Page 14 - Vol.38-No.8

CROP PROTECTION

a full circle to a half circle or strip shape. main aims of any irrigation system is to
A small full circle (progressively enlarged) avoid the accumulation of salinity related
is commonly used for small young trees as salts in the root zone of the tree. And this
they grow and develop. becomes overriding in importance when
The actual sprinklers are connected to farmers are forced to use brackish or saline
the lateral via a flexible tube thus allowing water for irrigation.
underground installation of the distribution Saline water and soil cause damage to
pipes. This assists in prevention of dam- the root system which in turn negatively
age typically caused by birds and rodents. affects transpiration rate, photosynthetic
Each micro-sprinkler unit may be equipped efficiency and therefore crop yield and fruit
with a flow regulating device to ensure quality. Experiments that have used saline
an even rate of water supply to each tree water (E.C. 2.8 mmhos) supply show level
irrespective of any differences caused by of salinity in the root zone is less under
water head pressure or ‘lay of the land’. micro-sprinklers than drippers. It is much
Visual inspection of micro-sprinkler ir- better to control salinity of the soil by peri-
rigation systems is easy and rapid taking odical flushing with water than by continu-
considerably less time than for inspection ous irrigation with large volumes of water,
of several emitters at every tree for the which will invariably lead to soil aeration
typical drip irrigation system. The con- problems in the longer term.
siderably larger mesh filter employed in Use of micro-sprinklers additionally Micro-sprinklers are used to irrigate a
micro-sprinklers allows longer operating allows introduction of fertilizers into the wide range of citrus. They are also used
for cold/frost protection in areas where
times before filter cleaning is required. system and application by what is com- winter temperatures fall below freezing
Micro-sprinklers are particularly appro- monly known as fertigation. Not only does (Picture Dr Terry Mabbett)
priate for marginal lands and saline water this provide more measured nutrient appli-
resources for which they outperform other cation targeted at different and changing reduces overall labour requirement. Even
irrigation systems, often by as much as a seasonal and crop developmental require- nutrients with comparatively low soil mo-
third. Salinity is a key factor and one of the ments (economising on fertilizer), but also bility are suitable for application through
micro-sprinklers.
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WORLD FOOD FORUM CALLS TO KEEP TRADE IN FERTILIZERS OPEN AND

INCREASE THEIR AFFORDABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR FARMERS

Market transparency is crucial when it utive Vice President Europe, Yara Interna-
comes to trade in fertilizers since reduced tional (virtual).
availability and accessibility, interruption The panellists also pointed to the major
of supply chains and soaring prices jeop- drivers behind fertilizer price spikes includ-
ardize farmers’ ability to grow food and ing high energy prices, import subsidies,
push more people to the brink of hunger, high and volatile transportation costs, and
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said at declining affordability.
a special event of the World Food Forum.
The event entitled “Global Assessment and In addition, the participants touched on
Solutions for the Fertilizer Crisis” aimed to farmers are facing increased production how to strike the right balance between
assess the current market situation with costs and reduced affordability, which are the need to produce more food to address
fertilizers and potential science-based affecting their farming activities. global food insecurity and optimize the
solutions that could help to cope with this fertilizer use. They also emphasized the
critical situation. The event, which was moderated by FAO need to make sure that smallholder farm-
Chief Economist Maximo Torero, saw the ers, especially in less developed countries,
To ensure smooth trade in fertilizers, the
Director-General highlighted the need for participation of Redouane Arrach, Deputy have access to the right fertilizers.
Minister of Agriculture Maritime Fisheries,
strengthening political will, solidarity and Rural Development and water and Forests Other major topics discussed by the
collaboration among all members. Warning of the Kingdom of Morocco (virtual); Pat- panel included reducing carbon footprint
about possible negative environmental ef- rick Heffer, Vice Director General of the resulting from excessive use or misuse of
fects from misuse or overuse of fertilizers, International Fertilizer Association, Are- fertilizers, promoting alternative sourc-
Qu also encouraged countries to invest in li Ceron Trejo, Director-General of land es such as bio-fertilizers, composting,
big data and soil nutrition maps and moni- and water of the Secretariat of Agricul- bio-stimulants and nutrient cycling to im-
toring and improve fertilizer use efficiency. prove the soil health, investing in fertilizer
ture and Rural Development of Mexico, research, leveraging digital soil nutrition
Fertilizer prices reached all-time highs in Upendra Singh, Vice President, Research, mapping and bringing it to the farmers’
2022, and energy and natural gas prices the International Fertilizer Development level.
remain elevated and volatile. As a result, Center (IFDC), and Monica Andres, Exec-

12 Vol. 38 No. 8 Circle 15 on enquiry card