How to Apply Anhydrous Ammonia Fertilizers

Plants need nitrogen to flourish and produce. Farming and food production deplete the soil of this important nutrient. Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) is 82-percent nitrogen and replenishes the nitrogen in the soil quickly and economically. However, if handled improperly, this caustic material can be dangerous to you and to the environment. Anhydrous ammonia is liquified under pressure in the nurse, or delivery, tank but must be injected into the soil to prevent significant loss when the ammonia vaporizes into a gas as it reacts with the atmosphere. During application, a tractor pulls a toolbar with applicator knives that inject the ammonia 4 to 10 inches into the soil.

Heavy-duty long-sleeved shirt
Long pants
Work boots
Work gloves
Ventless safety goggles
Nonabsorbent hat
Nurse tank
Toolbar
Tractor
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Wear protective gear when handling anhydrous ammonia, including a heavy-duty long-sleeved shirt, long pants and work boots, work gloves impervious to ammonia, safety goggles without vents and a nonabsorbent hat.
- 2
  Inspect all hoses for any cuts, nicks or abrasions before you hook up the nurse tank, or delivery tank, to the toolbar that is hitched to a tractor. The toolbar holds a series of applicator knives along with a manifold system that regulates the fertilizer application. Replace any damaged hoses immediately, or call the supplier to replace the hoses.
- 3
  Attach the nurse tank to the toolbar securely at the hitch, attaching the safety chains as well in case the hitch pin fails.
- 4
  Inspect the coupler for debris, and all moving parts and valves for smooth operation. Close the flow valve before you connect the hoses.
- 5
  Secure the fill hose to the nurse tank and then to the toolbar.
- 6
  Start the tractor with the application system control and boom in the "Off" position. Drive the tractor pulling the application system and nurse tank to the field. Turn on the application system, set the fertilizer rate according to the equipment operator's manual, engage the pump and set the pressure and turn on the boom to drop the applicator knives to the soil.
- 7
  Apply anhydrous ammonia to the field in a single pass. Drive slowly and carefully to avoid accidents.
- 8
  Turn off the boom, the pump, the application system controls and the tractor. Store all the equipment properly.

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