Applying nitrogen in irrigation waters

Irrigation water is often the most convenient and inexpensive means of applying nitrogen (N) fertilizers. The application of N fertilizers in irrigation waters is a well-established agronomic practice. The efficiencies of water-applied N fertilizers are dependent upon the irrigation water application efficiencies, regardless of the type of sprinkler irrigation systems used. There is a variety of injection equipment available to introduce N fertilizer into sprinkler systems. Fertilizer N application costs, both equipment and labor, are minimal with the pressurized irrigation systems. Some of the advantages of water application of N fertilizer are: cost savings of energy, labor, and equipment; and greater choice in timing of N applications. The three most common methods of applying surface irrigation water are border, basin, and furrow. There is a great potential for increasing N efficiency in crop production in water-applied N fertilizer.