Fertilizer Distribution

A72071-UN-18JUL11

The fertilizer system uses in-line orifices at each row to maintain system pressure. The lower end of the pressure range, 103 kPa (1.0 bar) (15 psi), must be maintained to ensure even fertilizer distribution. Do not exceed the upper end of the range, 689 kPa (6.9 bar) (100 psi). The pump setting and orifices are adjusted when changing rates. To set the application rate, refer to the rate chart, then adjust the pump to a target setting and install the recommended orifices. Next, verify that the system pressure is within 103—621 kPa (1.0—6.2 bar) (15—90 psi) when traveling at the target planting speed.

NOTE: As the ground speed is increased, the fertilizer pressure increases.

The delivery hose is equipped with a check valve near each opener. A minimum pressure of 14 kPa (0.1 bar) (2 psi) must be present before fertilizer is delivered to the opener.

Priming the fertilizer system is critical to obtain the best performance, especially at low flow rates. (See Prime and Start the Pump in this section.) Eliminate kinks, pinches, or sharp bends in the fertilizer hoses. Any restriction reduces the fertilizer flow to that opener.

IMPORTANT: Monitor the system pressure by equipping all liquid fertilizer systems with a pressure sensor. SeedStar™ equipped planters display the fertilizer pressure on the monitor. (See your SeedStar™ manual.)

Avoid pump damage. Remove the drive chain from the piston pump when the fertilizer system is not in use.