What is the practice of chemigation?

The practice of chemigation involves the injection of pesticides or fertilizers into irrigation water. This method allows for the efficient distribution of these chemicals throughout a field or crop area via the existing irrigation system. By combining the application of water and nutrients or pest controls, chemigation can enhance the efficacy of treatments, reduce labor costs, and minimize losses due to evaporation or runoff.

The key advantage of chemigation is its ability to apply precise amounts of chemicals directly to the root zone of plants, which can lead to improved absorption and reduced chemical use overall. This method is particularly valuable in agricultural settings where irrigation is integral to crop production.

While the other options describe different agricultural practices, they do not encompass the specific technique of chemigation, which is defined explicitly by the injection of substances into irrigation systems.