Things to Do to Avoid a Catastrophic Liquid Fertiliser Storage Tank Failure

Liquid fertilisers are continuing to grow in popularity. Rightly so as liquid fertilisers offer many advantages, from easy handling, to uniformity in application, to their ability to be easily blended with other crop protection products.

Storing Liquid Fertiliser in Reliable Liquid Fertiliser Storage Tanks - A Must

However, even with all the benefits of liquid fertiliser, careful measures need to be taken in storing them. That is because huge amounts of it, in the event of a major tank leak, can be harmful to our water sources.

For instance nitrogen, one of its ingredients, may stimulate growth in plants, but are actually highly deadly to fish in excessive amounts.

In fact, soil containing high amounts of nitrogen in nearby sensitive bodies of water can be a problem.

Below are general guidelines to consider around liquid fertiliser, from preventing tank damage, to minimising the possibility of water pollution, to security from theft.

Guidelines for Liquid Fertiliser Storage Tanks

1. Liquid fertiliser storage tanks should be placed more than 10 metres away from the nearest groundwater source, watercourse or any drain leading to a watercourse.
   
   
2. Assess existing sites as conditions may change. Just because there aren’t any issues with an existing site doesn’t mean it’ll remain that way.
   
   
3. If a fertiliser tank needs to be placed at a certain site temporarily, care must still be taken to avoid chemical contamination of nearby waters.
   
   
4. To minimize damage, your tank must be situated away from places where there might be; a possibility for theft.
   
   To avoid damage from passing vehicles (or even vandals), components of your liquid fertiliser storage tank (e.g. sight gauges/tubes, valves) must be secured so that they are rendered unusable when unattended.
   
   
5. The base for your liquid fertiliser storage tank must be flat, stable and able to support its weight when the tank is filled to maximum capacity.
   
   
6. Failure of fertiliser storage tanks can stem from inadequate maintenance and inspection. Therefore, reducing damage by conducting regular inspection and maintenance is vital.
   
   

   Besides the fact that liquid fertiliser can be harmful to water sources, you also need to consider the added cost you might end up spending in replacing your liquid fertiliser in the event of a catastrophic tank failure leading to a major leak.
   
   

   Additionally, further inspections are necessary prior to the start of the season and during the season when your fertiliser tank is in use and deliveries to and from the tank are frequent.
   

   
   It makes sense to install your fertiliser storage tank in a location that is safe and often frequented by you, so that it’s easier for you to inspect it and detect any mishaps.
   
   

7. In case of an accidental spill, don’t wash down with water unless told to do so by the appropriate environmental agency. Contact your liquid fertiliser’s supplier and/or the appropriate environmental body for further assistance on the appropriate measures to take.
   
   In fact, it’s a good idea to have an emergency plan set in place in case of a disastrous tank failure.
   
   

Coerco liquid fertiliser storage tanks.

Truly, liquid fertiliser can enhance and maximise your farm’s output, but it doesn’t hurt to store and apply it with responsibility.

Can you imagine what other benefits you can reap when you use a reliable fertiliser storage? Browse through a range of durable liquid fertiliser storage tanks here.