Performance Indices for Surface N Fertigation

The application of N fertilizers mixed with a surface irrigation stream (surface N fertigation) is widely practiced in the southwestern United States. Procedures for the optimal design and management of surface N fertigation systems are needed. The purpose of this work is to identify and define a set of performance indices that can be used to assess the relative merits of alternative design and management scenarios. Equations and solutions for quantifying the performance indices are proposed. Sample performance calculations are presented for a fertigation field experiment in which bromide ion was used as a tracer to simulate the movement of nitrate on the surface and through the soil profile.