Testing a Fertigation System for Shallots

Ahmad Tusi, Ph.D.

Student: Leni Tri Wahyuni

This study looks at how well a fertigation system works for growing shallots. Fertigation is a method that combines irrigation and fertilization, and this research focuses on using a drip irrigation system to deliver both water and nutrients to the plants.

• System Setup: The system includes dripper line emitters and a fertilizer injector, which work together to provide water and nutrients to the shallots.
• Goals: The main goals are to test the fertigation system, check how well the fertilizer injector works, and see how evenly the water is distributed.

• Climate Conditions at the Research Location:  The research was conducted in Lampung, Indonesia, from February to April 2023. During this period, the average temperature was 26.8°C and the average humidity was 83%. Rainfall was recorded for 23 days with a total rainfall of 376.1 mm, averaging 6.5 mm/day. The rainfall, temperature, and humidity data were obtained from the meteorological station.

  The study found that the average rainfall was sufficient to meet the water needs of shallot plants on sandy loam soil. However, due to uneven rainfall distribution, additional irrigation was provided using the drip irrigation system

• Efficiency: The system is pretty efficient, with 96% irrigation efficiency and a uniformity coefficient of 86%. This means the water is spread out evenly, with an average wetting diameter of 22 cm.

• Fertilizer Settings: The best settings for the fertilizer injector during different growth stages of the shallots are 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5, which match the plants' nutrient needs.

• Conclusion: The results show that the fertigation system can help improve shallot production, and further research could make it even better for different farming situations.

The research on the fertigation system for shallot plants offers several benefits:

1. Improved Efficiency: The fertigation system combines irrigation and fertilization, ensuring that plants receive the right amount of water and nutrients simultaneously. This leads to better growth and higher yields.

2. Water Conservation: The drip irrigation method used in the fertigation system is highly efficient, with an irrigation efficiency of 96%. This means that water is distributed evenly and effectively, reducing wastage.

3. Uniform Nutrient Distribution: The study found that the fertigation system provides a uniform distribution of nutrients, with a coefficient of uniformity (CU) of 86%. This ensures that all plants receive the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.

4. Adaptability to Climate Conditions: The research was conducted in Lampung, Indonesia, where the climate conditions, including rainfall and temperature, were monitored. The system was able to adapt to these conditions, providing consistent irrigation even during uneven rainfall distribution.

5. Enhanced Crop Production: By optimizing the settings for the fertilizer injector during different growth stages of the shallots, the research demonstrated that the fertigation system could significantly improve shallot production.

6. Potential for Broader Application: The findings from this research can be applied to other crops and agricultural settings, potentially improving efficiency and productivity in various farming practices.

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