How To Store Fertilizer In Your Fridge Safely

Fertilizer storage is a responsible and important process in agricultural activities. The quality of the crop depends on both the composition of the fertilizer and its storage.

The right approach to the design of premises for fertilizers

First of all, for storing fertilizers, it is necessary to allocate a non-residential, dry place that is well ventilated. If there will be several types of fertilizers, you need to allocate a separate compartment or rack for each of them. The building itself should be located no closer than 200 m / 656 ft from residential, public and industrial buildings and it should have two doors or gates located on the opposite sides. Also, allocate a site around the building for the preparation of fertilizers for their application.

The climate in the room is important. Humidity should not exceed 40% so that the fertilizer does not get wet or stick together. If the permissible humidity threshold is exceeded, the room must be ventilated urgently. The temperature should not fall below zero C / 32 F, and the maximum allowable temperature is 25-27 ° C / 77-80 ° F.

Storage of bulk fertilizers

Bulk fertilizers in loose and packaged form should be stored separately.

Loose fertilizers are placed in bulk (2.5-3 m in height) in different compartments by type and form. It is worth remembering that part of the embankment at the wall should not exceed 1.5 m.

Fertilizers in containers (ammonium nitrate exception) must be stacked in piles of 12-15 tiers with different directions of bags. It is better to put them on pallets, gratings or racks.

Stacked in piles of 10-15 bags in height are:

• Urea
• Ammonium sulfate

Placed in 18-20 rows:

• Ammophoska
• Nitrophoska
• Potassium chloride

Each type of fertilizer should be labeled with the name of the type, its content and the weight of the entire batch.

Liquid fertilizer storage

For the storage of liquid fertilizers, use horizontal or vertical cylindrical tanks.

A warehouse with liquid fertilizers must be equipped with pumps, a leakage protection system and other specialized equipment. The flooring must not allow fertilizer to enter the soil. Warehouses with liquid fertilizers should also have waterproofing neutralizing wells for storing spilled fertilizers.

Ammonium nitrate storage

Since ammonium nitrate is an explosive substance, it must be stored in a separate room or in an isolated section of the warehouse. The section should be made with a blank brick wall.

Ammonium nitrate is stacked in stacks of 10-15 rows of bags, the distance from the wall to the stack should be 1 m, between the stacks – 3 m. The warehouse itself and the section should have the “Ammonium nitrate” and “Explosive” signs.

Storage of ammonium nitrate under the open sky, canopy or fuel, and lubricants is strictly prohibited. Storage of ammonium nitrate is agreed with the state bodies of sanitary and fire supervision.

Outdoor fertilizer storage

When it is not possible to store fertilizers indoors, temporary storage on a specially prepared covered area is allowed. The site must be located in an elevated area that is cleared, covered with concrete/asphalt provided for the discharge of melt and rainwater.

When storing fertilizers in bulk, insulating material, such as film, is additionally laid on the surface.

The shelf life of fertilizers is always indicated on the packaging and on average lasts from 1 to 3 years, depending on the manufacturer. No fertilizer is recommended to be used after the expiration date.

Organic fertilizer storage

Organic fertilizers have their own specific storage. Similarly to inorganic ones, you need to allocate a place away from the living areas. Storage temperature should not exceed 60 ° C / 140 ° F, otherwise, all useful organic compounds are lost. If the temperature approaches the maximum mark, then it is worthwhile to moisten the manure or compost with the collected slurry or cover it with a layer of soil and then mix it all together.

The shelf life of organic fertilizers in raw form does not exceed 9 months. Prepackaged and specially dried manure, compost or peat can be stored for an unlimited amount of time and not lose its properties. The packaging in such fertilizers has an opening for ventilation.

When storing fertilizers, always adhere to safety rules and do not neglect them under any circumstances. Prepare the room, equip it and only then store fertilizer in it. When storing hazardous substances, it is necessary to consult with the appropriate authorities.