How to Prep Pumps Used With
N-Serve® Nitrogen Stabilizer for Winter
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How to Prep Pumps Used With
Winterizing fertilizer application equipment is one way to set yourself up for a successful spring — and save money in the long run.
“Overlooking maintenance can shorten the life of equipment, increase maintenance costs, reduce efficiency and potentially cause safety concerns,” says Mike Koenigs, Nutrient Maximizer development specialist, Corteva Agriscience. “For farmers applying N-Serve nitrogen stabilizer this fall, taking care of the pump you use can, in turn, make spring applications go smoother.”
The two pumps used for applications of N-Serve® nitrogen stabilizer are the direct injection pump and the stationary pump. The direct injection pump inserts N-Serve into anhydrous ammonia just before it’s knifed into the ground, and the stationary pump places N-Serve directly into the anhydrous nurse tank.
With either pump, Koenigs recommends the following practices to winterize the application equipment for N-Serve to ensure it’s ready for use the next time you need it.
- Flush N-Serve completely from the pump.
- Fill the pump with kerosene.
Once filled with kerosene, seal the pump so that the kerosene remains in the pump throughout the winter. Kerosene lubricates the pump and keeps out air and moisture, which can be hard on the pump.
If the anhydrous toolbar will be outdoors in the winter, Koenigs recommends removing the pump from the toolbar and storing it inside. Whether you house the pump inside or outside, still fill it with kerosene until you are ready to use it in the spring.
- Check the condition of hoses, seals and the strainer basket.
Be prepared to fix any hoses and seals that are worn, leaking or cracked before using the equipment for spring applications. Also, clean the filter screen in the strainer basket to ensure it isn’t clogged.
“Time is money, and breakdowns are lost profit opportunities,” Koenigs concludes. “Investing time for end-of-season equipment maintenance will pay large dividends in the long run.”
Do not fall-apply anhydrous ammonia south of Highway 16 in the state of Illinois. Always read and follow label directions.
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