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Just like packaged liquid fertilizers, bulk fertilizers are stored in an appropriate storage room. Every form of liquid fertilizer of which the packaging contains more than 50 liters, should be stored on a dripping tray or on a liquid-retaining floor. This in order to make sure, spilled/leaked fertilizers cannot disappear (in the soil for example). Both a liquid-retaining floor and dripping trays are obligated when storing fertilizers. 

A dripping tray is meant to collect spilled or leaked fertilizers. If a dripping tray is used for bulk barrels, a minimal capacity of 850 liters is needed. 
Would you like to know more about how to choose the correct dripping tray? Our fertilizer specialist has provided more information on what points of attention you should keep into account.

An obligation for having a liquid-retaining floor was set, because accidents or spilling of fertilizers can always happen. If harmful liquids are spilled, they can be retracted by the concrete, possibly leading to cracks or oxidation of this concrete. This could eventually cause soil pollution.

Besides, absorption material like garage granules, should always be present in the fertilizer storage room, in case any material leaks and cannot be collected by the therefore appropriate safety measure. 

Dangerous gasses, the development of heat and precipitation are three things that could emerge when certain fertilizers start a reaction. When an undesired reaction as such occurs, this is called unintended contamination. The reaction of different fertilizers and what can be done in order to prevent these reactions from happening, are explained by our fertilizer specialist. 

When making use of liquid fertilizers, unloading points are considered inevitable. In the PGS 31 (Dutch regulation concerning the storage of fertilizers), several guidelines for unloading points are explained. 

Use of special pipes that are locked by a key, can be used, in order to prevent mistakes from occurring. When these locks are connected to the pipes, a special ‘key’ is needed in order to open the pipe. When the pipe is opened, fertilizers can be added by the supplier. Also make sure, spilled liquid  is always cleaned immediately. Besides, the room of storage should be kept clean and neat.

Warning signals are needed in every fertilizer storage. Potential danger linked to the storage of a certain fertilizer can be indicated by these signals. Moreover, the sign ‘’Fire, open flame and smoking prohibited’’ should be placed in every storage facility. 

In addition, CLP-icons are used to illustrate danger. Every unloading point should be equipped with a CLP-sticker, both on the pipeline and on the barrel. Regularly monitor of the stickers are up to date and in line with the current regulations.   

Along a correct and safe method of storage, the quality of a fixed fertilizer is also dependent on the storage. Therefore, the following points should be kept into account when storing fixed fertilizers: 

• Temperature

Liquid fertilizers should not be stored below 7 degrees. However, the temperature should also not be higher than 35 degrees. 

• Store iron in the dark

 Iron is torn down by UV light. Therefore, it should always be stored in dark packaging and direct contact with sun should be prevented at all times.

• Preservability of packaging

 An IBC/multi box, barrel or can must be examined and approved every five years. This to make sure the packaging still complies with all regulatory requirements. 

• Packaging

 The place of storage must be free of any sharp objects, so that damage of the packaging is prevented.

Single fertilizers are produced in the form of crystals. Before the fertilizers are given to the plant, it’s crucial to dissolve the fertilizers first. Sometimes the dissolving process is more difficult, because the nutrients have become solid and clotted. This might ask for more elaborate stirring of the products in the water. The reason for the fertilizer nutrients coagulating, is their hydroscopic characteristic. This means the fertilizing nutrients attract and absorb water in any form and situation. How can you prevent your fertilizers from hardening? In this article, our specialist gives an explanation.

The coagulating of fertilizers is caused by the fact that most fertilizers are hygroscopic, meaning water is attracted. The higher the level of humidity in your storage, the higher the chance of hardening and coagulation. Besides the level of humidity, more factors could cause the coagulation of fertilizers. Factors such as temperature, air pressure, the level of humidity within the product, chemical reaction of the product and the duration of storage are often blamed. It is considered crucial for these factors to remain stable.

To prevent hardening and coagulation of fertilizers, a storage should be selected carefully along with a correct climate within this space. The duration of storage strongly must be taken into account while purchasing your fertilizers, since it has a large impact on the product’s consistency. In order to do so, make sure to draw up a nutrition scheme for your crop. 

In order to prevent hardening or coagulation of fertilizers, an appropriate room for storage is essential. Several factors that play an important part, are named in the PGS 7: 

• Cool room

Mineral fertilizers must be stored in a cool room. This because decomposition of fertilizers happens at a higher temperature (maximum temperature can be found in SDS), which could lead to a release of poisonous components. Also keep in mind, a machine could also be a source of heat, which could affect the fertilizer.

• Non-humid or dry room

In reference to mineral fertilizers' hygroscopic character (attracting humidity), the air in the room of storage should be dry. Also, a good ventilation system is needed for this and possible leakages in the room should be monitored regularly and closely. 

• Separate storage

Different fertilizers such acids, organic material, chromates, zinc, copper, nickel and cobalt connections should be stored seperately.

• Do not move

The granules breaking could be a result of moving the fertilizers. This breaking could possibly lead to the quality worsening. This is why it is recommended to leave the fertilizers where they were put in the first place, as much as possible. 

• Prevent damaging of packaging

Damage to the packaging should be prevented at all times. When the packaging of a fertilizer is damaged, water could enter the bag and affect the fertilizer. Therefore, the storage of big bags is always recommended on pallets.

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