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Agnet April 13/04 -- II
Monsanto receives final safety certificates from Chinese government for Roundup Ready(r) canola
Chinese reaffirm safety of GM canola
Small potassium ion channel proteins encoded by chlorella viruses
Modulation of energy-dependent quenching of excitons in antennae of higher plants
Study drives home benefits of GPS auto guidance
SCN-resistant soybean shouldn't lead to complacency
Everything's coming up green (and purple)
Corn growers sponsor resistance management training site
Getting optimum performance from front-wheel-assist tractors
Drawbacks to duals advantages of alternatives
Maintain equipment for safer anhydrous use
Keep water close when applying anhydrous
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Monsanto receives final safety certificates from Chinese government for Roundup Ready(r) canola
April 13, 2004
From a press release
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA -- Good news for North American growers as approvals allow for continued trade. The Chinese government's approval today of the required safety certificate for the importation of Roundup Ready canola is great news for growers who plant canola improved through biotechnology.
China is a very important market for Canadian and U.S. canola where imports have continued under an interim process for the past two years. Issuance of this important safety certificate by the Chinese Government will allow for a more predictable process for traders and continued trade of Roundup Ready canola. The Roundup Ready canola event - GT73 - was approved by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and validated from April 6, 2004 to April 6, 2007.
"This is important news for growers who plant biotech crops. Another major importer has agreed that these products are safe and will be accepted," said Carl Casale, vice-president of Monsanto Company.
Earlier in the year, Monsanto received safety certificates from China for import of five commercial products in soybeans, corn, and cotton, thereby allowing farmers greater choice in how they produce their crops, control insects and decrease weeds. Specifically, the certificates received by Monsanto included Roundup Ready soybeans, one version of Roundup Ready corn, YieldGard
Corn Borer, Bollgard cotton, and Roundup Ready cotton.
In 2002, China issued new regulations requiring safety certificates for imported grain derived from crops improved through biotechnology. Monsanto submitted extensive safety information for these products, which have been approved in many countries globally. "Many Pacific Rim countries are important markets for these products. The approvals in China send a clear message to North American growers and industry that biotech canola is welcome. China now joins an extensive list of countries that include Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines," said Casale.
Roundup Ready crops allow growers to use Roundup glyphosate-based agricultural herbicides over the top of growing plants, thereby offering more effective weed control with an herbicide that has a favorable environmental profile. YieldGard corn and Bollgard cotton protect themselves from certain insect pests, thereby greatly reducing the amount of chemical insecticides necessary to control those insects.
Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) is a leading provider of agricultural solutions to growers worldwide. Monsanto's employees provide top-quality, cost-effective and integrated approaches to help farmers improve their productivity and produce better quality foods. For more information on Monsanto, see: www.monsanto.com
Chinese reaffirm safety of GM canola
April 13, 2004
Canola Council Press Release
"Chinese officials have, after exhaustive analysis, confirmed the safety of GM canola for human and feed consumption by their issuance of safety certificates for importation of GM canola," says Barb Isman, President of the Canola Council of Canada.
Certificates for all seven GM canola traits were provided to developers Monsanto Canada and Bayer CropScience Inc., on Tuesday, April 13, 2004. The seven certificates are for one Round-up Ready and six Liberty Link/InVigor traits.
Importers and exporters of canola seed and oil can now use the certificates to apply for import permits on future shipments of canola to China. "This is good news for Canadian growers who are growing biotech canola. It confirms that China, a major customer for Canadian canola, has no issues with the safety of GM canola," says Trish Jordan, Public and Industry Affairs Lead for Monsanto Canada.
"This is great news for Canadian growers and for the canola industry, as this establishes a firm commitment in allowing exporting to one of the world's largest markets," says Derrick Rozdeba, Manager, Integrated Communications, Bayer CropScience Inc.
China has become an important market for Canadian canola with trade in 2003 expected to be in excess of $500 million. Imports have continued under an interim GM approval process for the past two years, however, this temporary system is set to lapse as of April 21, 2004. The new safety certificates, which are valid for the next three years, will allow for a more predictable process for traders as well as continued canola trade. "We are extremely pleased that China's examination of the safety of GM canola was conducted on the basis of sound science. In fact, global commitment to scientifically based food safety regulation is absolutely vital to the future of world trade," declares Isman. "Now we can look forward to building trade with China in the future." Roundup Ready canola can be sprayed with Roundup, and InVigor canola with Liberty, offering more effective weed control and other benefits to growers, says JoAnne Buth, Vice President Crop Production for the Canola Council.
Small potassium ion channel proteins encoded by chlorella viruses
April 13, 2004
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS)
Volume 101, Number 15, pp. 5318-5324
Ming Kang *, Anna Moroni , Sabrina Gazzarrini , Dario DiFrancesco , Gerhard Thiel ¶, Maria Severino and James L. Van Etten
*Department of Plant Pathology and ||Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0722; Departments of Biology and Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto di Biofisica and Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Fisica della Materia, Unità di Milano–Università, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milano, Italy; and ¶Institute of Botany, Darmstadt University of Technology, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
Contributed by James L. Van Etten, November 25, 2003
Kcv, a 94-aa protein encoded by Paramecium bursaria chlorella virus 1, is the smallest known protein to form a functional potassium ion channel and basically corresponds to the "pore module" of potassium channels. Both viral replication and channel activity are inhibited by the ion channel blockers barium and amantadine but not by cesium. Genes encoding Kcv-like proteins were isolated from 40 additional chlorella viruses. Differences in 16 of the 94 amino acids were detected, producing six Kcv-like proteins with amino acid substitutions occurring in most of the functional domains of the protein (N terminus, transmembrane 1, pore helix, selectivity filter, and transmembrane 2). The six proteins form functional potassium selective channels in Xenopus oocytes with different properties including altered current kinetics and inhibition by cesium. The amino acid changes together with the different properties observed in the six Kcv-like channels will be used to guide site-directed mutations, either singularly or in combination, to identify key amino acids that confer specific properties to Kcv.
Modulation of energy-dependent quenching of excitons in antennae of higher plants
April 13, 2004
PNAS
Volume 101, Number 15, pp. 5530-5535
Thomas J. Avenson, Jeffrey A. Cruz and David M. Kramer *
Institute of Biological Chemistry, 289 Clark Hall, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6340
Communicated by Rodney B. Croteau, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, February 25, 2004 (received for review November 13, 2003)
Energy-dependent exciton quenching, or qE, protects the higher plant photosynthetic apparatus from photodamage. Initiation of qE involves protonation of violaxanthin deepoxidase and PsbS, a component of the photosystem II antenna complex, as a result of lumen acidification driven by photosynthetic electron transfer. It has become clear that the response of qE to linear electron flow, termed "qE sensitivity," must be modulated in response to fluctuating environmental conditions. Previously, three mechanisms have been proposed to account for qE modulation: (i) the sensitivity of qE to the lumen pH is altered; (ii) elevated cyclic electron flow around photosystem I increases proton translocation into the lumen; and (iii) lowering the conductivity of the thylakoid ATP synthase to protons (gH+) allows formation of a larger steady-state proton motive force (pmf). Kinetic analysis of the electrochromic shift of intrinsic thylakoid pigments, a linear indicator of transthylakoid electric field component, suggests that, when CO2 alone was lowered from 350 ppm to 50 ppm CO2, modulation of qE sensitivity could be explained solely by changes in conductivity. Lowering both CO2 (to 50 ppm) and O2 (to 1%) resulted in an additional increase in qE sensitivity that could not be explained by changes in conductivity or cyclic electron flow associated with photosystem I. Evidence is presented for a fourth mechanism, in which changes in qE sensitivity result from variable partitioning of proton motive force into the electric field and pH gradient components. The implications of this mechanism for the storage of proton motive force and the regulation of the light reactions are discussed.
Abbreviations: PS, photosystem; CEF1, cyclic electron flow associated with PS I; ECS, electrochromic shift of carotenoids; ECSt, amplitude of light–dark ECS signal; gH+, conductivity of CFo-CF1 ATP synthase to proton efflux; LC, low CO2 (50 ppm CO2, 21% O2); LEA, low electron acceptor (50 ppm CO2, 1% O2); LEF, linear electron flow; NPQ, nonphotochemical quenching of excitation energy; pmf, proton motive force; qE, energy-dependent component of NPQ; VDE, violaxanthin deepoxidase; and pH, electric field and pH components of pmf; WWC, water–water cycle.
Study drives home benefits of GPS auto guidance
April 13, 2004
AgAnswers
http://www.aganswers.net/
Drivers who take their hands off the steering wheel are asking for trouble. Corn Belt farmers who relinquish the wheel in their tractors, however, can profit handsomely from the maneuver.
Auto guidance, a technology that pilots farm machinery via Global Positioning Systems (GPS) satellites, could help Midwest farmers boost productivity and expand their farm operations, said Jess Lowenberg-DeBoer, director of Purdue University's Site-Specific Management Center.
Although farmers could expect to pay $10,000 or more to adopt auto guidance technology, many could make up their investment through greater use of farm equipment and planting crops on hundreds of additional acres, Lowenberg-DeBoer said.
Lowenberg-DeBoer and Matt Watson, a Purdue agricultural economics graduate student, outlined the technology's advantages in a study, titled, "Who Will Benefit From GPS Auto Guidance in the Corn Belt?" Farmers in high-value crop areas of California and in easily compacted soil regions of Australia already embrace auto guidance. The technology has only recently been introduced in the Midwest, Lowenberg-DeBoer said. Auto guidance builds on previous GPS-based navigation technology, including light bars. GPS light bars, mounted at the front of a tractor's cab, show farmers how straight the tractor is heading down a field. The farmer then adjusts the steering wheel to bring the tractor into proper alignment.
"Auto guidance is the next step beyond the light bars that have become so common among farmers and custom operators in the Midwest," Lowenberg-DeBoer said. "The technology takes over steering of the farm equipment. The driver still has to turn the tractor at the end of each row, but during the pass in the field the driver can take his hands off the steering wheel, talk on his cell phone or do other things."
There are two basic auto guidance systems, Lowenberg-DeBoer said. They differ in precision and price.
"One of them is a 4-inch accuracy system known as a differential corrected GPS," he said. "The other is a RTK -- real time kinematic -- system, which has an accuracy of about 1 inch. Their costs are very different. The 4-inch system starts at around $10,000 to $15,000, while RTK systems are about $40,000 and up."
In their study, Lowenberg-DeBoer and Watson examined the affect of auto guidance on a typical west-central Indiana producer who farms 1,800 acres with a 50/50 corn-soybean rotation using a 12-row planter. The researchers compared the guidance systems to each other and light bars, and considered the differences in production costs and profits using the technology for various row crops. They also looked at such "spatially sensitive" cropping practices as strip tillage, sidedressing nitrogen fertilizer and controlled traffic, as well as using auto guidance to replace foam markers during spraying and alongside disk markers at planting. Light bars were found to be the most profitable guidance option for the 1,800-acre farmer who did not plan to expand the farm operation or was not using any "spatially sensitive" GPS technology.
"For a farmer who's at 1,800 acres but would like to go up to 2,000, 2,200 or 2,400 acres, the 4-inch accuracy auto guidance system makes a lot of sense," Lowenberg-DeBoer said. "The reason is that it allows farm equipment to be used for more hours and there is less fatigue on the operator, so they can work longer hours. Also, the farmer has greater flexibility in choosing employees, because it requires less skill on the part of the employee since the computer is doing a lot of that steering and other detailed work." In situations where accuracy was an issue, the farmer in the case study was better off with the RTK system.
"An example is controlled traffic," Lowenberg-DeBoer said. "If you want to use only certain tracks through the field and repeat those operation after operation and year after year, then the RTK allows you to stay on those same tracks and limit wheel traffic on that field. Another example is strip tillage. If you want to make those strips in the fall and then come back in the spring and plant on those same strips, then the RTK -- with that 1-inch accuracy -- is what you need."
The study also found that:
Benefits from auto guidance equipment were realized only when machinery was driven more accurately, more consistently and/or for longer periods each day.
Sixteen- or 24-row planters with an auto guidance system provided even greater benefits, because the cost of auto guidance was the same regardless of planter size.
Estimated field time for the 1,800-acre model, not counting harvest, was
496 hours if no GPS guidance system was used. A farmer utilizing light bar technology could cut that time 11 percent, to 439 hours. Replacing the light bar with either auto guidance system trimmed another 6 percent, to 411 hours.
The 4-inch auto guidance system afforded the largest increase in returns for expanding farms, at $7.36 per acre. The figure was based on an anticipated expansion to 3,100 acres. Light bar guidance, which permitted the operation to expand to 2,600 acres using the same equipment, netted the farmer an extra $6.93 per acre. A farmer using RTK guidance with other equipment the same increased returns $3.41 an acre on 3,100 acres.
At current equipment prices RTK guidance was more profitable than foam and
disk markers for expanding farm operations, as well as those farms with soils subject to severe compaction. At current price, light bars and the 4-inch auto guidance system were more profitable than RTK. The auto guidance study is available online at http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/extension/pubs/paer/gps.asp.
SCN-resistant soybean shouldn't lead to complacency
April 13, 2004
AgAnswers
http://www.aganswers.net/
A new soybean plant variety hitting the market that shows genetic resistance to all known races of soybean cyst nematode may change the way soybean growers manage the pest.
However, the product shouldn't be considered a cure-all. Traditional management practices are still important, stresses an Ohio State University plant pathologist.
CystX, a patented technology owned by Purdue Research Foundation, offers broad-based resistance to soybean cyst nematode in that it prevents the pest from reproducing on the plant's roots. OSU plant pathologist Mac Riedel said the technology is a good way of controlling soybean cyst nematode populations but other management practices, such as soil sampling and crop rotation, should not be forgotten.
"With such a product on the market, it will be very easy for growers to continuously plant the resistant variety year after year after year. It's just a natural tendency," Riedel said. "But, like with other varieties, eventually females will be selected that will be able to reproduce on this line and we will be back to where we started."
Hence, the importance of crop rotation, Riedel said. "It's so easy to control this pest," he said. "All you have to do is rotate your crops." Soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) feed on the roots of young plants, which prevents roots from taking up vital nutrients. The result is a drop in yields and economic losses. The best management tool to control SCN populations is to sample fields with a history of problems and rotate resistant varieties based on relative egg counts.
Yield loss threshold of SCN begins at 200 eggs per cup of soil. At 2,000 eggs per cup of soil, most susceptible soybean varieties suffer significant economic losses. At 5,000 eggs per cup of soil, growers should avoid growing soybean varieties altogether, even resistant varieties. Riedel said that growers should keep this in mind even when planting a resistant variety like CystX or a resistant soybean variety with similar Hartwig-type resistance. One reason is based on Ohio State research that has shown a persistent weed called purple deadnettle to be a host for soybean cyst nematode.
Everything's coming up green (and purple)
April 9, 2004
The Bulletin No. 3
University of Illinois
Dawn Nordby and Aaron Hager
Various shades of green and purple have begun to appear in many fields in response to recent rains and warm temperatures. It is our goal to keep ahead of the weeds and tell you what is emerging each week to make scouting fields easier. In the Web version of the Bulletin, color photographs accompany weed descriptions. So, to keep up the annual tradition of reviewing the identification of these early-season weeds. . . .
One of the earliest grasses to appear in no-till fields is downy brome (Bromus tectorum). Downy brome is a winter annual, with a dense, soft mat of hairs covering the upper and lower leaf surfaces and the stem. A unique characteristic of downy brome leaves is that they twist clockwise. The ligule is very short and membranous, while the leaf sheath is closed (typical of brome grasses). The droopy panicle, or seed head, begins to appear in April and can have a green to reddish purple tint.
Another grass that is early to emerge is annual bluegrass (Poa annua). Annual bluegrass has very narrow leaves, with a short (1- to 2-millimeter-long) membranous ligule. Leaves and stem do not have any hairs present. A distinguishing characteristic of annual bluegrass is the end of the leaf blade, which is keeled like the bottom of a boat. This grass is highly tillered and is likely to be found in clumps.
Two species of chickweed are common to Illinois. The most prevalent is common chickweed (Stellaria media), with mouseear chickweed (Cerastium vulgatum) coming in second. Common chickweed is a winter annual that forms very dense mats. The leaves are smooth, opposite, and round to egg-shaped, with a pointed end. Mouseear chickweed is a perennial with leaves very similar to common chickweed, except that dense hairs cover the leaf surfaces.
Curly dock (Rumex crispus) is a perennial weed that begins as a rosette, with smooth, egg-shaped leaves. Some of the younger leaves may have red and purple spots on them, although the speckling will become more pronounced with maturity. Older leaves will develop wavy margins, and an ochrea (papery sheath) will be easily seen near the base of the petiole.
Two biennial weeds that are hard to distinguish when small are wild carrot (Daucus carota) and poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). Both form basal rosettes and have leaves that are pinnately dissected (very divided). Leaves of wild carrot (otherwise known as Queen Anne's lace) are smooth on the upper surface yet have very short hairs on the lower leaf surface. In the second year, vertical hollow stems with very few leaves are produced from the rosette. Poison hemlock leaves and stems are hairless, with purple speckling on the stems. In the second year, leaves are present on the stems, and the plant appears fernlike. When the stem or leaves are crushed, they emit a pungent, parsniplike odor. Poison hemlock leaves tend to be larger, 20 to 40 centimeters long, compared with wild carrot leaves, which may only reach 15 centimeters.
Leaf shape is the easiest way to differentiate buckhorn and broadleaf plantain. Both plantains are perennials that have leaves that form basal rosettes. Buckhorn plantain (Plantago lanceolata) has very narrow, lanceolate leaves with parallel venation. These leaves can be smooth or hairy, and there is no petiole. Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) has broad, oval-shaped leaves, with three to five prominent veins. The older leaf margins are wavy and may or may not have hairs. There is a petiole present on broadleaf plantain.
A weed less common to Illinois is western salsify (Tragopogon dubius). This biennial looks very grasslike, with long, narrow leaves arranged in a rosette. The leaves have a keeled tip (similar to annual bluegrass) and clasp around the stem. The stem is smooth and very fleshy with occasional hairs. Western salsify leaves, stems, and roots (large taproot) exude a milky sap when injured.
Horseweed (marestail) has also taken over many fields already this spring. Horseweed seedlings develop basal rosettes. The earliest leaves are egg-shaped, with soft, short hairs. With time, the leaves become linear to elliptic and crowded around the stem. The edges of the leaves are toothed. We encourage you to pay special attention to horseweed due to the presence of glyphosate-resistant biotypes in Indiana and Kentucky.
Many other weeds have emerged or begun to emerge, including purple deadnettle, henbit, yellow rocket, shepherd's-purse, Virginia pepperweed, field pennycress, butterweed, buttercup, kochia, prickly lettuce, star-of-Bethlehem, pineappleweed, dandelion, Pennsylvania smartweed, prostrate knotweed, speedwells, catchweed bedstraw--and the final weed in our list is giant ragweed!
You may review descriptions of these weeds in previous articles in the Bulletin: "What Weed Is That?" and "A Review of Early-Season Weed Species".
Corn growers sponsor resistance management training site
April 9, 2004
Crop Watch News Service
University of Nebraska
http://cropwatch.unl.edu/archives/2004/crop04-4.htm#IRM
A new, user-friendly Web site provides information to help you plan and implement an insect resistance management strategy for your farm as learn more about the legal, environmental and economic implications of not correctly incorporating refuges into your system.
Dubbed the IRM Learning Center (IRMLC), the site is sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). It is a proactive effort by industry to provide corn growers with information and training on insect resistance management and integrated pest management as well as detailed information on key corn pest insects targeted by the various strains of transgenic corn designed to resist them. By incorporating audios, videos, calculators and animations, the site is user friendly. Participants can earn a certificate of completion.
The site includes several topic sections and self-tests to assess a participant’s understanding of the subject. Users who provide satisfactory responses can print out a certificate of completion. Additionally, interested organizations and companies can customize this web tool on their Web sites, according to the sponsoring association.
For more information, contact the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) at 632 Cepi Dr., Chesterfield, Missouri, 63005, email them at corninfo@..., or fax them at 636-733-9005.
The site is free and producers do not need to be NCGA members to use it.
Getting optimum performance from front-wheel-assist tractors
April 9, 2004
Crop Watch News Service
University of Nebraska
Paul Jasa, Extension Engineer
http://cropwatch.unl.edu/archives/2004/crop04-4.htm#tractors
Many producers are buying front-wheel-assist tractors and operating them as regular two-wheel-drive tractors, typically adding duals to the rear wheels. This decreases performance, reduces tractive efficiency, and wastes fuel. To get the most out of the extra money spent for front-wheel-assist, operate the tractor as if it was four-wheel-drive.
For optimum front-wheel-assist performance, start with weight distribution. About 40% of the static tractor weight should be on the front wheels and 60% on the rear. In contrast, two-wheel-drive tractors should have about 25% of their weight on the front and 75% on the rear. Most tractor manufacturers recommend the same total tractor weight per horsepower for front-wheel-assist and two-wheel-drive tractors. This can mean up to 25% less rear axle weight with front-wheel-assist, resulting in less compaction. (Compaction is a function of axle weight.) Also, make sure the rear tires follow in the tracks firmed by the front tires, again reducing compaction up to 80% compared to multiple wheel tracks.
Always use single rear wheels on front-wheel-assist tractors. Using duals cuts traction, increases slip, and increases rolling resistance because the outer dual wheels “lifts” the inner tires from the tracks left by the front drive tires. Producers who think they increased pull because of duals on a front-wheel-assist tractor did so because they added weight (of the duals) to the rear of the tractor. They probably would have increased pull even more by adding the same amount of weight distributed to both the front and rear of the tractor to maintain the proper 40/60 ratio.
In the field, use the front-wheel-assist all the time. Ballasting for front-wheel drive and not using it wastes power and makes steering difficult. Ballasting for two-wheel drive and only engaging the front-wheel drive in tough spots doesn’t leave enough front weight for traction, contributing to “wheel hop”. Tractors with powered front wheels have less rolling resistance because the drive wheels continually climb out of their tracks. In addition, the rear drive wheels have less rolling resistance and can pull 28% to 50% more than the front wheels because they are running in already firmed tracks in the soil. Because of these firm tracks, a properly ballasted front-wheel-assist tractor will have 3% to 7% higher tractive efficiency than a two-wheel-drive tractor of the same horsepower and weight. If duals are added to the rear wheels, as with four-wheel-drive tractors, also add duals to the front wheels to firm the soil for the rear duals.
For optimum field performance, always use the recommended tires and inflation pressures on the front and rear tires of a front-wheel-assist tractor. Improper tire size or inflation can change the rolling radius of the tire, reducing the tractive efficiency, and may damage the power train or cause excessive tire wear. Consult the owner’s manual for these and other recommendations to get the most from your front-wheel-assist tractor.
Drawbacks to duals advantages of alternatives
April 9, 2004
Crop Watch News Service
University of Nebraska
Paul Jasa, Extension Engineer
http://cropwatch.unl.edu/archives/2004/crop04-4.htm#tractors
Dual wheels or large floatation tires can help minimize surface compaction, provided the inflation pressures are reduced to provide a larger footprint on the soil. Use the lowest recommended inflation pressures for the load to reduce surface compaction. Unfortunately, duals have little influence on subsurface compaction and may actually increase compaction because compaction is a function of axle weight. Depending on the size and hub type, adding duals may increase a tractor’s weight from 0.5 to 4 tons, increasing compaction. That is why producers typically add duals to the tractor used to pack silage for better storage. The greatest danger related to duals and compaction, however, is the temptation to use the added floatation to work soil when it is wet.
Producers often add duals or weights to increase the pull of their tractor. But traction does not always increase with duals. In fact, single tires can pull as much as duals in firm soil when both are weighted equally. The increased traction from duals often comes from the added weight of the duals. However, any added weight adds to compaction. Another disadvantage of duals is that the weight and increased rolling resistance requires extra power to move the tractor itself through the field, reducing performance compared to single tires.
To make more effective use of the tractor’s power, it’s usually better to reduce draft (implement width or operating depth) and increase operating speed since power is a function of both. The reduced draft requires less weight on the tractor to develop the needed pull, further reducing compaction.
Running duals can increase a tractor’s load-carrying capacity if single tires cannot support the load safely. But duals can create a “pinch row” effect on the soil between the tires and compaction is increased because four sidewalls are contacting the soil.
Rather than using duals, a producer may be better off by switching to larger diameter tires or tires with a higher star (or ply) rating to carry the load and adjusting the inflation pressure. However, any added load increases the potential for compaction. A better alternative may be lift assist wheels on mounted equipment or switching to pull-type equipment so that more axles are available to carry the load. In addition to reducing compaction, not as much tractor front end weight will be needed for stability. Usually, lift assist wheels are cheaper than duals and are more effective at handling the load safely, especially during transport.
Maintain equipment for safer anhydrous use
April 9, 2004
Crop Watch News Service
University of Nebraska
http://cropwatch.unl.edu/archives/2004/crop04-4.htm#tank
Maintaining anhydrous application equipment and using it safely can prevent unnecessary and potentially dangerous leaks. The following recommendations can help ensure that you have a safer anhydrous season with fewer delays.
Check hoses. Hoses are the weakest link in the anhydrous ammonia application system. Always inspect the transfer and filler hoses thoroughly. If the braided layers show through, or if kinks, bulges or coupling slippage is evident, replace as soon as possible. Avoid kinking hoses. Kinks create weak spots. Also, avoid dragging the hose on the ground or running over it with vehicles. When storing, hang hoses on something smooth with a broad-curved surface, such as an old tire rim, and hang hose ends down to ensure drainage.
Handle valves with care. Grasp valves by the valve body or the coupling, not by the valve wheel. The valve wheel might accidentally turn and open. Throwing a hose with an end-valve over the tank might cause the valve to open when it hits the tank and spin open the rest of the way. All tanks are fitted with excess flow valves that operate automatically when a hose ruptures. A carelessly handled end valve that is partially opened may not provide adequate flow to activate the excess-flow valve and the entire tank of ammonia could escape. Never deactivate the excess flow valve. When opening the nurse tank valve, open it completely. Failure to open completely may restrict flow and if an accident occurs, the excess flow valve will not operate as designed.
Respect pressure. Release the pressure from the coupler using a bleeder valve before disconnecting the transfer hose. Bleed the pressure off slowly and then disconnect the coupler immediately. On a warm day, leaving a coupler connected for five to 10 minutes after bleeding allows NH3 in the hose to rebuild pressure. If bleeding takes longer than 5-7 minutes, either the tank valve or hose valve may be faulty. Repair immediately.
Check applicator tubes. When removing dirt from a plugged applicator tube, treat it as if it contained pressurized NH3. This is very important when working between the knives of an NH3 applicator. Never tamper with the safety relief valve. This valve, known as a “pop-off” valve, is factory-set. If it is malfunctioning, the valve should be repaired or replaced. Always know the location of the safety relief valve and stay away from it. The Fertilizer Institute recommends replacement of safety relief valves every five years unless otherwise required by leakage or other defects.
All nurse tank wagons must be securely attached to the vehicle pulling them. Use a drawbar hitch pin, safety clip and safety chain. Before each highway trip, check the hitch pin, safety clip and safety chain to see they are secure. Also make sure the wheel lug nuts are tight and the tires are in good shape and properly inflated. When hauling a loaded nurse tank, drive at speeds of 30 mph or less.
This information is derived from the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension publication, Using Agricultural Anhydrous Ammonia Safely (EC738), which includes further details.
Keep water close when applying anhydrous
April 9, 2004
Crop Watch News Service
University of Nebraska
http://cropwatch.unl.edu/archives/2004/crop04-4.htm#safety
Anhydrous ammonia is one of the most common, one of the most efficient, and yet potentially one of the most dangerous forms of agricultural fertilizers. In the rush to begin anhydrous applications this spring, remember to check your equipment and use the appropriate safety gear. Even with the best precautions, an accidental release may occur, but simple protective measures like those described here can help prevent serious consequences.
“Anhydrous” means without water. Consequently, when NH3 contacts water, it rapidly combines with the moisture and forms ammonium hydroxide. When it is injected into the soil, the liquid ammonia expands into a gas and combines with soil moisture. Similarly, the liquid or gas that contacts body tissue –– especially the eyes, skin and respiratory tract –– will remove the water and cause dehydration, cell destruction and severe chemical burns.
Producers can protect themselves by following these guidelines:
Wear properly fitted unvented goggles or a face shield, lose-fitting rubber gloves and a heavy-duty long-sleeved shirt. Regular glasses will not provide adequate protection. Never wear contact lenses when working with NH3. Anhydrous ammonia can get under the lenses and cause permanent eye damage before the lenses can be removed and eyes flushed with water.
Work upwind of machinery, the hose-end valve, bleeder valve, coupler or plugged applicator tubes and plan an escape route.
Keep children away from the equipment. Federal law requires that children younger than 16 not handle, transport or transfer NH3.
Water, water, water is the only first aid for anhydrous ammonia. Regulations require that all farm vehicles used for NH3 carry a container filled with at least five gallons of water which is readily available for flushing eyes and skin. Change the water daily to ensure a clean supply. Safety specialists recommend keeping a second five-gallon container of water on the tractor. A pencil size stream of water will consume five gallons of water in 7.5 minutes. The extra five gallons in the tractor provides another source of water for first aid in case the tractor operator is unable to reach the water container on the nurse tank.
Carry a six- to eight-ounce water-filled plastic eye wash bottle in a shirt pocket. It provides an immediate supply of water in case of an accident. The eye wash bottle allows for some ammonia to be washed out of the victim’s eyes in the first few seconds.
When someone is exposed to NH3, move him or her to a safe place and immediately flush the exposed area with water and continue flushing it for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as it is thawed. Remember, the sub-zero temperature (-28° F) of NH3 can freeze clothing to the skin. Removing clothing before thawing with rinse water can cause extensive skin damage. Contact a doctor or emergency medical services immediately after emergency first aid treatment.
Even if small amounts of NH3 enter the eyes, irrigate them immediately with water for 15 minutes or more. Hold the eyelids open during irrigation to ensure water contacts all parts of the eye. Immediate first aid is important to avoid partial or total loss of vision.
Anhydrous ammonia vapors are easily detected because of their pungent odor, even in low concentrations. Inhalation of NH3 can irritate the respiratory tract and lungs. At high concentrations, NH3 combined with the moisture in the lungs, may damage the alveoli (lung lining) and reduce the ability to transfer oxygen to the bloodstream.
When a person has inhaled ammonia, move the victim to a safe area. Exposures to low concentrations of NH3 for a short period of time may not require treatment. Exposure to higher concentrations may cause convulsive coughing and respiratory spasms. Provide rescue breathing if victims are not breathing and CPR if they have no pulse. Obtain medical help as soon as possible.
Agnet is produced by the Food Safety Network at the University of Guelph and is sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Plants Program at the University of Guelph, Agricultural Adaptation Council (CanAdapt Program), AGCare, Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors, ConAgra Foods Inc., Meat Livestock Australia, Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited (Canada), Monsanto Canada, National Pork Board, Syngenta Seeds, Inc. USA, JIFSAN, CropLife Canada, Canadian Animal Health Institute, Burger King Corporation, Southern Crop Protection Association, Ag-West Biotech Inc., Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, Syngenta Crop Protection, Feedlot Health Management Services, Institute of Environmental Science Research Limited , National Food Processors Association, Tactix Government Consulting, Inc., CanAmera Foods, Global Public Affairs, and Agri Business Group, Inc.
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