Synergy Between Fertilizer and Irrigation Water for Higher Resource Use Efficiency in Field Crops

Abstract

Field experiments conducted under different levels of irrigation and fertilizers reveal that water and fertilizers increased each others' efficiency in several field crops. However, the over dose of fertilizers in the absence of adequate watering or nutrients deficiency under frequent watering had adverse effects on crop productivity. These effects were mediated through plant water status and related physiological processes. Thus, a proper combination of irrigation water and fertilizers is required for attaining high water and fertilizers use efficiency in field crops.

Keywords:

• Organic Manure
• Chemical Fertilizers
• Bio-fertilizers
• Plant Water Status
• Irrigation Levels
• Field Crops