhance crop production.
Fertigation is a highly effective and flexible method that allows growers a precise application of nutrients, according to the crop’s demands. Fertilizer inputs through fertigation can be easily adapted to the soil, fertility status and growth stages of any crop.
This has dual benefits:
1) it can increase the potential yield of a crop due to precise and timely input of nutrients that match the crop’s needs
2) the amount of nutrients applied can be reduced by minimizing leaching and volatilization.
ICL Specialty Fertilizers sets the standard in fertigation with its unique PeKacid™ Technology. This technology’s acidifying effect:
ICL has developed a range of wetting agents ( H2Flo) for use in agriculture, horticulture and professional turf. The products optimize plant quality, allow better water availability in the root zone, and help conserve precious water resources.
Agriculture is by far, the largest consumer of the Earth’s available freshwater.
When a soil or substrate dries out or becomes water-repellent, it can be challenging to raise moisture levels back up to optimum levels. Water no longer easily infiltrates the soil, leading to runoff and loss of irrigation and (water-soluble) nutrients. Growers may need to water more frequently or use more irrigation water.
Wetting and water conservation agents are blends of surfactants that reduce the surface tension of irrigation water. This allows water to penetrate dried out or hydrophobic soil and improves water distribution in the soil.
As climate change results in hotter and drier weather patterns, ICL is researching the possibilities and opportunities of its H2Flo products.
The aim of the research, a collaboration between Lancaster University and ICL and led by Vasileios Giannakopoulos, a PhD researcher at the university, is to test the effects of wetting agents on plants.
Initial research into the effects of wetting agents on plant physiology proved that surfactants not only improve soil water availability, but also increase plant growth and drought resilience in plants. The research indicated that the use of wetting agents increased plant growth. The dry biomass of shoots was around 20% higher in both barley and corn plants compared to untreated plants
Read MoreThis will not only have an impact on the turf industry, but also on the challenge of global warming and food security.” Vasileios Giannakopoulos, PhD researcher at Lancaster University
