I assume that most of the people who read this live in Iowa and have seen the spring field work really start up in the past few days with the warmer, drier weather finally arriving. We're all used to seeing the equipment working in the fields and driving down the roads (yes, we realize we hold up traffic...however, you live in Iowa and that's just part of Iowa living!), but do you really know what you're seeing? Many farmers are applying anhydrous right now, which is what Josh just happens to be doing.
You've seen those big blue applicators with white tanks accompanying them? That's anhydrous ammonia. Anhydrous is a nitrogen fertilizer that is used on corn ground to help produce big yields. Without nitrogen, the corn doesn't have enough nutrients to reach its full potential. There are several ways of getting nitrogen into the soil, but anhydrous seems to be the popular choice of farmers for its effectiveness. Anhydrous ammonia is a gas that is compressed under high pressure into a liquid and stored in the tanks to be transported. When the farmer is ready, he hooks up the applicator (the big piece of equipment). The applicator has shanks (shovels) that digs a little furrow. Then the applicator squirts a little anhydrous into the furrow, which turns back into a gas once it hits air. Another shank (shovel) quickly covers the furrow back up, trapping the gas in the soil and thus adding nitrogen to the soil the corn will be growing in. Its best applied when you plan on planting soon after. Some people apply it in the Fall, which is okay if you don't mind the fertilizer washing and evaporating away some - meaning it won't be as potent when the seed hits the ground. But then again, a farmer has to wait five days after the fertilizer is applied to plant any seed, so some people choose the convenience of having it done in the Fall so they can take right off planting in the spring. Its really up to their personal preference and schedule.
Anhydrous is rather dangerous. For one, it is under extremely high pressure in the tanks, so it takes some skill to hook up without incident. But secondly, the danger is that if it comes into contact with the skin, the skin is immediately frozen and dehydrated and requires emergency attention. Not good. So its a job that is to be respected and taken seriously! And, if you're a member of the Van Zante family who is my good lookin' husband and who is the main anhydrous applier, prayed over daily for safety and wisdom in its use!
Back and forth, back and forth... until all the corn ground has been covered. |
Here's my little disclaimer for this post: This is my understanding of what it is and how it works. I'll have Josh read it later and correct me if I'm wrong, but if today is anything like the last few nights, that won't be until late, late tonight. Standby for corrections :-)
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