Weekly Tidbit

LIQUID FERTILIZER IN COLD WEATHER, WHAT TO DO?

Fertigation-grade liquid fertilizer blends are generally quite stable, without a need for agitation and free of suspended particles.  However, certain blends go through a process many refer to as "salt-out" when exposed to cold weather.  The "salt-out" occurance is usually due to a lessening ability of the water to hold the dissolved nutrients in solution as the temperature of the blend declines.  This occurance can be more or less prevalent depending on which raw materials are used to construct the blend.  Once a blend "salt-out" occurs, the resulting crystals that form are generally insoluble and must be dealt with through filtration or tank cleaning. 

So what to do?  Well, "salt-out" is a function of dilution, so the most simple and reliable solution is to increase the water content of the fertilizer.  In other words, just add water.  We usually recommend that if a fertilizer is to be held or used through winter, dilute the fertilizer by adding 50% water (or 5 gallons of water to every 10 gallons of fertilizer).  Then simply remember that the rate of application should be 50% higher to achieve the same nutrient input in the field.  This simple action will nearly eliminate the likelihood of "salt-out" throughout the the area all winter.

Product Spotlight

Albion Metalosate® Foliar Nutrition Products

-Recently Albion was featured on "The World's Greatest" series.  Albion patented a process of mineral chelation using amino acids.  The result is rapid mineral absorption and translocation within the vascular system of the plant.  Because of the high quality of chelation along with rapid absorption and assimilation, lower use rates can be used with a greater plant response than competitive materials.

The segment is available for viewing below.  We think you'll be impressed.