Fertigation is the practice of injecting soluble fertilisers into an irrigation system so that nutrients are delivered with water directly to the root zone, improving nutrient-use efficiency in high-value fruit, vegetable and berry production.
In trade practice
Growers calibrate fertigation programmes to crop growth stages, adjusting nutrient ratios for establishment, flowering and fruit development. In organic production, only permitted inputs listed under EU organic regulation may be used, and records must demonstrate compliance. Buyers auditing suppliers under private schemes such as GlobalG.A.P. will review fertigation logs as part of crop input documentation. Incorrect injection rates or equipment faults can cause nutrient burn or uneven field application, affecting yield quality.
In a specification
A procurement specification may require the supplier to confirm that all fertigation inputs are authorised under the applicable national and EU regulatory framework and recorded in the farm input register.