Rolling Spoke Wheel Punches In Fertilizer

Rolling Spoke Wheel Punches In Fertilizer FERTILIZER APPLICATION Fertilizer Application (58f) 7-6-27 Iowa State University researchers were surrounded by crowds trying to get a look at their new-concept "point injection" fertilizer wheel at the recent Farm Progress Show in Marion, Iowa. Point injection of liquid fertilizers and anhydrous ammonia is designed to save energy, soil and fertilizer. It lets you make multiple applications of fertilizer throughout the growing season with less damage to roots and requires less fuel and horsepower than knife-type applicators, according to the researchers. Also, for conservation tillage, point injection incorporates less trash and crop residue into the ground. The injector wheel is about 24 in. in dia. and has 10 spokes, each 9/16 in. in dia. The applicator is capable of injecting liquids 5 in. deep into the soil about every 8 in. A rotary valve in the hub dispenses liquid to the "down" spike.. When used with fertilizer solutions and suspended solutions, a positive displacement pump is needed. Richard Vandepol, Iowa State University researcher, says the design lets you do much more work with less horsepower. "We can mount 15 wheels on a toolbar behind a 67 hp. tractor and apply fertilizer at 5 mph or more. Because of the design, you can apply fertilizers at more than one time during the growing season without damaging crops." Vandepol says anhydrous tanks have enough pressure to prevent plugging of the down spoke as the anhydrous is injected. The wheels themselves are ground driven. He notes that the point injector could also be used to apply anhydrous to pastures and forages. Several companies have shown an interest in marketing the point injector. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, J.L. Baker, Agricultural Engineering Dept., Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011.

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