Drip and fertigation technology to enhance water and nutrient use efficiency in semi-arid region

In an intensive agriculture system introduction of both irrigation and fertilizer management at farmer’s fields in Gadda Malliah Guda village, Yacharam Mandal of Ranga Reddy District in Telangana has contributed immensely to increase the yield and quality of crops. Micro irrigation technology has about 90 per cent irrigation efficiency compared to 40-60 per cent for surface irrigation systems. Water and nutrient supply to plants influence plant growth and yield. It has been observed that fertigation leads to 25-40 per cent savings of fertilizer, increased returns and reduced leaching of the nutrients. Adopting micro irrigation cum fertigation leads to saving 20 to 40 % of water and 30% of fertilizers. Precise management of irrigation quantity along with the rate and timing of nutrient application are critical to obtain desired results in terms of productivity and nutrient use efficiency. In rain-fed areas where insufficient availability of water is common, adopting micro irrigation systems with fertigation enhances productivity and reduces resource use, a scenario for better water resource management.