PR - Production Economics And Environmental Impact Of Improved Drip Irrigation And Fertilizer Management In Potatoes

The objective of this study was to assess the economic and environmental sustainability of new drip irrigation and fertigation systems (applying the mineral nutrient solution with irrigation water through driplines) compared with conventional nitrogen application and irrigation systems under regional conditions in six European regions: Czech Republic, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Slovakia. Focus is put on potatoes because the negative environmental effect in this crop is relatively high. This study indicates that the costs of applying drip irrigation and fertigation systems are relatively high compared with conventional gun irrigation systems. However, the yield simulations based on the field trials and local conditions have also indicated that the potential yield increase from drip irrigation and fertigation seems promising in many regions. Based on these findings it is clear that the implementation of new technology must be adapted to local conditions regarding field size, farm practice and climatic conditions.

Keywords: drip, irrigation, fertigation, new technologies.