To discuss how fertigation can be used for improving our knowledge of crop N requirement, within a European context. On the first day of the meeting there was a field trip to the area of Campo de Cartagena, in the province of Murcia, around 300 km South from the city of Valencia. This area has a very mild climate and vegetable growing is very important.
Most irrigation is with the drip irrigation system.
We visited some farms guided by a researcher and an extension service agent from the area. This visit allowed the group to get a view of the type of vegetables grown and the irrigation systems used, their operation and the usual fertiliser application practices. Some of the crops grown at that time were celery, lettuce, and broccoli. On the second day of the meeting there was a technical discussion on fertigation and N management in vegetable growing. This placement is usually near the plants, and this tends to increase nutrient root uptake and fertiliser use efficiency.