Are you about to run NatraMin through a belt, Vicon or spinner spreader? Check out these important tips for storage and application first to help you maximise every granule’s impact and unlock your full return on investment.
1. Store bulk NatraMin high and dry
NatraMin is hygroscopic meaning it will absorb moisture out of the air, especially on days when there is high humidity or fog. If stored on the ground (even with a tarp covering it), it will absorb moisture from the soil.
If NatraMin is purchased in loose bulk, even when stored on dry cement and well tarped, it is likely to absorb moisture from the air, causing it to be more difficult to spread.
To avoid this issue, store it on a cleared and level area off the ground.
Delivery of bulk loads:
For bulk loads, be aware that trucks require a large, flat area to turn around. B-Doubles require more turning space than single axel units. Road access into the property also needs to considered to ensure adequate turning room.
2. If NatraMin gets wet, you can dry it
NatraMin should be protected from heavy rain. But, if it does rain and bulk NatraMin gets wet, unlike Urea, it will not dissipate into the air or dissolve. To dry the product, simply turn and aerate before attempting to spread.
3. Do not use an auger
Augers will not only crush the NatraMin granules but NatraMin is abrasive and can cause wear to the auger.
4. Test your spreading width
Some spreaders have inbuilt spreading guidelines to follow. Alternatively, lay a series of bags out at anticipated cover line and do two runs to check coverage.
5. Planning to air spread? Let us know when ordering
NatraMin can be spread by air. However, keeping the product dry is more critical for air application, so when ordering please advise AgSolutions if product is to be air spread.
6. Make sure you prioritise dryness
For spreading using Vicon and spinner type spreaders, NatraMin needs to be dry, so it is best to purchase NatraMin in Bulk Bags and store in a shed. Even when NatraMin bulk bags are stored under a tarp during wet weather, it will accumulate moisture.
7. Spread NatraMin on a sunny, dry day where possible
When spreading, even if it is a misty rainy day, NatraMin will suck moisture out of the air, so leaving the spreading for a sunny day can make a big difference.
Buying in bulk? Try this option:
For large areas, consider purchasing NatraMin in bulk rather than bulk bags, and hiring a contractor with a belt spreader. This can be quite economical and less time consuming.
8. Improve flow with a few adjustments
To improve the flow of NatraMin within the bin, use an extended agitator or alternatively, place a piece of 100mm PVC pipe down the middle of the spreader to help to keep a soft center while travelling to spreading site. (Remove the pipe prior to spreading).
9. Always check for build-up
If NatraMin is moist, it can build up or block the spreader outlet. To avoid damage to your spreader, check regularly for build-up.
For tail wager type spreaders, it is common to have a rubber sleeve within the tail. This is an advantage because the rubber flexes which assists to clear the chute. If your tail wager has no rubber sleeve, look for and remove any buildup of NatraMin within the chute.
10. Don’t overfill your spreader
NatraMin is very heavy, with a volume of approximately 1.3 tonne per cubic metre. In comparison, Urea is approx 0.8 tonne per cubic metre.
What other farmers are saying after using NatraMin:
“We lost 83% of our water allocation, so we had to be able to do more with less. Since using NatraMin, our soil is holding water more efficiently and we have reduced both the frequency and the amount of irrigation water.”
– Allan Cherry, Agvac Pastoral
Gunnedah NSW
“Since first using NatraMin four years ago we’ve reduced our cultivation time by one, and sometimes two workings for preparing our ground prior to planting. This is a massive saving for us in both fuel and time – and can mean the difference of getting a crop in the ground.”
– John Abbott, Aratula QLD