In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, farmers are continually seeking innovative ways to enhance their productivity while ensuring sustainable practices. One of the key components that can significantly improve your planting efficiency is the liquid fertilizer planter kits. At L&D Ag Service, we understand the challenges farmers face, and we’re committed to providing top-notch solutions that make a difference. With our family-friendly approach and extensive expertise in agricultural services, we invite you to explore the many benefits of integrating liquid fertilizer planter kits into your farming operation.
When planting major row crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat, most farmers use some type of planter attachment system to apply starter fertilizer. This gives seeds an extra kick of nutrients right from the beginning to encourage vigorous early growth. While many opt for high-end electric or hydraulic fertilizer pumps and control systems, more basic low cost fertilizer kits can also get the job done efficiently.
If you want to add fertilizer capabilities to your existing planter on a budget here are some great options to consider
Ground Drive Fertilizer Kits
One of the simplest fertilizer application systems is a ground drive kit. These utilize the power from the planter’s ground drive wheel to run a piston pump, drawing and dispensing fertilizer.
Ground drive fertilizer kits come in 4, 8, 12, 16 or 24 row configurations. They include the piston pump, regulator valve, flow meter, tubing, hose clamps and hardware needed for installation. Prices range from around $500 for a 4-row kit up to $1,300 for a 24-row.
Ground drive kits provide variable rate fertilizer application that automatically adjusts based on planting speed. Their simple design requires no electronics or external power. Just mount the pump connect plumbing to the openers and you’re ready to go.
12 Volt Electric Fertilizer Kits
Adding a 12 volt electric fertilizer pump kit powered by the tractor battery allows consistent, reliable fertilizer metering. These self-contained systems include the pump, flow meter, control panel/rate controller, wiring, tubing, and hardware.
Basic 12 volt electric kits with mechanical rheostat dial controllers start around $1,100 for 4 rows and $1,500 for an 8-row system. Kits with electronic rate control via PWM offer precision rate adjustment but cost more.
For smaller planters, a simple 12 volt diaphragm or roller vane pump with basic controls precisely applies fertilizer without the expense of fancier hydraulic or ISOBUS-ready systems.
Fertilizer Placement Tubes
One of the most affordable ways to outfit a planter with fertilizer capabilities is adding tubes to channel liquid fertilizer directly to each seed trench. Kits with stainless steel tubes, fittings, clamps and tees to route fertilizer from the main tank or pump to planter openers cost less than $100 per row.
Placement tubes allow any planter to precisely apply starter fertilizer without requiring a whole pump system. Use a nurse tank and electric valve to meter fertilizer into the tubes. Installation is quick and straightforward.
Tubes are made to fit all major planter brands like John Deere, Kinze, White, and Case IH. Versions to replace OEM tubes on late model planters make upgrading to stainless simple.
Fertilizer Tank & Valve Kits
To take the most basic route, you can outfit a planter cart with a small tank and electric valves to gravity feed fertilizer through tubes without a pump. Low cost fertilizer tank and valve kits provide this simple functionality.
Kits with a 25 to 100 gallon cone bottom tank, stand, electric solenoid valves, and plumbing parts cost less than $600. Install tubes to route fertilizer to planter rows. Open the valve and fertilizer flows out by gravity. Close it when done.
This super simple kit allows small capacity fertilizing for small acreages. Larger 350 gallon tanks can also be made into full gravity flow systems for bigger planters.
Key Components of Basic Kits
While options range from basic gravity flow to fully computerized, most simple low cost fertilizer kits include:
-
Fertilizer pump – Ground drive piston, 12 volt electric diaphragm, hydraulic piston, etc. to pull fertilizer from the tank.
-
Flow meter – Monitors GPM to control application rate. Basic ground drive kits use fixed displacement pumps instead.
-
Regulator valve – Adjusts output volume on ground drive and hydraulic drive kits.
-
Rate controller – Electric systems allow rate adjustment via mechanical dial or electronic panel.
-
Plumbing parts – Hose, clamps, valves, fittings to route fertilizer from tank to each row.
-
Tubes or openers – Deliver fertilizer right to the seed trench for direct application.
-
Tank – Holds fertilizer supply. Small nurse tanks or onboard systems.
Simple Fertilizing for Stronger Starts
Adding liquid starter fertilizer at planting is proven to help crops establish vigorously. Even basic planters can be outfitted with a low cost fertilizer kit for under $1,000 to gain these benefits.
With fertilizer prices rising, applying starter right where it counts makes the most of efficiency. Investing in one of these simple systems can provide valuable returns.
While full-featured electric and hydraulic pumps offer advanced capabilities, more basic kits provide an affordable way to fertilize. For small farms and planters, a simple low cost system may be all that’s needed to bolster yields.
When selecting a fertilizer kit, consider your planter size, desired application rate, and budget. With so many choices available, you can find a setup that suits your needs without breaking the bank. A bit of starter fertilizer can give crops a boost right from the beginning.
Compatibility with Your Planter
Before selecting a liquid fertilizer planter kit, ensure that it is compatible with your existing planting equipment. At L&D Ag Service, we offer a variety of kits designed to fit different planter models, providing flexibility for your equipment setup.
Why Choose Liquid Fertilizer Planter Kits?
- Improved Nutrient Availability Liquid fertilizers are often more readily available for plants compared to their dry counterparts. When applied directly at planting, they dissolve quickly in the soil, making essential nutrients available to plant roots right from the start. This immediate access can lead to enhanced early growth, giving your crops a solid foundation for the growing season.
- Increased Efficiency One of the standout advantages of liquid fertilizer planter kits is their ability to streamline the planting and fertilizing processes. With these kits, farmers can apply liquid fertilizers simultaneously while planting, reducing the number of passes needed across the field. This not only saves valuable time but also minimizes soil compaction, which can be detrimental to crop health.
- Precision Application Precision farming is becoming increasingly important in modern agriculture. Liquid fertilizer planter kits allow for variable rate applications, meaning you can adjust the amount of fertilizer based on specific field needs. This targeted approach can lead to significant savings in input costs and reduce the environmental impact of farming practices.
- Cost-Effective Solutions Using liquid fertilizer planter kits can ultimately save farmers money. By optimizing fertilizer application, you reduce waste and ensure that every drop of fertilizer contributes to your crop’s success. Additionally, the efficiency gained from fewer field passes can lower fuel and labor costs.
- Environmental Sustainability In an age where sustainability is paramount, implementing liquid fertilizer planter kits can help reduce nutrient runoff into waterways. When fertilizers are applied more precisely, there’s less chance of excess nutrients leaching into the environment, thus supporting environmentally responsible farming practices.
Simple and Accurate In Furrow Planter Fertilizer Kit
0