Suspension Fertilizer

Why use a suspension fertilizer?

Liquid suspension fertilizers are likened to the less costly generic brand vs. the brand name. They offer the same agronomic and economic advantages as standard liquid and dry fertilizers but are more reasonably priced.

They get away with the lower price point thanks to fewer manufacturing steps. That is due to having a different phosphoric acid used in starter fertilizer-grade clear liquids. Secondly, a small amount of clay has to be used in liquid suspensions in order to keep them suspended in liquid. This increases the amount of potassium chloride that can be added to a gallon of water and still be dissolved.

These differences make liquid suspension a “high analysis fertilizer.” That means there is a greater percentage of plant nutrients per gallon of material. The less expensive raw materials makes 1) transportation costs lower and 2) liquid suspension can compete with both clear liquids and their dry phosphorus and potassium counterparts!

A red tractor pulling a fertilizer tank on a field.

Site-Specific Applications

Tractor spraying liquid fertilizer on a field in the fall.
Suspension fertilizers are often applied in concentrated bands on the soil surface every 15” or 30” apart or occasionally in a subsurface injection. The ability to provide a uniform application of multiple nutrients is key. Combining that with placement methods designed to increase nutrient utilization and you have a winner. Placing the fertilizer in concentrated bands helps to decrease the chemical tie-up that occurs with phosphorus and the physical tie-up that happens with potassium. This results in more nutrients available for the plant. Micronutrients can also be added with fluid suspension grades to enhance crop health. This increased nutrient availability to the plant results in healthier plants that produce higher yields.

Subsurface Suspension Strip Banding

Advantages

Disadvantages

Surface Banding

Advantages

Disadvantages

PRO TIP: The combination of crop removal levels of fertilizer with the banded application may allow for more efficient utilization of your nutrient expenditures. And an even better pro tip is to contact the pros, Del or Frank, to guide you!

Once it’s all said and done, liquid suspension fertilizers still offer the same pluses of other liquid fertilizers but at a lower cost. That being said, you can expect 3 things:

  1. Accurate fertilizer placement and distribution
  2. Macro and micronutrients that stay blended in solution
  3. A product that is accurately applied, either using surface or subsurface methodologies

The result is reduced fertilizer fixation, increased nutrient availability, and often statistically greater crop yields and higher ROI than their counterparts.

Email Del

If you have any questions about fertilizer sales in Iowa or Minnesota, Del can help you out. Fill out the form below to send him a message.

Contact Del Tjepkes

Email Jake

If you have any questions about fertilizer sales in Illinois or Wisconsin, Jake can help you out. Fill out the form below to send him a message.

Contact Jake Standal