Air Bander Applies Dry Fertilizer Like Liquid

Air Bander Applies Dry Fertilizer Like Liquid FERTILIZER APPLICATION Fertilizer Application (58f) 12-4-24 "This rig lets us deep band dry fertilizer in ways that previously were possible only with liquid fertilizer," say Roger and Dan Montag, Rodman, Iowa, about their new "air-band" dry fertilizer system, now on the market. To build the system, the Montags used the high-capacity fan from their innovative "air auger" (featured in FARM SHOW, Vol. 12, No. 1). The "air auger" uses air power to move grain, eliminating the need for auger flighting. The "air auger" fan uses centrifugal force to move dry materials with far less horse-power. "Centrifugal motion gives it the capacity of a vacuum fan but with far greater efficiency," says Roger. "Other `air band' dry fertilizer systems use fans which require much more horsepower to operate." What's more, you can quickly convert the cart to blow dry fertilizer either forward or backward, depending on the implement you're using, which lets you split your fertilizer applications between different field operations. "You can apply starter fertilizer at planting, sidedress as you cultivate, and deep band as you chisel plow in the fall, all with the same rig. Split applications are less susceptible to leaching and make more efficient use of fertilizer by matching crop demands. They also spread out your cash flow. For example, you can apply the majority of your fertilizer at cultivating and tie up your money for only 60 days," says Dan. The blower fan, which can be driven by the tractor's hydraulics, by a pto-driven hydraulic pump, or by a separate gas engine, blows dry fertilizer through as many as 16 outlet tubes under the tank. The outlet tubes connect to hoses mounted on your implement. Fans in different sizes are avail-able for different application rates, widths and blowing distances. The cart is equipped with an 8 ft. long drawbar tongue as standard equipment, so you can pull toolbar implements such as a planter, cultivator, anhydrous ammonia applicator or chisel plow behind the cart. By removing 4 bolts, you can turn the tank and fan 180? and blow fertilizer forward. Or, by removing 6 bolts, you can replace the tongue with a gooseneck hitch and pull the cart behind your planter. Another option is to simply mount the tank and fan on top of your implement. According to Roger, the dry fertilizer system offers several benefits. "Dry fertilizer is usually less expensive than liquid fertilizer, and is available in higher analysis products, allowing you to cover more acres with fewer refills. Also, ridge farmers will like this system because they can place dry fertilizer in the ridge and concentrate fertility where they need it." Because of the low horsepower requirements, in many cases you can deep band at higher application rates, up to 800 lbs./acre, with a 2-WD conventional tractor, notes Roger, adding that horsepower requirement depends on application rate, fan size and blowing distance. The cart is available with either a 110 cu. ft. fiberglass tank or a 120 cu. ft. stainless steel tank. (For greater capacity, the stain-less steel tank can be equipped with additional sideboards). A 9-row pto-driven "air bander" with a 5-7 hp fan sells for about $8,500. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Roger Montag, Rt. 1, Box 26, Rodman, Iowa, 50580 (ph 515 887-4752).

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