Monday, 22 April 2019 10:32

Many benefits in using fluid applicator

Written by  Mark Daniel
Matamata farmer Matthew Zonderop says he’s never looked back since he started using a Tow and Fert unit about three years ago. Matamata farmer Matthew Zonderop says he’s never looked back since he started using a Tow and Fert unit about three years ago.

Matamata farmer Matthew Zonderop says he’s never looked back since he started using a Tow and Fert unit about three years ago.

Zonderop farms 140ha in a 50:50 partnership at Te Poi, near Matamata, running a herd of 420 cross-bred dairy cows.

Having previously used conventional fertiliser, Zonderop saw a friend using the Tow and Fert system with success and decided to take the plunge.

In essence the unit is a heavy-duty spraying rig, with an integral mixing and agitation component. 

Zonderop’s Multi 1200 linkage mounted machine comprises a 1200L moulded tank carried in a heavy-duty galvanised frame, pipework with extensive use of stainless steel and attachment via snap-lok fittings. 

The design offers the ability to dissolve and mix urea, lime, gibberellic acid, weed sprays, trace elements, humates and seeds – using dairy effluent or water as the medium for application. 

Manufacturer Metalform says foliar application of nutrients leads to quicker uptake, reduced losses to the atmosphere and leaching. 

An added benefit of this spraying rig is that it is able to combine several products in a single mix to help reduce labour and operating costs.

Zonderop runs a grass-based system that typically sees paddocks being grown to 2900 to 3100 kgDM/ha prior and 1500kgDM post-grazing. 

The sprayer moves onto the paddocks about five days after grazing to apply sulphate of ammonia, Pro-Gib and, 

if required, Baton herbicide. 

“Application is very uniform and up to 10m width depending on wind conditions,” he says. 

“Interestingly, paddocks show a noticeable response within 4 or 5 days – probably 2 or 3 times quicker than conventional methods.”

The process sees 500kg of fertiliser dissolved and carried in 900L of water, a process that takes about 15 minutes, with agitation/circulation continuing as the unit moves to a job. Zonderop believes the rapid uptake of nutrients by plants allows him to reduce application rates, saving about 25% over conventional application methods. 

Operation is said to be easy with a in-built weigh system, a distinct lack of electronics and the only real choice being nozzle selection to alter application rates.

Beyond the fertiliser application, the machine is also used to apply magnesium sulphate in spring, as a blanket coverage said to last for up to 90 days before grazing. This saves the daily chore of application by ATV and spreader. 

The same principle is also used for the application of zinc sulphate for facial eczema prevention, although a half dose is still used in the water supply as an insurance policy. 

The rig can also apply chicory seed in suspension, with the occasional application of grass seeds in rougher areas.

Interestingly, last season saw an extended dry period when crops of turnips or chicory were being established, so the Multi 1200 was brought into action for irrigation, applying effluent diluted 50:50 with water. Zonderop concedes this was a time-consuming job but it broke the drought.

More like this

New dimension in fert application

With new nitrogen fertiliser restrictions due to kick in during July 2021, with a target to apply less than 190 units N/ha, many farmers will be having a re-think on fertiliser application.

Making good use of green water

Reporoa farmer Alistair Neville is using the Tow and Fert range for more environmentally-friendly farming practices. 

Making good use of green water

Reporoa farmer Alistair Neville is using the Tow and Fert range for more environmentally-friendly farming practices. 

Liquid application saves time, cost

Tow and Fert sprayer systems made by Metalform have been around for several years, growing in popularity with users who cite reduced costs and other benefits. 

Featured

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

Editorial: Passage to India

OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

A different shade of blue for Norwood

Norwood and ARGO Tractors, the Italian manufacturer of Landini and McCormick tractors, have announced an agreement that gives Norwood exclusive…

Kubota tests diesel engines

Kubota last month used the UK LAMMA Show to test the water with its new 200hp, four-cylinder 09-series diesel engines.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Why?

OPINION: A mate of yours truly wants to know why the beef schedule differential is now more than 45-50 cents…

Fat to cut

OPINION: Your canine crusader understands that MPI were recently in front of the Parliamentary Primary Sector Select Committee for an…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter