New Way To Apply Liquid Fertilizer

New Way To Apply Liquid Fertilizer FERTILIZER APPLICATION Fertilizer Application (58f) 5-5-33 Latest new way to apply liquid fertilizer is a new-style applicator that lifts the soil, then spreads the fertilizer in a sheet 6 in. below the soil surface. The special applicator was designed by the Gigot Brothers, Garden City, Kan. They reasoned several years ago that fertilizer applied ahead of planting would provide more benefit for the crop and save time. But, they didn't want fertilizer tied up by crop residue, explains Terry Gigot, one of five brothers farming together. "We like to leave residue on the surface to protect the soil, and aren't real concerned about having it decompose rapidly." The special applicator the Gigots developed for chisel plows or stubblemulch sweeps applies liquid fertilizer under the surface while leaving as much residue exposed as possible. They use stainless steel tubing and stainless steel floodjet nozzles to apply liquid fertilizer under sweeps, where it is quickly covered with soil. Regular chisel plows with 12 in. shank spacing get one nozzle per sweep. Nozzles are spaced 1 ft. apart on each of the 54 ft. sweeps on stubblemulch plows. Special bands hold tubing and nozzles in place so there's no welding done on the sweeps themselves. Tubing and brackets are clamped to the shanks and frame as needed for support. Says Terry, "We don't expose fertilizer to the surface residue at all because fertilizer tied up in residue is wasted. Sometimes, if there's a residue accumulation, we'll put on some extra nitrogen to speed decomposition. But, we don't count that as part of the fertilizer for the next crop. If there's some carryover, that's fine. Also, we now apply fertilizer as close to planting as possible. If it's in the ground a few days before planting, nutrients are available by the time the plants need them, especially when you're using liquid fertilizer." Their system has paid off, too, with 20 bu. higher corn yields where pre-plant fertilizer was sprayed under the soil surface, compared to regular application. Now, all their corn is fertilized this way, plus 20-40 lbs./acre of starter banded on each side of the row at planting. Liquid fertilizer kits like those developed by the Gigots are available from Maxima Corp., a Garden City fertilizer company owned by the Gigots. Maxima manager, Jerry Doop, says the kits cost about $200 per stubblemulch sweep, less the pump and depending on sweep size. "We use high quality, thickwall stainless tubing where there's wear, plus stainless steel nozzles. Consequently, they'll last a long time," Doop points out. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Jerry Doop, Mgr., Maxima Corp., Box 192, Garden City, Kan. 67846 (ph 316 275-7436).

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