The numerous benefits of using liquid fertilizers in agriculture have been repeatedly demonstrated. This abbreviation refers to aqueous solutions of ammonium nitrate and urea with varying nitrogen content. This agricultural chemistry can not only increase the yield of crops such as wheat but also improve its quality. However, many farmers are still hesitant to switch to new fertilizers, mainly due to the storage of liquid fertilizers.
UV radiation and high temperatures in summer, frost, and corresponding freezing in winter—these challenges and concerns prevent some farmers from using such fertilizers. An excellent solution to this problem could be a flexible liquid fertilizer container.
How can the storage of liquid fertilizers in winter be organized?
Like any water-based liquid, liquid fertilizer is susceptible to freezing at low temperatures. The quality of the fertilizer does not change, but conventional plastic or even metal containers for liquid fertilizers simply deform, as it is well-known that water expands when frozen.
Moreover, in our case, the fertilizer does not crystallize at 0 degrees Celsius like regular water but at different temperatures, depending on the nitrogen content. For example, fertilizer with a nitrogen content of 32% begins to change its structure and transition to a solid state at +5 degrees Celsius. Fertilizer with a coefficient of 30 begins to crystallize at -10 degrees Celsius, and liquid fertilizer with a nitrogen content of 28% turns into crystals at temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius and below.
A flexible container for liquid fertilizer is not only robust and resistant to UV radiation and corrosion but also elastic. This material property allows it to manage the expansion of the freezing liquid without deformation, maintaining the container’s tightness. However, if it is essential to keep the solution exclusively in “working condition,” such containers can also be used in this situation without significant financial or energy costs.
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How can crystallization of liquid fertilizers in winter be prevented?
To maintain these fertilizers in a liquid state, it is not necessary to use heated rooms or special heating technologies. The process is much simpler, more economical, and allows for storage in field conditions even in winter, if required.
For effective storage of liquid fertilizers in winter, the following approach is recommended:
- Dig a depression in the ground: The dimensions of the depression should be slightly larger than the dimensions of the container in its working state.
- Place the flexible container: Insert the container into the depression, ensuring that it is tightly pressed against the ground surface for better thermal insulation.
- Fill the container with fertilizer: Carefully fill the container with liquid fertilizer to avoid damage.
- Insulate the container: Cover the top of the container with mineral wool. This material has good thermal insulation properties and helps reduce heat loss, which contributes to keeping the liquid in a liquid state.
- Ensure circulation: When the ambient temperature drops to the level where fertilizer crystallization begins, periodically circulate the container’s contents with a pump. This helps maintain a uniform temperature and prevents crystal formation.
By using flexible containers and organizing storage correctly, liquid fertilizers can be protected in winter, minimizing the risk of freezing and preserving the high quality of agricultural products.