There is a strong connection between chemigation, fertigation and irrigation, the goal being for each plant to receive a uniform quantity of water and additive. Uniformity of application is indeed the essential factor in successful fertigation and chemigation.

Uniformity depends on several factors such as the homogeneity of water application, adjustment and use of injection equipment, compatibility between additives and application conditions, especially where wind conditions are concerned.

Pivots and linear move systems are the best sprinkler application systems, given their high potential uniformity of water distribution over large areas. Small amounts can be applied, even during rainy periods or at night under windy conditions.

Chemigation is the application of an approved chemical (fertilizer, herbicide, insecticide, fungicide or nematicide) with the irrigation water applied by the center pivot.

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Irrigation efficiency involves the ability to minimize water losses. Such factors as loss of water from wind drift and evaporation from the soil surface and plant affect the level of efficiency. Meanwhile, another factor of irrigation efficiency is simply getting water into the soil, and controlling runoff. For mechanized irrigation, the biggest single advancement towards increasing irrigation efficiency has been mounting the sprinkler down out of the wind on drop tubes. Enabling the success of drop tubes are products that spread the water out over a wide area, even when mounted below the truss rods of a center pivot. These rotating, spinning and wobbling devices operating at low pressure have dual benefits, increased soak time and low application rates. A more complete throw pattern can give twice the soak time of fixed sprayheads.

Without sprinkler performance that can apply water at an application rate less than the infiltration rate of the soil, the efficiency gained is soon lost to runoff.

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