When overwatering occurs, fertilizers and soil-applied pesticides leach out of containers into the soil below. This not only leads to pollution, but also reduces product effectiveness and increases' cost. Irrigation management involves matching the amount of water precisely to plant needs. Adjusting irrigation frequency through careful scheduling and application efficiency with hand watering or drip irrigation can reduce water use and reduce or eliminate water pollution. Choose a watering system that minimizes water loss, such as drip irrigation.
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation loss.
Using drip irrigation in conjunction with slow-release fertilizers is particularly effective in controlling nutrient loss to the environment. Also, drip irrigation virtually eliminates disease spread from splashing water. The ultimate form of reducing water loss to the environment is found in systems where runoff water is recycled and reused. Simply put, overfertilizing is polluting. Anything that can be done to reduce the amount of fertilizer protects the environment and saves money.