RISKS OF INADEQUATE FERTILIZER APPLICATION IN FERTIGATION

Fertigation represents one of the most significant innovations in modern agriculture, particularly prevalent in intensive vegetable production. While it enables precise plant nutrition and substantial yield increases (20–50%), inadequate fertilizer application within this system entails serious risks that can be categorized into three key dimensions: agronomic, economic, and ecological. Agronomic risks include phytotoxicity resulting from elevated electrical conductivity (EC), physiological drought, and nutritional imbalances caused by elemental antagonism. The economic dimension is reflected in the loss of market value of produce, unnecessary costs associated with excessive fertilization, and potential malfunctions of irrigation systems due to chemical incompatibility of substances. The most far-reaching are ecological risks, encompassing soil salinization, uncontrolled shifts in pH values, and contamination of groundwater (aquifers) with nitrates. Beyond these primary concerns, improper fertigation practices may also reduce crop quality, thereby limiting competitiveness in demanding markets. Excessive nutrient application can accelerate soil degradation, diminishing long-term productivity and increasing reliance on external inputs. Moreover, the disruption of soil microbial communities may impair natural nutrient cycling, further complicating sustainable management. From an economic standpoint, inefficiencies in fertilizer use contribute to higher production costs and reduced profitability, particularly in resource-limited farming systems. Ecologically, the persistence of nitrates in aquifers poses risks to human health and necessitates costly remediation measures. Therefore, the adoption of scientifically grounded strategies, including precise nutrient scheduling and integrated monitoring, is essential for balancing productivity with environmental stewardship. The study concludes that mitigating these risks requires a transition from experiential to scientific approaches, which involve regular soil analysis, continuous monitoring of EC and pH values in nutrient solutions, as well as the implementation of tensiometer-based monitoring. Only through integrated management of nutritional parameters can fertigation remain a sustainable tool for enhancing efficiency without degrading natural resources.