Spraying with Liquid Fertilizers

IMPORTANT: After application of liquid fertilizers, the machine must be thoroughly cleaned.

Liquid fertilizers have a higher viscosity and density than crop protection chemicals. Due to their higher viscosity, the pressure loss in the lines is greater. Due to their higher density (for AHL 1.28 kg/l), the nozzle output at equal pressure is lower than that of crop protection chemicals. The clean water output must therefore be adjusted for the fertilizer used, depending on the fertilizer's density.

To fill the tank with liquid fertilizers in combination with water and/or crop protection chemicals, observe the following points:

Undiluted liquid fertilizers with crop protection chemicals:

  • First fill half of the tank with undiluted liquid fertilizer
  • Next add the quantity of crop protection chemical required
  • Then top up the tank with undiluted liquid fertilizer
  • During filling agitation must be activated!

Water-diluted liquid fertilizers (and crop protection chemicals):

  • First fill half of the tank with water
  • Next add the quantity of liquid fertilizer required
  • Finally, with the agitator activated, add the crop protection chemicals

The mixing ratio water - liquid fertilizer must be at least 3:1, because otherwise the risk of leaf burning is too great. A mixing ratio of 4:1 is even better.

Liquid fertilizers (e.g. AHL) can be applied in different manners.

Field application with flat fan nozzles

Liquid fertilizers may be applied in the field in undiluted or water-diluted form (water - AHL ratio 3:1 or higher) by means of flat fan nozzles. The uptake mainly occurs via the leaf, but also via the roots. A combined application of herbicides and/or growing regulators is possible, but always enquire at your dealer of crop protection chemicals whether mixing is allowed.

By applying the fertilizers to the field in coarse droplets at low pressure and the spray boom sufficiently high (80 - 100 cm) above the crop, the risk of leaf burning (scorch) will be reduced. Extended range flat fan nozzles (such as XR) can be used for this type of application, with a pressure of 1 to 1.5 bar (max. 2 bar).

Particularly suitable for the application of liquid fertilizers are the anti-drift nozzles (e.g. TEEJET ® DG) and particularly the high precision deflector nozzles (e.g. Turbo TEEJET ® ). The nozzles produce coarse to medium coarse droplets in the higher pressure ranges (1.5 to 4 bar) as well and therefore have a wider field of application.

Liquid fertilizers may also be applied with air induction nozzles (e.g. TEEJET ® AI). If the liquid fertilizers are applied in undiluted form, a pressure of 2 to 3 bar must be used. If the liquid fertilizers are diluted with water (water - AHL ratio 1: 5), the operating pressure must be set at 4 - 6 bar.

TEEJET is a registered trademark of Spraying System Co.

WZ00085,0000400 -19-22SEP05-1/2


Field application with 3-hole nozzles

These nozzles have been specifically designed for spraying pure liquid fertilizers. The uptake occurs mainly via the roots. The fertilizers are applied in very coarse droplets, at a low drifting rate and a minimum risk of leaf burning. Combined spraying with herbicides and/or growing regulators is not possible.

The TEEJET ® 3-hole nozzle consists of a bayonet cap with 3 output openings, which spray the liquid downwards in a semi-circular pattern. A seal and stainless steel metering disc is fitted in the bayonet cap to control the nozzle output. The recommended spraying pressure is 1.5 to 4 bar. The TEEJET ® 3-hole nozzle can be mounted on a single or multi nozzle holder.

Field application with 7-hole nozzles

These nozzles have been specifically designed for spraying pure liquid fertilizers. The uptake occurs mainly via the roots. The fertilizers are applied in very coarse droplets, at a low drifting rate and a minimum risk of leaf burning. Combined spraying with herbicides and/or growing regulators is not possible.

The TEEJET ® 7-hole nozzle consists of a bayonet cap with 7 output openings, which spray the liquid backwards in a semi-circular pattern, opposite to the direction of driving. The recommended spraying pressure is 1.5 to 4 bar. The TEEJET ® 7-hole nozzle can be mounted on a single or multi nozzle holder, with its openings facing backwards.

Drop pipes / drop hoses

Drop pipes or drop hoses are only used for the undiluted application of liquid fertilizers; uptake only occurs via the soil (roots). The risk of leaf burning due to an excessive salt content is minimal when using drop pipes or drop hoses. Drop hoses or drop pipes must be used when the risk of leaf damage is great (thin layer of wax). This is for instance the case after long spells of rainfall or bright sunshine, in alternating spells of frost or in hot weather conditions, on sensitive crops covered by dew (e.g. maize). Furthermore, drop hoses are the only option to apply liquid fertilizers once the crop is in an advanced development stage (top dressing). The driving speed must not be too high, while otherwise there will be the risk that the drop hoses or pipes apply the liquid fertilizer not only to the soil anymore.

TEEJET is a registered trademark of Spraying System Co.

WZ00085,0000400 -19-22SEP05-2/2