Liquid fertilizer is a significant investment for the farming community. It's critical that this investment is protected in order to allow your business to flourish and grow over the coming years. In this post, we're presenting our guide to the safe and effective storage of liquid fertilizer.
Pay Close Attention to Local Regulations
The dangerous nature of fertilizer and its use in explosives means that you must pay close attention to how fertilizer storage is regulated in your local marketplace. Make sure you consult with local authorities regarding safe storage on your farm and make a plan for documenting the storage process for your fertilizer to ensure you’re in-line with your legal responsibilities.
Don’t Mix Different Fertilizers
Not only is it potentially dangerous to mix different types of fertilizer, but it could also make the fertilizer in the combined tank unusable. Avoid wasted product by separating each fertilizer product into different containers. This can help you ensure that specific crops are being treated with the right fertilizer and that you’re storing each product safely.
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Choose a Tank with a Comprehensive Warranty
With so much invested in your liquid fertilizer, any issues with your storage tank could mean that you are facing a large loss. Make sure you protect your investment both in the fertilizer and in the storage system directly by choosing equipment with a comprehensive warranty. Your storage tank should have a 10-year warranty to provide the maximum level of return for your business.
Movable Storage for the Best Location During Application
Likely, the main location to store fertilizer will be at your main farm lot. However, using mobile storage out near the fields you are applying may be a handy tool for you and save you time. By taking a cone bottom trailer out to the field and filling it there, your fertilizer will be far easier to reach.
Consider the Total Storage Capacity
The capacity of the fertilizer storage unit is another key consideration for farmers across the country. While you might not require a large amount of fertilizer now, consider the upcoming requirements of your farm in the future and make sure that your storage equipment is designed to accommodate potential increases in demand.
Ensure a Quality Circulation System
The circulation system within the tank is so important for liquid fertilizer maintenance. If the tank simply recirculates from the top to the bottom without mixing, it will have a limited impact on the quality of the fertilizer. The right circulation system will help keep the fertilizer product even and avoid burnout spots within your fields. For example, Enduraplas tanks are precision-engineered with fittings at strategic points to mix the liquid effectively before it is pumped out.
Storing Fertilizer During Winter
A common question is, "Can you store liquid in plastic fertilizer tanks over winter?". These days, storing liquid fertilizer in a plastic vertical tank over winter happens a lot. The main reason for this is buying your liquid fertilizer in fall can save you a lot of money. Making sure your tank is strong enough is important for winter storage.
Liquid fertilizer weighs 10 to 12 pounds per gallon and should be stored in poly tanks with a specific gravity of 1.5 or greater. If you didn't know already, specific gravity basically measures tank strength. The higher the specific gravity, the denser and stronger the tank. "The material a poly tank can hold is determined by the amount of plastic resin per square inch," Siebert said in a news release.
The bottom line is, if your plastic vertical tank is built with enough strength, storing liquid over winter is not a problem.
Storing fertilizer is an important part of every farming operation and is also a large investment as well. Protecting your investment is key. I hope these tips will help you keep you set up a fertilizer storage system that yields the best results.
