Early Spring Planter Equipment Check: Liquid Starter Systems

Posted on March 14, 2023

---

As the days get longer and planting season nears, now is a great time to check the liquid fertilizer system on your planter to ensure your fertilizers will be properly applied when you’re ready to take the field.

For most growers, there will be little to do except to check for wear and tear and cleanliness.  The problems we see in the field fall into one of these three general categories:

1. Improper setup or maintenance of liquid starter systems
2. Incorrect rates or different application rates from one row to the next
3. Broken or missing parts of the liquid starter system

Be sure to check all planting equipment and systems before you head out. Here is a general guide to help you get started and make the most out of your spring.

Equipment Setup

Fertilizer manifolds used on planters and drills to distribute fertilizer to each row fall into two distinct categories; those that use orifices (pressurized systems) to control flow to each row and those that don’t.

Manifolds with orifices are highly recommended to accurately deliver liquid starter to each row in a uniform manner. When orifices are used the application rates are more uniform from one row to the next, and from one end of the planter to the other.

Manifolds with Orifice Bodies

While manifolds with orifice bodies are relatively trouble-free, there are a few things we need to check to achieve uniform performance. 

Check orifices for cracks: Plastic orifices can crack, and when pressure from the system is applied, the cracks open and an excessive rate of fertilizer is applied. Also, check for bent or missing orifices.

Check for clogging: Orifice bodies should be checked periodically to ensure dirt isn’t clogging or partially clogging the orifice. Clean those that may be clogged, and then be sure to reinstall the orifices properly. Check to be sure they do not fall out during reassembly, as this leads to a very high rate of application.

Check the lines from the manifold to each row: These should be quarter-inch microtubing for best performance at the 3-6 gallon/acre rates of application. Look for cracking, and pinching from planter iron, and abrasions. If the planter sits outside, check for deer chewing on the lines. Short sections of tubing can be spliced in if necessary, or the entire length can be replaced. So-called ‘one pound’ flow restrictors should be applied as close as possible to the outlet in or near each planter unit. The restrictor reduces surging in the rate of flow during application and stops ‘dribble-out’ when turning around on the field ends. Many orifice bodies already contain a flow restrictor at the manifold to stop ‘dribble out’ and siphoning.

Use a flow monitor to ensure all rows are receiving the same rate of fertilizer: In the absence of a flow monitor, all rows should be calibrated regularly. For best results, application rates should not vary more than 5% from one row to any other row. 

It is also a good idea to replace fertilizer lines with the same size and type as originally installed.

Manifolds without Orifice Bodies

Manifolds without orifices are designed to work best at higher application rates.  For application rates in the 4-6 gallon/acre range, some modifications may be needed to achieve desirable results. Rates of application may vary greatly from one end of the planter to the other when operated on uneven fields.

Here’s how to make sure your system is working effectively for your liquid starters this spring:

• Use a flow monitor to ensure fertilizer delivery rates are uniform from one end of the planter to the other.

• Reduce line size to quarter-inch microtubing to reduce potential surging

• Install in-line orifices if possible.

• Fertilizer lines to each row should be the same length within 5% if no orifices are installed.

• Pay special attention to the combination of pump speed and pressure to reduce tendency to surge at the 4-6 gallon/acre rate.

• Install ‘one pound’ flow restrictors as near to the outlet as possible at each row unit to reduce potential to surge and eliminate ‘dribble-out’ while turning.

When replacing the fertilizer lines to the row units it is important that the replacement matches the other lines in diameter and length. The lines to each row should be the same size.  A slightly larger diameter or a shorter line will dramatically increase the flow rate due to less friction.

For many growers, a quick check is all that is necessary. However, parts wear out or break over time. For the best results from PureGrade fertilizers always be sure every row is receiving the planned rate of fertilizer.

Check Liquid Starters off your List

Low-salt starters from The Andersons are available in three base grades, Diamond, GoldStart, and Premium, and are field-proven, trouble-free, and seed safe. These grades provide varying orthophosphate content allowing growers to choose the product that best fits their fertility and investment needs. 

For more information on all our liquid fertilizers, contact your Territory Manager from The Andersons or your local dealer.