Soil injecting

Benefits

Injecting EASY Liquids® fertilisers into the soil is an efficient and effective way to supply nutrients to a range of row crops, including cereals, cotton, sugar cane, potatoes and other vegetable crops.

Liquid fertilisers can distribute nutrients more evenly than solid fertilisers, particularly when low rates are used at narrow row spacings. This is particularly important when applying trace elements.

A uniform application of plant available nutrients can improve germination uniformity and early vigour.

Soil injection systems can allow growers to meter EASY Liquids precisely for variable rate applications. Improved phosphorus efficiencies have also been demonstrated on alkaline calcerous soils.

Soil injection of EASY Liquids fertilisers can also be used in one-pass sowing systems, pop-up sprays and in applications with other chemicals, where they are compatible. Please check the compatibility of any tank mixes with your chemical supplier before application.

The most popular EASY Liquids fertilisers for soil injection are:

  • EASY N fertiliser – 42.5% nitrogen (w/v)
  • EASY NP™ fertiliser – 11% nitrogen and 16%phosphorus (w/v)
  • EASY NP + Zn™ fertiliser – 10% nitrogen, 15% phosphorus and 0.7% zinc
  • EASY NPK 27™ fertiliser – 8% nitrogen, 14% phosphorus, 5% potassium and 0.7% zinc
  • Coppersol® fertiliser – 6.7% copper and 3.4% sulphur
  • Zincsol® fertiliser – 16% zinc and 8.4% sulphur
  • Mangasol® fertiliser – 17.3% manganese and 10.1%sulphur.

Some of these liquid fertilisers are compatible for tank mixing to create alternative nutrient concentrations.

For example, EASY N is compatible with EASY NP and Coppersol is compatible with Zincsol. See Incitec Pivot Fertilisers’ Compatibility Guide for further information before tank mixing.

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Setting up

EASY Liquids can be injected using most types of discs and points, and it is usually relatively easy to retrofit liquids injection systems to existing tillage or planting equipment.

Alternatively, growers can incorporate a liquids application system when investing in new equipment.

Systems for soil injecting EASY Liquids range from cutting edge precision technology to minimalist, depending on grower preference and application requirements.

Choosing the right materials and components is essential, but only the first step in good system design.

It’s the combination, the correct interaction and interfacing of all the parts of the system together with the correct choice of products to be applied that make for a good liquid banding experience. For best results, talk to a specialist when setting up for EASY Liquids.

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Foliar application

Injection Tines

Soil injection can be used to supply EASY Liquids in a range of application systems, from potato planting systems to broadacre sowing systems.


There are a number of different types of pumps available, but for the best accuracy when soil injecting liquid fertilisers, choose a positive displacement pump, such as a:

  • piston diaphragm pump
  • piston pump
  • squeeze pump.

Piston diaphragm pumps offer good flexibility in terms of the rates that can be applied and can be used with other chemicals.

Piston pumps have also been used for many years, and are suited to a wide range of application rates.

Squeeze pumps eliminate the need for a distribution head because the hoses are integral to the system and are effective at low pressures.

In selecting a pump and control system consider the rate and type of liquid to be applied, your accuracy requirements, the number of liquids to be applied and whether they are to be applied in a single stream or as multiple bands.

Consider whether variable rate application would be useful in your system. If tank mixing liquids and chemicals, also be aware that agitation is often needed to ensure compatibility.

Pumps should be made from 316 stainless steel and/or polypropylene.

The latest piston diaphragm style pumps, such as the Bertolini 2136 poly pump from Liquid Systems (SA), are sold with auto rate control systems to deliver a precise rate to the metering system attached to the bar.

They can be added to your system alone or in multiples, so that more than one liquid can be banded at once, with independent rate control.

Electronic variable injection (EVI) is now available for liquid fertiliser soil injection systems, allowing growers to variably apply EASY N without varying the rate of trace elements applied. Also, fungicides can be agitated without the need to agitate liquid fertilisers.

The EVI system uses a small piston diaphragm pump with a simple precision rate control system, capable of delivering flows lower than one litre per minute from a dedicated application tank into the liquid fertiliser carrier supply line to the bar.

Where control systems are not sold in conjunction with pumps, growers can choose from a range of options. The most basic is a simple ground-driven system with different sized nozzles and different pump pressures used to adjust the rate.

At the other end of the scale are Raven flow controllers, which are ideal for variable rate or precision agriculture applications.

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Metering systems

A distribution head or bar from the pump to each point of injection is needed for soil injecting liquid fertilisers.

A pipe across the width of the applicator, fitted with nozzles that will create back pressure for even distribution to each outlet, will do the job.

The most advanced option is to use a ‘Stacker’ manifold system. These block manifolds feature multi-galleries which can be connected via stacking if desired to provide a 40 outlet ‘nest’ only 350 mm in width.

The galleries can be accessed from any side for inlet, outlet or termination.

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Other equipment

An application tank, a filter and connecting tubes are also needed to soil apply EASY Liquids.

Specifications on these items will vary depending on the application situation. In selecting a tank, the volume needed will depend on required application rates and the desired refilling interval. Consider whether refilling times can coincide with seeding refills.

Tanks can be mounted on the tractor, either at the front or as saddle tanks. They can also be mounted on the toolbar or dragged behind the seeder as a separate cart.

Check with your equipment supplier for tanks and fittings suitable to the specific gravity of the EASY Liquids to be applied.

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Useful formulae

To calculate litres/minute = L/ha x speed x W / 60,000

For example: 50 L/ha x 12 km/hr x 90 cm / 60,000 = 0.9 L/min

To calculate litres/hectare = 60,000 x L/min (per nozzle) / speed x W

For example: 60,000 x 2 L/min / 12 km/hr x 90 cm = 111 L/ha

L/min = litres per minute

L/ha = litres per hectare

W = row spacing (in cm) divided by the number of outlets per row

Speed (km/hr) = distance (m) x 3.6 / time (seconds)

To calculate the number of hectares applied per tank fill: tank capacity / output in L/ha

For example: 2,000 L / 111 L/ha = 18 hectares per tank fill

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Precautions and procedures

  • All traces of previous chemicals should be washed from the tank before EASY Liquids are used. Confirm the appropriate method for decontamination with the chemical supplier.
  • Check that your pump and metering components are made from materials compatible with the EASY Liquids you are using. See the materials compatibility checklist above or ask the manufacturer.
  • At the end of the spraying session, flush out the whole system with clean water. It is a good idea to fit a small water storage compartment to the liquid fertiliser cart.

For more information on equipment suppliers, contact your local Incitec Pivot Fertilisers’ Area Sales Manager or Distributor.

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Material compatibility for EASY Liquids fertilisers

Materials

EASY N

EASY NP

EASY NP + Zn

EASY NPK 27

Coppersol

Zincsol

Mangasol

Pumps

Stainless steel mechanical or Vitol seals

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

Stainless steel or polyethylene impellor and casing

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

Aluminium

A

A

A

A

X

X

X

Carbon or Mild Steel

S

S

S

S

X

X

X

Brass or copper alloys

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Galvanised

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Valves and fittings

Class 9 PVC ball valves

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

Stainless steel

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

Polyethylene – check with supplier for suitability

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

Forged steel

C

C

C

C

X

X

X

Aluminium

A

A

A

A

X

X

X

Cast iron or mild steel

S

S

S

S

X

X

X

Brass or copper alloys

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Galvanised

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

 

Note:

This information relates to the storing and handling of undiluted fertilisers. Dilution may reduce the potential for corrosion. Sources: The Fluid Fertilizer Manual Vol 2, p 97, Table 5.1 and Incitec Pivot Fertilisers, 2011.

C – acceptable if compatible with container and accessories

X – not acceptable because of chemical incompatibility

S – fittings and coupling used with mild steel tanks should be compatible with mild steel or galvanic corrosion may occur

A – if aluminium storage is used, then all fittings, piping and pump parts should be aluminium.

Stainless steel or HDPE fittings are the only other materials that can be used in conjunction with aluminium

 

For further information, contact your local EASY N ‘ Distributor or freecall 1800 009 832.

www.incitecpivot.com.au

This is a guide only, which we hope you find helpful as a general tool. While Incitec Pivot Fertilisers has taken all reasonable care in the preparation of this guide, it should not be relied on as a substitute for tailored professional advice and Incitec Pivot Fertilisers accepts no liability in connection with this guide. Talk to your local Incitec Pivot Fertilisers Distributor Agronomist about soil testing and arranging a specific fertiliser recommendation that best suits your needs.

® EASY Liquids and EASY N are registered trademarks of Incitec Pivot Limited. ™ EASY NP, EASY NP + Zn and EASY NPK 27 are trademarks of Incitec Pivot Limited. ® Coppersol, Zincsol and Mangasol are registered trademarks of Top Australia Limited.

Incitec Pivot Fertilisers is a business of Incitec Pivot Limited, ABN 42 004 080 264.

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