Fertilizer is an integral part of the management practices of profitable farming. Coming in gaseous, liquid and dry granular forms each of these product types is appealing for different reasons. Regardless of which fertilizer type you are using Dutch Industries Ltd. has an opener system that will assist you in your conservation tillage system.
Anhydrous Fertilizer tips:
1. Most concentrated fertilizer source available. More acres can be covered before stopping to refill, given a fixed product carrying capacity.
2. Low total material volume required as compared to liquid and dry fertilizer. This reduces transportation costs per pound of N fertilizer.
3. High concentration of nutrients results in lower per acre application rates of product. Special attention needs to be paid to application equipment calibration.
4. Often Anhydrous Ammonia is the lowest cost product in terms of $ per tonne of actual N as compared to granular or liquid forms of N.
5. Though Anhydrous Ammonia is a dangerous product, handling systems, pressurized vessels etc. have resulted in a very reliable handling system. Product quality and handling properties are very consistent and reliable. One potential draw back is that, due to the specialized equipment required, in season demand can outstrip ability to supply at a particular moment in time.
6. Anhydrous Ammonia reacts with living tissue in a variety of fashions. When ammonia is initially applied to the soil, the application band becomes very alkaline, pH’s can approach 13 in the application band under certain soil conditions. Because free ammonia NH+ has a very high affinity for water, desiccation to beyond the critical wilting point can occur. As all fertilizers must be in ionic solution to enable plant uptake there is also the possibility of “salt” damage.
7. Anhydous Ammonia is handled under pressure and does have an affinity for water, therefore in most instances plugging of openers is reduced as compared to other fertilizer sources.
8. Because Anhydrous is handled in gaseous form a proper soil seal must occur to reduce gassing off. Therefore NH3 is best applied only under near ideal field conditions. Too wet and there is side wall compaction of the opening where fertilizer is being applied allowing for direct release into the air. In drier conditions large clods or excessive soil shatter permit an expanded macro pore environment, again allowing for gaseous escape of the N material.
9. NH3 systems need to be properly maintained prior to use in spring of 2005, or any other spring. Ensure that all couplings are “shiny” new. Have available a large supply of fresh water in all handling areas. Provide a complete set of protective clothing and equipment for all operators and handlers.
10. Use Dutch Industries Ltd. Cab Filters on all equipment used in the application of Anhydrous or that serve in close proximity.
Dutch Industries Ltd. has a variety of openers, knives and boots to assist you in accurate seed and fertilizer placement.
Dutch Industries Ltd has a broad product offering for producers preferring paired row seed placement. The Paired Row Openers are available in 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 inch width, which ever matches best with your management system. Fertilizer and seed are accurately and consistently placed to optimize your odds of successful crop production. Dutch Industries Ltd paired row openers are carbide edged, offering you acre after acre of trouble free operation and exemplary seed/fertilizer placement. Equipped with an insulated NH3 tube these openers resist most of the freezing that has been associated with conventional NH3 conversion kits. Combine the carbide edged openers with a 1525 Super Eagle point and you have an excellent combination for worry free operation.
