The Spokewheel Fertilizer application technology provides the zero till farmer with one of the most versatile and agronomically sound methods of fertilizer placement available today.

The Spoke Injector Inc model consists of 281 diameter wheels in 12" spacings with 12 hollow spokes radiating from a central hub out through a rim. A ground driven pump feeds liquid fertilizer to the hubs and as each spoke enters the ground, injects a shot of fertilizer. The pockets or nests of fertilizer are placed 3 1/2" - 4" deep and 8" apart in rows.

ALLOWS TRUE ZERO - TILL SEEDING

The spokes allow almost zero soil disturbance while placing fertilizer at ideal positioning for root uptake. Since little fertilizer is then required to be placed with the seed, expensive, and often problematic seed/fertilizer soil openers are not required that also cause much soil disturbance.

ACCURACY OF RATES - COVERAGE - PLACEMENT

Liquid fertilizer allows assurance of completely homogeneous blends that are applied in an even pattern due to orifice systems. Ground drive pumps allow unmatched accuracy in rate especially when matched with flow monitor systems. Since fertilizer is nested 3 1/2" into the ground it is protected against the effects of loss due to leaching, volatization, nutrient tie up to soil colloids. It is much less subject to relying on rainfall moisture to move nutrients to root zone.

Effective under almost all soil conditions, it is able to be used under dry or very wet soil conditions and in coarse or even very fine textured clay soils. There is much less down time having to wait for soils to dry up after rainfall so time utilization is much enhanced. The acreage potential of spoke system machinery is impressive even while accepting operating speed limitations of 5 miles per hour.

LOW TRACTOR HP REQUIREMENTS AND VERY LONG USE SEASON

Since the 55' wide model is easily pulled by a 180 HP tractor it is very efficient in fuel utilization in tractor investment cost. Fertilizer is applied successfully from fall application to very early spring pre-seeding right through to post harvest seeding when crop is 5-7" in height without any noticeable effect in yield. Post seeding (equivalent to top dressing) causes no detectable physical damage to crop by the equipment and no leaf damage. This allows an opportunity for wait-and-see fertilizer rate decisions or top up to maximize crop potential. Quick crop response also allows use to solve particular fertility problems due to inadequate nutrient availability, misses or uneven application. It has been successfully used up to flag leaf of cereals and in special crops including canola where it solved severe nitrogen and sulphur deficiency yield limitations. It offers a system to enable late application of nutrient to boost protein.

HIGHER INVESTMENT AND OPERATING COSTS OFFSET BY MANY EFFICIENCIES

The relatively high operating cost associated with wheel replacement must be weighed against the many benefits listed to this point. Its' unique ability to support the principles of zero till farming is also an important economic benefit in moisture retention and erosion control.

FERTILIZER COST AND EFFICIENCIES VS OTHER SOURCES

Liquid fertilizer has been traditionally more expensive than other nutrient sources. However recent price changes in other products have had significant impact to balance these costs. Liquid sulphur has been and still is significantly less cost per nutrient lb than granular sulphate sources. The low handling equipment investment and much lower tractor power costs and efficiencies due to time utilization and other factors do make it an economic alternative when all factors are considered.

AIR SEEDER EQUIPMENT - PROBLEMS RE SEED PLACED FERTILIZER

The seed stress and yield loss effects of high rate fertilizer placement near the seeding zone is well documented in research - especially with small seed crops, i.e.; canola and peas. The spoke injection nesting system offers a successful yield enhancing alternative. Down time associated with time spent hauling and stops for filling with high rates of seed placed fertilizer are very costly. The extremely high cost of seeding equipment requires that every attempt be made to increase the percentage of time it is operating vs. standing to optimize the investment.

ALTERNATIVES IN SPOKE INJECTOR SYSTEMS

Many variations of system configuration are being created. Custom application is offered by our firm because of the significant economics offered by the much enhanced equipment utilization and the ability to provide experienced operators who ensure error free and accurate application. However many other innovative systems are often developed. Farmer owned systems are attached directly to seeding equipment and side dressing type units are also common place.

SUMMARY

Spoke injection has proved itself to be for zero till farming a valid economic alternative fertilizer application system that supports the principles of soil erosion control and moisture conservation.