Fertilizer Delivery System Provides Precision Placement

Fertilizer Delivery System Provides Precision Placement As growers seek ways to improve nutrient efficiency and reduce input costs, technologies that place fertilizer directly where plants can use it most are gaining attention. One of the latest market entries is EZ-Drops, a system that brings root-zone fertilizer placement to virtually any sprayer while maximizing the machine’s full boom width. “Unlike traditional systems limited by boom positioning, we’ve created a special design that uses a semi-rigid poly to achieve the placement where we’re guided by the row spacing, not where the spray boom is, even in varying field conditions,” says Mitch Majewski, E-Z Drops Product Specialist. “It’ll stay flexible for when we’re outlining fields or going into plant rows, so the drop pulls through without damaging the crop.” Flexibility is central to the product’s appeal. A built-in spring helps keep the drop positioned within a crop canopy while allowing it to move with the plants rather than against them. The goal is to deliver nutrients precisely to the root zone without damaging the crop. The approach may also yield economic benefits. By placing fertilizer exactly where it’s needed, some growers have reportedly reduced application rates, while others use the improved placement to add additional nutrients to their fertility programs. Another feature for busy operators is ease of use. The mounting system works much like a truck hitch receiver and stays attached to the sprayer year-round. Removing a single pin lets the drops be installed or removed in about 15 min. “We call it a quick-tach boom extension kit with all the necessary mounts, even though they vary sprayer to sprayer, but it allows the operator to fold it up from the cab and travel down the road without having to get out and remove parts,” Majewski says. Manufactured in Northern Illinois, the system is compatible with all makes and models of sprayers and is available worldwide through direct sales and select AGCO dealers. Priced from $295 to $650 per unit, plus S&H, the company positions the product as an affordable option for growers seeking greater precision in fertilizer placement. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, EZ-Drops, 34695 Kirkland Rd., Kirkland, Ill. 60146 (ph 815-339-5580; sales@ez-drops.com; www.ez-drops.com).

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