Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
4/13/01
Contacts:
Mark Hanna, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Extension, (515) 294-0468, hmhanna@iastate.edu
Elaine Edwards, Continuing Education and Communication
Services, (515) 294-5168, eedwards@iastate.edu
Switching Forms of Nitrogen Fertilizer May Cause Application Concerns
AMES, Iowa -- The short supply and high price of natural gas, a key to nitrogen production, means some crop producers may find themselves using an unfamiliar form of nitrogen fertilizer this year. Specialists at Iowa State University (ISU) suggest that crop producers become familiar with the three forms of nitrogen--anhydrous ammonia, dry granular materials and liquid solutions-- to ensure they apply it safely and correctly.
Anhydrous ammonia, a high-pressure liquid that converts to a liquid-gas mixture, poses the most safety concerns. This form of nitrogen can cause caustic burns, blindness and fatal lung damage.
"To ensure safety, crop producers should wear protective gear and follow procedures when handling equipment to properly apply anhydrous ammonia," advised Mark Hanna, ISU Extension agricultural engineer.
The challenge posed by dry granular materials is to obtain a uniform swath. Very light particles are not thrown from the spreader and segregation of blended materials can occur during application. Hanna recommended that producers use material of a uniform size and check the application pattern of all materials applied.
Liquid nitrogen solutions are applied in relatively high volumes, he said. To improve efficiency, Hanna suggested that producers use a tending tank to deliver fertilizer from storage to the applicator and urged them to consider the capacity of the sprayer to deliver high flow rates.
"Farmers who understand application concerns for the various forms of nitrogen will be well prepared to deal with the unusual nitrogen situation this year," Hanna said. "They will be able to apply the fertilizer safely and maximize its benefits."
tsp
ml: isufarm
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.