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Review

New Trends in the Fertigation Management of Irrigated Vegetable Crops

by
Luca Incrocci
1,*,
Daniele Massa
2 and
Alberto Pardossi
1
1
Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
2
Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 51017 Pescia (PT), Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Horticulturae 2017, 3(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae3020037
Submission received: 13 February 2017 / Revised: 21 May 2017 / Accepted: 31 May 2017 / Published: 7 June 2017
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Refining Irrigation Strategies in Horticultural Production)
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Abstract

:
The use of fertigation, coupled with micro-irrigation, has continued to increase since it was first introduced in horticultural cropping systems. This combination provides a technical solution whereby nutrients and water can be supplied to the crop with high precision in terms of time and space, thereby allowing high nutrient use efficiency. However, the correct estimation of crop nutrient and water needs is fundamental to obtaining precise plant nutrition and high nutrient use efficiency in fertigated cropping systems. This paper illustrates the state-of-the-art and new perspectives for optimal nutrient management of vegetable crops cultivated under fertigation regimes. An overall description is reported for the most valuable technologies and techniques based on simulation models, soil testing, plant testing, and related decision support systems that can be adopted for efficient fertigation. However, it should be highlighted that only a few of the above technologies and techniques are practically available and/or easy to use by growers. Therefore, much more attention should be paid in the future to the transfer of research knowledge to farmers and technical advisors.

1. Introduction

Fertilization and irrigation are two of the most important factors in crop production, as they strongly affect the yield and quality of cultivated crops [1,2,3]. The total area cultivated by micro-irrigation worldwide increased from 1.1 million ha in 1986 [4] to roughly 11.1 million in 2015 [5]. This astonishing growth in the use of micro-irrigation is mainly due to (i) its high irrigation efficiency (up to 95% of applied water [6]), which partially contributes to solving the water shortage problems associated with both poor quality and low quantity in some cultivated areas and (ii) the progressive development of irrigation technologies that have substantially reduced the cost of equipment for micro-irrigation systems.
Horticultural crops are generally high-value, so irrigation is fundamental for obtaining high yield and quality for open-field-vegetable crops, and it is required for protected vegetable crops [7].
Fertigation is the agronomic operation in which fertilizer is dissolved in the irrigation water and delivered to the root zone by the irrigation system [8]. This combination provides the technical capacity for precise mineral nutrition, both spatially and temporally. The first scientific application of fertigation was in 1958 in the USA [9] using sprinklers while the combination with drip irrigation was first applied in Israel on tomato crops [10].
Fertigation generally allows for a significant increase of nutrient use efficiency in terms of plant nutrient recovery, with much higher results (up to 90%) than in other fertilizer application systems (40–45%) [11,12]. The main advantages of fertigation are the increased flexibility to split the fertilizer dose according to the uptake rate of the crop, an improved distribution of fertilizer in the root zone, and the possibility of maintaining a low (but constant) nutrient level in the soil solution. As a consequence, the use of fertigation has been found to reduce the run-off of mobile nutrients such as N by up to 70% compared with conventional fertilizer applications [12]. Other advantages and the main drawbacks of fertigation are summarized in Table 1.
Micro-irrigation systems enable higher water use efficiency only if combined with precise irrigation scheduling. In many areas of the world, the adoption of drip irrigation without precise irrigation management has not increased the water use efficiency of vegetable crops, and run-off of nutrients (mainly N) from the root zone has been observed. For example, in the greenhouse district of Almeria (Spain), Thompson et al. [13] reported that, in the last 20 years, the concentration of N (as nitrates, NO3−) in the aquifers increased from a few mg L−1 to more than 100 mg L−1. Similar results were observed in central California [14].
However, in the present review, irrigation scheduling is not analyzed in detail, as other reviews on this topic are reported in this special issue [15,16,17]. The state-of-the-art of the most used and promising methods for the optimal nutrient management of fertigated crops are here reported, which include soil testing, crop monitoring techniques and tools, and Decision Support Systems (DSSs).

2. Nutrients Applied by Fertigation

In theory, all water-soluble fertilizers could be applied through fertigation, but, for many years, the supply of P and microelements by fertigation was not advised in practice, as their precipitation can easily occur when the pH is higher than 7.0, resulting in clogging of the irrigation system [3,18].
Nitrogen can be applied in different chemical forms, the most common being nitrate (potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, and magnesium nitrate salts), ammonium (ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate), and urea.
Nitrate is an anion not retained by the soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), thereby resulting in the most mobile nutrient beyond the crop root zone. Many authors have reported that NO3− moves in the soil transported by the irrigation water. Nitrate tends to accumulate at the periphery of the wetted soil volume and when water is applied in excess respect to the soil water capacity, nitrate is transported to the deeper soil layers (up to 100–150 cm), outside the crop root zone [3,12,19].
Ammonium (NH4+) is a cation retained by CEC; it is not very mobile in the soil and moves less than 10–15 cm from the emitter [20].
Urea is a very highly water-soluble compound and is not adsorbed by colloids; it moves in the soil easily, until its transformation into NH4+ [12,19]. The distribution of urea in the root zone profile depends on the length of irrigation and the characteristics of the soil. Haynes [21] reported that, in sandy soil, at the end of a fertigation with urea or NO3−, the distribution in the root zone for the two different fertilizers was similar. Both were more evenly distributed vertically and laterally in the soil profile up to 15 cm from the emitter.
Ammonium and urea are nitrified and contribute to the NO3− distribution and acidification in the root zone.
Phosphorus is present in the soil solution in anionic forms, but it is strongly adsorbed by the colloids of the soil. In general, it tends to accumulate within a few centimeters around the emitters. Therefore, the use of phosphate salts in fertigated systems has been previously limited [3,19]. Currently, phosphoric acid or urea-phosphate are instead commonly applied; in fact, their use contributes to prevention of possible clogging due to the precipitation of Ca and Mg and ensures a better distribution of P in the soil.
Potassium, like NH4+, is a nutrient subject to CEC retention, and it moves slowly in the root zone. In some conditions (low CEC and high K concentration in the fertigation solution), K can move beside the waterfront, with a better distribution along the wet root zone. In these conditions, K run-off can occur [3,19].
The application of metallic micronutrients (iron, manganese, zinc and copper) through irrigation water requires the use of chelated forms (mainly ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, EDTA and ethylenediamine-N,N’-bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, EDDHA) to avoid precipitation [12].
The observed nutrient distribution in fertigation is mainly due to the specific characteristics of the single ions, and soil hydraulic and chemical properties (i.e., CEC) [22]. Nevertheless, other factors can contribute to reducing or increasing ion mobility in the soil; for example, ion dynamics in the soil also depend on fertigation and irrigation frequency.
Frequent supplies of low amounts of nutrients with irrigation water increased the availability of N, P and K in the root zone, and thus increased the yield and quality of tomatoes [23,24]. Badr and El-Yazied [25] tested the influence of different fertigation frequencies, (from one to 14 days) on tomatoes with two different amounts of N (200 and 300 kg N ha−1). The total crop N uptake was considerably higher in the treatment with the more frequent applications. The authors concluded that the supply of N in small and frequent doses (i.e., every day): (i) reduces the variation in nutrient concentration in the root zone and possible related salinity stress; (ii) increases nutrient availability for the crop; and (iii) reduces the risk of N leaching. Shedeed and colleagues [23] found that the daily application of N, P and K with irrigation water in tomato increased the availability of these nutrients in the root zone, improved yield and quality of the crop and reduced the N and K losses, particularly in sandy soils. However, other authors have reported that frequent fertigation regimes are not easy to manage and can increase water losses due to evaporation from the constantly wet soil surface [26]. In general, due to the low mobility in soil, many growers prefer to apply P pre-plant, together with 20–30% of total planned N and K fertilizers.

3. Optimal Fertigation Management

Figure 1 illustrates the relationship between nutrient soil concentration and the risk of fertilizer losses due to nutrient leaching (NO3 and K) or fixation (P and K). At a low soil nutrient concentration, plant growth and yield are limited. The increase of soil nutrient concentration produces an increase of crop growth/yield until a minimum optimal concentration of the considered nutrient in the root zone is achieved. Generally, exceeding the limit of the maximum optimal nutrient concentration will cause a reduction in produce quality, and then in growth and yield. Between the minimum and maximum, no significant response can be observed within a large soil nutrient concentration range.
For N management, many authors have reported that when a minimum optimal concentration of NO3− is present in the soil before sowing or transplanting, the maximum yield is guaranteed [27,28,29,30,31]. Generally, NO3− leaching is positively correlated with the concentration of NO3− in the soil [32]. The maintaining of a constant nutrient optimal concentration over the crop cycle reduces the risk of nutrient losses from the root zone, due to excessive rainfall or irrigation (Figure 1) [11,33].
The main goal in efficient fertigation management is to satisfy both the crop needs and to minimize nutrient losses. To attain this goal, it is necessary to accurately estimate three main variables: (i) crop nutrient requirement; (ii) soil nutrient availability; and (iii) nutrient delivery to match crop development.
Knowledge of the soil nutrient availability is critical for optimized fertigation management. Very often soils cultivated with vegetable crops contain an excessive amount of nutrients; in the above case, a pre-transplanting soil analysis is strategic to avoid the over-application of fertilizers.
In the last 40 years, many authors have studied the nutrient requirement over the whole growth cycle for the most important vegetable crops. In general, N, P, and K crop uptake is correlated with crop biomass accumulation. Two different uptake patterns can be identified for vegetable crops (Figure 2): (i) leafy vegetable crops, such as lettuce, spinach, and celery, where the nutrient uptake curve can be well represented by exponential functions, with low nutrient requirement in the first part of the growing cycle and with a continuous increase of the nutrient uptake until the harvest; (ii) fruit crops (tomato, melon, pepper, etc.) characterized by a relatively low nutrient uptake until bloom and a maximum nutrient requirement during bloom and early-fruit development.
Generally, during the fruit development and harvesting phases (only for fruit vegetables), the nutrient crop uptake declines [27]. Table 2 reports data on nutrient crop uptake (expressed as kg ha−1 day−1) as a function of time after sowing or transplanting for some leafy and fruit vegetables: these data can be used for the calculation of the total amounts of nutrients to be supplied to the crop by fertigation.
Although many new technologies have been developed and validated for precise nutrient and irrigation management, they have not been sufficiently exploited by growers. In practice, nutrient and water supply in cropping systems are mostly based on growers’ experiences, which is mainly of static (fixed) fertilization plans [13].
Two main approaches can be taken for efficient fertigation management (Figure 3). In the first case, the fertilizer dose can be estimated before cultivation, taking into account all variables that may change the concentration of nutrients in the root zone and data collected on the cultivation system, which are then used to draw in advance a “prescriptive” fertilization plan [41]. Following this approach, the desired (target) nutrient concentration can be calculated as the ratio between the amount of nutrient and water taken up by the crop in the same time period (Figure 3). In the second case, fertigation management is accomplished through a “corrective” approach: a nutrient solution is applied to the crop and its nutrient composition is periodically adjusted on the basis of plant and/or soil measurements, in order to avoid nutrient excesses or deficiencies [41]. Both approaches can be integrated for the same crop: the prescriptive fertilizer dose is then calculated before planting, and afterwards the fertilizer supply rate is fine-tuned according to the seasonal variations of crop nutritional status, detected by soil and/or plant measurements.

4. Techniques for Prescriptive Fertigation Management

4.1. Simulation Models

Crop water and fertilizer requirements can both be estimated through simulation models. Most simulation models developed for agricultural purposes are algorithms based on mathematical formulas. Modeling cropping systems can predict (quantify) variables, which are useful for crop management as a function of other easier-to-measure variables. Mathematical models can then simulate crop nutrients and water requirements and can eventually be used to manage the nutrient supply in fertigated cropping systems. Mathematical models of plant nutrition have been applied at different micro and macro levels, from the cellular scale to the whole crop and for different purposes [42]. For example, mathematical models have been developed to simulate antagonisms among nutrient and non-nutrient ions at the root level [43], nutrient uptake at the whole plant level [44] or the effect of non-nutrient ions on plant growth and yield [45]. Modeling plant nutrition can be accomplished through static or dynamic models with regard to time [42]. Static models are based on fixed variables predetermined on the basis of averaged values such as expected historical yield and historical climate data. Dynamic models relate to real-time climate measurements or forecasted climatic data.
Many simplified models are based on the concept that the quantity of nutrient absorbed per water unit—namely nutrient uptake concentration—can be simulated per se as a function of plant growth stages, climate parameters, thermal time (i.e., growing degree days), and nutrient and non-nutrient (e.g., saline ions) concentration in the root zone, either with static or dynamic approaches. Based on these parameters, the nutrient requirements of tomatoes [46,47], melons [48], and other horticultural crops have been estimated [49,50]. In some cultivation systems, where the supply of fertilizers is practically equal to plant nutrient uptake (i.e., a soilless culture), uptake concentration has been used to simulate the nutrient requirement of horticultural crops to optimize nutrient management in closed and semi-closed cultivation systems [46,51]. The decision support system (DSS) Hydrotools is one example of a simulation model developed for the management of soilless cultivations based on the uptake concentration concept [52]. Using the same concept, Dutch researchers have developed the “Fertigation model” to calculate the crop nutrient demand of soil-grown greenhouse crops [49,50].
More complex simulation models estimate plant biomass accumulation and nutrient tissue concentration; the crop nutrient uptake can be estimated from the combination of these two parameters. This approach has been used at different levels of complexity to estimate the nutrient uptake of different vegetable species [53,54,55,56]. Plant biomass accumulation can be simulated following both empirical and mechanistic approaches. For the latter, non-rectangular hyperbola and other nonlinear equations have been proposed to fit the photoassimilation response to intercepted radiation [42,57,58,59], air carbon dioxide concentration and temperature [60,61], tissue age [61], nutrient tissue concentration [62,63], etc. Empirical models have been used to simulate biomass accumulation and plant phenology, as in the case of the Tomgro, a simulation model developed for tomato cultivation [64]. The variation of nutrient concentration in plant tissues can be simulated using different approaches [42] from empirical equations to more mechanistic models, which take into account the ion influx rate at root level [65,66].
However, crop nutrient uptake is not the only variable to be taken into account for the estimation of the crop fertilizer requirement. Under operative conditions, fertilizer delivery and recovery at the crop level are affected by inefficiencies, mostly due to both the adoption of poor techniques and the interference of environmental factors. However, the supply of fertilizer is not the only source of nutrients for the cropping system. To estimate the nutrient balance in the root zone, many models have been proposed that take into account the nutrient mineralization from organic materials and the nutrient losses due to immobilization, fixation, volatilization and leaching of different nutrient ions, [67,68,69,70,71]. Other tools have been developed to simulate the nutrient fluxes in the root zone, such as the Fussim [72] and Hydrus [73] models.

4.2. Decision Support Systems Based on Simulators

Depending on the cultivation system and simulation complexity, a number of models can be assembled together and integrated into more complex simulation tools, which can then simulate different processes involved in crop fertilization. These tools are known as decision support systems (DSSs), as they can give advice on the quantity of fertilizers to be delivered to the crop, taking into account the interactions between plant fertilization practice and many variables other than plant nutrient uptake. A compendium of the most potentially useful DSSs for fertigation management is provided in Table 3.
The DSS CropSyst [74] was originally developed for extensive cropping systems and has been successfully adapted to simulate the water and nutrient requirements of vegetable species [75]. Nitrogen and water balance can be simulated with the DSS VegSyst, which has been found to be effective for the fertilization of melon [56], sweet pepper [76] and tomato [77]. Another worthy example is EU-Rotate_N [78], a DSS that simulates the most significant N balance variables and can be applied for the fertigation control of horticultural crops and for the assessment of environmental impact indices, due to N leaching from the root zone. EU-Rotate_N has been successfully applied to simulate water/nitrogen uptake and leaching of horticultural crops cultivated in the Mediterranean area [79] and China [80]. Suarez-Rey and colleagues [81] calibrated and validated EU-Rotate_N on escarole and lettuce, and observed up to 57% reduction in the N supply, compared with standard growers’ practice. Based on EU-Rotate_N, Zhang and colleagues [82,83] developed and tested the SMCR_N model, which implements more mechanistic algorithms for the simulation of water and nutrient fluxes in the root zone. This allows for the simulation of crop yield response, N uptake and leaching for many different species of vegetable crops with a high level of accuracy.
The Fertirrigere DSS simulates water and nutrient (macronutrients) balance in the root zone and gives suggestions on the quantity of salts to be dissolved in the irrigation water for optimal fertigation management of processing tomatoes [54,55]. The application of Fertirrigere improved both the environmental and economic sustainability of crops in trials conducted under Mediterranean climate conditions [84]. GesCoN is a DSS that simulates water and N balance for the optimized fertilization management of vegetable crops grown in open areas [85]; the DSS has been validated in experimental trials carried out in the Mediterranean area and Florida [86].
In recent years, DSSs for agricultural purposes have rapidly become more widespread, due to the increased availability of computer Internet connections (e.g., Wi-Fi) and microcomputers including laptops, smart phones, and tablets. The DSSs can be stand-alone or web-based programs. The online DSS CropManage (https: cropmanage.ucanr.edu) has been developed to simulate both irrigation and N fertilizer requirements specifically for leafy vegetables grown in the central coast of California [87]. The software recommends fertilizer N based on keeping mineral N concentration in the root zone close to a minimum optimal soil threshold. In experimental trials, the use of this software reduced N fertilizer inputs by 30% with respect to the fertilizer plan of the conventional grower.
The nature of these simulation models and the derived DSSs means that they are affected by uncertainty. The number of parameters and their complexity can be a bottleneck in terms of their application: usually the more complex models are the most accurate and are more flexible in adapting to different scenarios, but they also require much more effort for calibration and/or use in different cultivation systems. However, modelling represents the only or at least one of the most valuable strategies to (i) estimate variables that are difficult to measure directly; (ii) simulate scenarios for making decisions in advance; (iii) simulate the behaviour of large cultivated area; and (iv) for training and educational programs.
Undoubtedly, a simulation-based DSS can be a useful tool for supporting fertigation management and making decisions in fertigated crops. However, it should be noted that only a few DSSs are practically available and/or easy to use by growers (e.g., CropManage, Fertirrigere).

5. Techniques for Corrective Fertigation Management

5.1. Plant Monitoring

Crop monitoring through different analytical approaches can be used to assess plant nutrient status and eventually to correct nutrient delivery in terms of both quantity and type of nutrients. The approach known as “speaking plant” or “plant testing” is based on the principle that the control of growing conditions should be based on the physiological status of the plant [99]. To accomplish the above goal, both direct and indirect measurements of the nutrient status in plant tissues can be carried out in the field.
Over the past 20 years, this approach has been mainly investigated in terms of N nutrition [100] because of its role in plant metabolism and for the environmental implications derived from N fertilizers when applied in excess. The main characteristics of a reliable “speaking plant” method are the ease and rapidity of the measurement, which allow for a sufficient number of measurements to obtain crop-representative data. The first “speaking plant” technique to be developed was petiole sap analysis, which is probably still the most common.
The analysis of the sap extracted from a leaf petiole has been used in many studies, for monitoring plant nutritional status and eventually optimizing plant fertilization. A significant correlation between NO3− and K concentration in petiole sap and N or K content in plant tissues has been observed for many vegetable crops [98,101,102]. However, experiments have highlighted the limits of this technique, and have shown that optimal values of nutrient concentration in the leaf petiole sap change as a function of (i) crop stage (values of sufficiency decline with crop age); (ii) cultivation system; (iii) species and cultivar and (iv) plant nutrient and water status [98].
Knowledge of the guide-values is thus critical to successfully apply the method, and this remains the main limitation for its practical application. However, reference values for N and also K are available for different types of vegetables grown in Florida [103] (Table 4), for melon and tomato in Almeria (Spain) [102], for potatoes in central and northern Europe [98], and for industrial tomato production in central Italy [101].
One of the most promising technologies for plant monitoring are optical sensors, which are developing rapidly. Tissue (leaf) chlorophyll fluorescence, reflectance, and transmittance can be measured with these sensors, thus obtaining crop indices that can be correlated with plant stress and nutrient status [104].
The optical measuring devices can be divided roughly into sensors able to measure portions of a plant or individual leaves and those able to acquire data from large parts of the canopy, and that could be installed on tractors, drones, robots, or even on airplanes or satellites. Among the portable instruments, the most widely used are the chlorophyll meter SPAD-502 (based on single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) technology), originally developed by Konica-Minolta (Osaka, Japan), the Hydro N-tester (Yara International, Oslo, Norway) and Dualex Scientific+® (FORCE-A, Paris, France). The SPAD produces a dimensionless index positively correlated to the concentration of chlorophyll in the leaf blade, which is in turn related to the concentration of N in plant tissues. Once the values of N sufficiency are assessed, the corresponding SPAD index value can be used to support N fertilization [104,105,106,107]. Some authors have found variability in the SPAD index when the culture was carried out in the presence of abiotic stress [106]. SPAD measurement variability can be reduced after in-situ calibration of the instrument (e.g., non-fertilized parcel), as, for example, recommended by the manufacturers of some chlorophyll meters (i.e., N Tester® Yara, Yara International, Oslo, Norway). The variability of the SPAD index and the need to calibrate it for each species, cultivation conditions, etc., are the major reasons why, despite the fact that the first experiments occurred more than 20 years ago, commercial use for the management of fertilization has up until now been quite limited.
A new promising instrument is the Dualex Scientific+® (FORCE-A, Paris, France). The Dualex® can provide four different indices related to the concentration of chlorophyll, flavonols, anthocyanins and N derived by the nitrogen balance index (NBI®); it can be used to assess the nutritional status of the crop and the presence of stress [108]. The Dualex® has been used successfully by Tremblay and colleagues [109], for N fertilization of winter vegetable crops in the open field. The authors also observed a high correlation between the indices obtained with the Dualex®, the SPAD and nitrate concentrations in the leaf petioles.
Wu and colleagues [110] evaluated the effectiveness of various methods to manage the N nutrition of potatoes by comparing the SPAD index, the analysis of the leaf petiole sap and use of images acquired by QuickBird satellite (http://www.satimagingcorp.com/satellite-sensors/ quickbird/) with different types of spectral resolution for the calculation of the normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI). The best results were provided by the analysis of the petiole sap followed by SPAD, while information derived from satellite images were of little value for the practical management of the N fertilization.
Muñoz-Huerta et al. [104] published a review work summarizing the characteristics of optical sensors, including those based on the measurements of tissue reflectance. These types of sensors can be divided into two main categories: (i) those that measure the reflectance of the canopy through a multispectral sensor dependent on passive sunlight, such as CropScan® (Cropscan, Rochester, NE, USA) and FieldSpec® (ASD PANalytical, Boulder, CO, USA); (ii) those that measure reflectance by producing the source light themselves, thereby providing a more precise measurement independent of the ambient light, such as N Sensor™ (Yara, Grimsby, UK), Crop Circle® (Holland Scientific, Lincoln, The Netherlands), and GreenSeeker® (Trimble, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Most research on reflectance meters has been conducted with cereal crops, although some studies are available for vegetable crops [107,111,112].
The use of multispectral images for estimating the nutrient content of the canopy and nutrient supply management have been assessed in many reports [113,114]. Canopy reflectance measurements are based on the relationships between visible and near infra-red (NIR) wavelengths and the crop canopy status [115,116]. The reflectance value of specific wavelengths can be used in the computation of different indices, of which the NDVI is the most common [104]. Indices related to healthy and stressed crops can be compared for the interpretation of collected data.
Finally, the “speaking plant” approach, which improves fertilization management, has been mainly applied in extensive cropping systems, where the growing cycles are relatively long and the growers have enough time to correct mineral fertilization if necessary. However, this approach cannot be successfully applied to vegetable crops that are characterized by short growing cycles (20–40 days) such as salad vegetables and radish crops.

5.2. Root Zone Monitoring

Soil testing to monitor nutrient availability in the root zone is a valuable alternative to plant monitoring. Fertigation can be modulated as a function of a target (i.e., optimal) concentration or quantity per soil volume of fertilizer, to be maintained in the root zone and to achieve optimal yield and quality for the crop. Following this approach, the nutrient availability in the root zone can be assessed through different monitoring techniques: (i) laboratory analysis in which nutrients are extracted by solutions containing barium chloride, ammonium acetate and calcium chloride, for example; (ii) analysis of soil or substrate aqueous extract (e.g., 1:2 V:V soil/water; [117]; and (iii) analysis of soil water solution extracted from the root zone by suction lysimeters [118].
Detailed laboratory analyses of soil samples are more useful for pre-transplant fertilization and for the evaluation of nutrient availability in the medium-long period, while for quick adjustments of fertigation during the cultivation cycle, the use of aqueous extracts appears to be more effective [100].
Over the last 20 years, Dutch researchers have developed corrective fertilization protocols for many greenhouse crops, based on the chemical analysis of aqueous extracts (1:2 V:V). Samples from the root zone are collected each 3–6 weeks, depending on the crop, and analyzed for target nutrients. The nutrient solution can then be adjusted after comparing analyzed values with pre-established thresholds, as shown in Table 5 [117,119]. The frequent nutrient addition with low water volume supplied by fertigation means that the concentration of nutrients in the aqueous extract is highly representative of the root zone nutrient status. The method can also be applied for monitoring saline (ballast) ions (e.g., Na, Cl) or simply EC.
Suction lysimeters allow an easy sampling of the soil solution in the root zone. This consists of a porous cup hermetically welded on a pipe into which a capillary is inserted. The capillary enables the collection of the circulating solution extracted from the soil after applying a vacuum (maintained for 24–36 h after the end of irrigation), using a pump or a simple syringe. The method has been widely investigated in Israel, Spain and Australia and has been found effective for the management of N in greenhouse crops. However, the uncertainty of the measurements, due to the large spatial variation of the soil nutrient solution concentration, is a weak point that limits the commercial use of this technique [118]. For example, Hartz and Hochmuth [27] proposed using them in vegetable crops with a threshold value of 5 mmol L−1. Hartz [120] later concluded that errors due to the high spatial variability of the soil solution may limit their application. Experimental work on tomatoes and melons has been carried out in protected cultivation but revealed a poor correlation between the nutritional status of the plant and the concentration of nutrients in the suction cup extract; the method therefore appears to be more suitable when excesses are avoided [102]. The aqueous extract obtained through different methods can be analyzed with a rapid determination kit and other analysis tools [121,122,123].
Several rapid chemical analysis systems are on the market that can be used to monitor the concentration of nutrients in water extracts, but the most effective are based on the use of photometry with visible light and ion-specific sensors such as ion selective optodes (ISO), ion selective electrodes (ISE), and ion-selective field effect transistors (ISFEs). There are many simple and portable photometers available (e.g., RQ Reflectoquant Flex™, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) and several rapid kits based on color reactions.
Undoubtedly ion-specific sensors based on optical (ISO) or electrochemical (ISE or ISFET) reactions are particularly suitable for the fertigation of soilless crops where the nutrient solution can be easily collected [122]. Commercial examples of portable specific ion sensors are CardyNO3 Meter™, (Horiba Ltd., Kyoto, Japan) for the determination of NO3−, and the Nutrient Analyzer™ (Clean-grown, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom) for the determination of N-NO3, N-NH4, Ca, Mg, K, Cl, Na, pH and EC.
Some studies have recently proposed the use of NIR reflectance for the estimation of N and P content directly on the soil samples without extraction treatments [124,125,126]. Here, the measurement is carried out through spectroscopes or instruments in which the light source is provided by LED lamps emitting monochromatic light at wavelengths in the absorption range of the investigated element. In the future, these sensors could potentially estimate different chemical elements in soil.

5.3. Decision Support Systems Based on Crop Monitoring

Notwithstanding the extensive research activity recently conducted on plant monitoring for assessing crop nutritional status, very few applicative protocols have been developed based on this approach. The high variability of nutrient concentration in plant tissues and the need for knowledge of their respective critical thresholds, which may change as a function of cultivated species, plant/organ age, cultivation system and pedo-climatic conditions, may limit the application of this approach under a wide range of conditions, which is an important aspect when transferring technologies into practical operations.
For the above reasons, most DSSs based on corrective approaches relate to soil monitoring or mixed soil/plant monitoring methods. This approach was proposed by [97] with the CRA-W model; the DSS predicts the total N to be supplied as a function of expected yield and soil analysis, and 70% of the above quantity is given at transplant while the remaining 30% is supplied if necessary after evaluating plant status by rapid tissue analysis (e.g., using chlorophyll meters). The KNS (Kulturbegleitende Non-Sollwerte) method has been proposed for vegetable crops in Germany [93]; this DSS computes the N balance based on the assumption that a minimum nutrient buffer must be maintained in the root zone to ensure high yield and quality. KNS has been tested on 21 different vegetables with an average N reduction of 57% compared with standard growers’ practice [94]. An upgraded version of KNS is the N-Expert DSS [127]. However, the most popular approach based on soil testing is probably the “Fertigation Model” [49] initially developed by Dutch researchers [117,119] before being used across Europe. The method has been extensively adopted at the commercial level in the Netherlands [100], and by growers from Mediterranean countries such as Italy [52] and Greece [128]. In Italy, the method can be applied with the user-friendly software GreenFert [52] (http://www.cespevi.it/softunipi/greenfert.html).

6. Conclusions

Fertigation applied through micro-irrigation systems is undoubtedly one of the most effective strategies to improve nutrient use efficiency in agricultural systems. The possibility of supplying nutrients at a low rate and high frequency improves plant nutrient uptake and nutrient availability in the root zone, in addition to the reduced risk of nutrient loss. All of the above aspects positively influence the economic and environmental sustainability of agricultural activities.
When optimal management techniques are followed, the application of fertigation allows for high yield and quality of agricultural produce, and high income for growers. Scientifically-based criteria are adopted for determining the optimal type and application rate of fertilizers. The latter must be estimated on the basis of objective methodologies that take into account all of the agricultural system variables that can interact with the fertilization process. Accurate measurements are required to support the theory.
Many tools have been developed to accomplish the above goals, and other promising instruments and techniques will be soon available for the management of fertigated crops. Among all methods reviewed, decision support systems based on simulation models and soil testing approaches are the most widespread of these, but optical sensors appear to have much potential to integrate the former tools for precise control fertigation in intensive cropping systems.

Author Contributions

Luca Incrocci, Daniele Massa and Alberto Pardossi have contributed in equal part to the writing of the present article.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Horticulturae 03 00037 g001 550
Figure 1. Relationship between crop growth (or yield) and nutrient soil concentration in the root zone. The maintaining of the minimum optimal nutrient concentration allows for reducing nutrient loss risk (e.g., NO3− leaching) without affecting crop produce and quality.
Figure 1. Relationship between crop growth (or yield) and nutrient soil concentration in the root zone. The maintaining of the minimum optimal nutrient concentration allows for reducing nutrient loss risk (e.g., NO3− leaching) without affecting crop produce and quality.
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Horticulturae 03 00037 g002 550
Figure 2. Characteristic nutrient uptake rates of a fertigated leafy vegetable (celery; rearranged from Feigin et al. [39]) and a fruit crop (muskmelon; rearranged from Sagiv et al. [40]).
Figure 2. Characteristic nutrient uptake rates of a fertigated leafy vegetable (celery; rearranged from Feigin et al. [39]) and a fruit crop (muskmelon; rearranged from Sagiv et al. [40]).
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Figure 3. Conceptual framework for the calculation of the fertilizer supply rate in fertigated crops, following different theoretical approaches.
Figure 3. Conceptual framework for the calculation of the fertilizer supply rate in fertigated crops, following different theoretical approaches.
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Table
Table 1. The main advantages and drawbacks of fertigation.
Table 1. The main advantages and drawbacks of fertigation.
AdvantagesDrawbacks
Nutrients are mainly applied in the wet root zone, where they can be easily taken up by plantsHigher investment costs of fertigation system
More flexibility in nutrient supply and better synchronization with the crop uptakeRisk of insufficient nutrient supply during rainy seasons
Automation of fertilizer supply (potentially labor saving)Risk of hypoxia due to frequent irrigation, especially in clay soils
Improved yield and qualityNecessity of specialized labor
Reduction of environmental pollution, mainly related to N run-offRisk of clogging of emitters due to precipitation of insoluble salts
Application of specific fertilizers for treating mineral deficiencies
Improvement of medium-high saline water management, with low yield reduction
Table
Table 2. Daily absorption rate of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) (kg ha−1 day−1) of selected vegetables grown under drip irrigation after emergence or planting (adapted from Bar-Yosef [3]).
Table 2. Daily absorption rate of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) (kg ha−1 day−1) of selected vegetables grown under drip irrigation after emergence or planting (adapted from Bar-Yosef [3]).
Days after PlantingTomato Greenhouse
(kg ha−1 day−1)		Processing Tomato
(kg ha−1 day−1)		Eggplant
(kg ha−1 day−1)		Broccoli
(kg ha−1 day−1)		Lettuce
(kg ha−1 day−1)
NPKNPKNPKNPKNPK
1–101.000.102.000.100.020.10.050.010.000.020.000.010.150.010.20
11–201.000.104.000.500.050.300.100.010.000.070.010.020.450.100.50
21–301.000.103.501.000.162.000.200.010.301.080.120.743.400.507.80
31–402.000.203.502.800.192.300.250.010.801.220.130.912.200.608.20
41–502.500.405.504.500.758.003.200.024.901.750.201.351.800.553.20
51–602.500.606.006.500.808.502.900.087.201.040.133.04---
61–702.500.304.007.501.809.000.250.091.303.020.364.34---
71–802.500.306.003.500.504.500.250.050.503.410.463.95---
81–901.500.300.105.000.509.200.250.050.502.790.384.09---
91–1001.500.100.108.000.899.000.250.050.502.090.323.13---
101–1101.000.100.10---0.250.092.000.930.182.74---
111–1201.000.101.00---1.200.153.000.200.090.96---
121–1301.500.201.00---2.400.273.000.180.090.48---
131–1501.500.351.30---2.600.313.000.150.040.20---
151–1804.000.503.80---2.300.381.60------
181–2102.000.303.00---1.900.35160------
TOTAL
(kg ha−1)		4506571039359520290333802022616511022250
VarietyDanielaVFM82-1-2Black OvalWoltamIceberg
Planting Date25th September27th March10th September30th August5th November
HarvestSelective18th JulySelective17th January25th January
Plants/ha23,00050,00012,50033,000100,000
Soil typeSandyClayeySandyLoamSandy
Yield (t/ha)195160511345
Source:Bar-Yosef et al. [34]Dafne [35]Bar-Yosef et al. [36]Feigin and Sagiv [37]Bar-Yosef and Sagiv [38]
Table
Table 3. The main Decision Support Systems (DSSs) for fertigation management. For each DSS, the reference of the inventor(s), the main input and output, and the eventual validation work of the model are reported.
Table 3. The main Decision Support Systems (DSSs) for fertigation management. For each DSS, the reference of the inventor(s), the main input and output, and the eventual validation work of the model are reported.
DSSMain CharacteristicsExperimental TrialsSpeciesComparative TrialsMain Results
Cropsyst (Stockle et al. [88])Prescriptive.
Simulation of plant growth, ETc and N uptake		Martínez-Gaitán [81]Sweet pepperNoAccurate estimation of the evolution of LAI, ETc, dry matter production, and crop N uptake
Suárez-Rey [75]Lettuce, EscaroleNoAcceptable simulation of dry matter and N uptake
EU-Rotate_N (Rahn et al. [78])Prescriptive.
Simulation of N and water balance		Suárez-Rey [75]Lettuce, EscaroleYes−57% N supply and leaching versus grower’s practice
Soto et al. [89]TomatoNoSimulation scenarios with different level of N fertilization; model validation on fertigated tomato
Sun et al. [80,90]Cucumber, TomatoNoOptimized N management in greenhouse vegetables
Fertirrigere (Battilani et al. [54,55])Prescriptive.
N, P, K, Ca, Mg balance		Massa et al. [84]Processing tomatoYesAbout 2-fold higher N use efficiency and 27% decrease in water footprint in comparison with standard growers’ practice
VegSyst (Gallardo et al. [56])Prescriptive.
Crop biomass, N uptake and crop ETc simulation		Gallardo et al. [91]
Gallardo et al. [77]
Giménez et al. [76]		Many vegetable speciesNoAccurate estimation of crop biomass production, N uptake and crop ETc
CropManage (Cahn et al. [87])Prescriptive/Corrective.
N and water balance for leafy vegetables		Cahn et al. [87,92]LettuceYes30% reduction of N supplied
GesCoN (Elia et al. [85])Prescriptive.
Simulation of growth, N uptake, and yield		Conversa et al. [86]TomatoNoGood agreement between simulations and measurements from Italy and Florida (USA)
KNS (Lorenz [93])Prescriptive/Corrective.
Calculation of N balance		Ziegler et al. [94]Many vegetablesYes−57% N on the average of 21 vegetable crops in comparison with growers’ practice
N-Expert (Fink and Scharps [95])Prescriptive/Corrective.
Calculation of N balance		Chen et al. [96]Spinach, CauliflowerYes−70% N on average
CRA-W (Goffart et al. [97,98])Prescriptive/Corrective.
Nitrogen balance and crop measurements		Goffart et al. [97]PotatoYes95% of advice met actual crop nutrient requirements
Abbreviations. ETc = Crop evapotranspiration. LAI = Leaf Area Index; N = nitrogen.
Table
Table 4. References values for different vegetable crop grown in Florida (Source: Hartz and Hochmuth [27]; Hochmuth [103]).
Table 4. References values for different vegetable crop grown in Florida (Source: Hartz and Hochmuth [27]; Hochmuth [103]).
CropCrop Developmental StageFresh Petiole Sap Concentration (ppm)Concentration in the Whole Leaf Tissue (%)
N-NO3KNK
Broccoli and cabbageSix-leaf stage800–1000NA *3.5–5.03.5–4.5
1 week before first harvest500–8003.0–4.51.5–4.0
First harvest300–5003.0–4.01.5–4.0
CucumberUntil first open flower800–1000NA4.0–5.02.0–3.0
Fruits three-inches long600–8002.5–5.020–30
First harvest400–6002.5–3.51.5–2.5
EggplantUntil first fruit are 5 cm1200–16004500–50004.5–5.54.5–6.0
First harvest1000–12004000–50004.5–5.03.5–5.0
Mid harvest800–10003500–40003.5–4.53.0–4.0
MuskmelonUntil first open flower1100–1200NA4.5–5.05.0–6.0
Fruit (length = 5 cm)800–10004.0–5.04.5–5.0
First harvest700–8003.5–4.52.0–4.0
PepperUntil first open flower1400–16003000–32004.0–4.54.5–5.0
Fruits half-grown1200–14003000–32004.0–4.54.0–5.0
First harvest800–10002400–30003.5–4.03.5–4.5
Second harvest500–8002000–24002.5–3.03.0–4.0
PotatoUntil first open flower1000–14004500–50003.0–4.03.0–5.0
50% flowers open1000–12004000–45003.0–4.03.0–4.0
100% flowers open900–12003500–40002.5–4.02.5–4.0
Tops falling over600–9002500–30002.0–3.01.5–3.0
SquashUntil first open flower900–1000NA3.0–5.03.0–5.0
First harvest800–9003.0–5.02.0–3.0
StrawberryNovember–December800–9003000–35002.8–3.51.5–3.0
January–February500–8002500–30003.0–4.01.5–3.0
March–April200–5001800–25003.0–3.51.5–2.5
Tomato (Field)First open flowers600–8003500–40003.5–4.03.5–4.0
Until first fruit are 5 cm400–6003000–35003.0–4.03.0–4.0
First harvest300–4002500–30002.5–3.52.5–3.5
Second harvest200–4002000–25002.0–3.52.0–3.0
Tomato (Greenhouse)Until to second truss1000–12004500–50004.0–6.04.0–5.0
2th -5th trusses800–10004000–50004.0–5.03.5–4.0
Harvest season700–9003500–40003.5–4.02.5–3.5
WatermelonUntil fruit are 5 cm long1000–12004000–50004.0–5.03.5–4.0
Half fruit time800–10003500–40003.5–4.02.5–3.5
At first harvest600–8003000–35003.0–4.02.0–3.0
* NA = Not Available.
Table
Table 5. Some examples of guideline nutrient concentrations (mmol L−1) and maximum electro-conductivity values (EC, dS m−1) of aqueous soil extracts (1 volume of wet soil: 2 volumes of water) for the base and dressing fertilization of some protected horticultural crops. The standard nutrient solutions advised for protected soil-grown vegetables cultivated in Dutch climate conditions are also reported.
Table 5. Some examples of guideline nutrient concentrations (mmol L−1) and maximum electro-conductivity values (EC, dS m−1) of aqueous soil extracts (1 volume of wet soil: 2 volumes of water) for the base and dressing fertilization of some protected horticultural crops. The standard nutrient solutions advised for protected soil-grown vegetables cultivated in Dutch climate conditions are also reported.
CropGuide Values (1:2 Volume Extract)
for Base Dressing		Standard Nutrient Solution
for Top Fertigation		Guide Values (1:2 Volume Extract)
for Top Dressing
ECK+Ca2+Mg2+NO3−SO42−H2PO4−NH4+K+Ca2+Mg2+NO3−SO42−ECK+Ca2+Mg2+NO3−SO42−H2PO4−
Asparagus, haricot bean, strawberry, sweet corn1.501.01.51.02.02.00.10.22.71.30.75.50.70.801.01.51.02.02.00.1
Beet, broccoli, fennel, leeks, purslane, mustard1.501.51.51.23.02.00.10.43.01.40.76.00.80.901.51.51.23.02.00.1
Carrot, onion1.502.01.31.22.02.50.10.32.21.00.64.50.60.802.01.21.22.02.50.1
Cauliflower, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, kohlrabi, endive, red pepper, celery, celery root, zucchini1.501.51.51.23.02.00.10.43.01.40.76.00.80.901.51.51.23.02.00.1
Gherkin, cucumber2.201.82.21.24.01.50.10.93.52.01.08.41.01.001.82.21.24.01.50.1
Chicory1.501.21.20.81.50.80.10.93.52.01.08.41.00.801.21.20.81.50.80.1
Lettuce (summer)1.502.53.31.04.03.50.10.43.41.60.97.00.90.802.53.21.04.03.50.1
Lettuce (winter)1.503.03.31.05.03.60.10.93.52.01.08.41.01.203.03.21.05.03.60.1
Endivie, escarole1.502.52.01.33.03.00.10.93.52.01.08.41.00.802.52.01.23.03.00.1
Eggplant1.801.82.01.54.52.00.10.93.52.01.08.41.01.201.82.01.54.52.00.1
Musk-melon1.801.01.51.02.02.00.10.44.02.01.08.41.01.201.51.51.03.02.00.1
Potato1.501.81.51.03.01.90.10.93.11.81.07.61.00.801.81.51.03.01.90.1
Sweet Pepper2.002.02.51.24.52.00.10.44.02.01.08.4101.102.02.51.24.52.00.1
Tomato2.303.53.52.77.53.50.10.45.02.01.59.41.51.402.22.51.75.02.50.1
Radish (autumn–winter)2.003.03.01.03.03.50.10.76.02.41.210.8161.203.03.01.03.03.50.1
Radish (spring–summer)1.502.01.50.82.02.20.10.76.02.41.210.81.60.802.01.50.72.02.20.1
Spinach2.201.51.51.253.02.00.10.43.01.40.76.00.80.901.51.51.253.02.00.1

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Incrocci, L.; Massa, D.; Pardossi, A. New Trends in the Fertigation Management of Irrigated Vegetable Crops. Horticulturae 2017, 3, 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae3020037

AMA Style

Incrocci L, Massa D, Pardossi A. New Trends in the Fertigation Management of Irrigated Vegetable Crops. Horticulturae. 2017; 3(2):37. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae3020037

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Incrocci, Luca, Daniele Massa, and Alberto Pardossi. 2017. "New Trends in the Fertigation Management of Irrigated Vegetable Crops" Horticulturae 3, no. 2: 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae3020037

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