Better Handling Improves In-Season Efficiency

"I used to work with nitrogen stabilizers that were very corrosive products," said Speth. "It was probably my biggest challenge. Corrosion leads to more maintenance and higher costs. Doing maintenance on other equipment is easy, but maintenance on anhydrous equipment is time consuming."

Now, as the facility manager at Muscatine Ag in Iowa, he says things have improved. According to Speth, that all changed for the better when they started using CENTURO™ nitrogen stabilizer from Koch Agronomic Services (Koch).
 

"Now with CENTURO, everything works well," said Speth. “Tanks are in good shape. Valves and toolbars are working well. From the maintenance side of things, it’s been amazing.”
 

FLEXIBILITY IN THE FALL

As an easy-to-handle solution, CENTURO offers unequaled flexibility with a sub-zero freeze point (down to nine degrees below zero Fahrenheit). Since it won’t separate or settle out, CENTURO provides users with the freedom to incorporate it into the fertilizer before, during or after the addition of ammonia – when it’s convenient for them. 

During fall, weather in Iowa can fluctuate. Speth says he and his team could be working during a day that is 70 degrees Fahrenheit or working when it’s just seven degrees Fahrenheit. With another product they had to keep it in a heated shed and in a very bulky container.

"Before CENTURO, it was a hassle to keep the product protected from the cold weather," said Speth. “Now we don’t have to worry about that. We treat the tanks as we’re filling them, like a one-stop shop.”

PERFORMANCE AND SAVINGS

Speth has not only shared the CENTURO benefits he’s seen with his customers, but also with others in the industry. 

"We’re all in this together," said Speth. "Whether we’re competing or not, we’re all in this same industry and we’re here for the farmers."

With millions of dollars invested in equipment, he says it’s important to use a product that performs great in the field, but also doesn’t require more time and money with increased maintenance and handling costs.

"We had growers who would just take their money and put down more unprotected nitrogen. Now we have nearly 100 percent of the nitrogen we apply protected," said Speth. "If you can get great performance from a product that’s consistent and easier on your equipment, why wouldn’t you use that product? I tell people it’s a no brainer."

To learn more about the handling benefits of CENTURO and what they could mean to your operation this fall, contact your KAS sales rep to find your local retailer. 

CENTURO has a noncorrosive formula to the metals used in anhydrous ammonia and UAN equipment. CENTURO is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state.