Key Safety Measures for Fall Fertilizer Work

Guidelines protect growers during fall fertilizer work

Minnesota farmers finishing harvest and preparing for fall fertilizer application are urged to focus on safety while working with anhydrous ammonia (NH3). This widely used nitrogen fertilizer can cause severe injuries or even death if mishandled.

“Anhydrous ammonia is an important fertilizer, but its use isn’t without risk,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Slowing down, wearing protective gear, and keeping water on hand can make the difference between a safe season and serious injury.”

Applicators should wear NH3-rated goggles and gloves, avoid contact lenses, and keep at least five gallons of clean emergency water nearby. Transfer lines may contain residual ammonia, so they must be handled with caution. Standing upwind while transferring or bleeding lines and securing valves before breaks helps reduce danger. Equipment should be positioned downwind and kept clear of homes, people, and livestock.

Storage and transport also require care. Farmers are reminded to never assume NH3 lines are empty and to wear protective gear when working with tanks or transport units. Each storage site should have a 150-gallon open-top container or a shower and plumbed eyewash, plus a five-gallon container of clean water with every nurse tank. During transport, tanks must not exceed 30 miles per hour, must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem visible from the rear, and be secured with two independent chains in addition to the hitch pin or clip.

If an accident occurs, seek immediate medical care, call 911, and contact the Minnesota Duty Officer at 800-422-0798.

To protect groundwater, fall nitrogen fertilizer application is prohibited in vulnerable areas. Elsewhere, application should only occur when soil temperatures average 50°F (10°C) or cooler. Farmers can check soil temperatures and vulnerable area maps on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website.