As spring planting season approaches, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding farmers to exercise caution when handling anhydrous ammonia. This widely used fertilizer is highly effective but poses serious safety risks.
Jane Boerboom of the MDA’s Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division emphasizes the dangers of exposure:
“It’s a very important fertilizer to growers, but it is incredibly dangerous. It seeks water, so if someone is in the vicinity of a release that anhydrous ammonia will go to those mucous membranes. The eyes, if you inhale it, the lungs.”
To ensure safe application, the MDA is offering guidance on proper handling techniques. Boerboom advises farmers to take precautions, including inspecting equipment and using protective gear:
“Infecting equipment of wearing personal protective gear when working on equipment, making sure that all pressurized lines in the equipment, the nurse tank and then the hoses that those are depressurized prior to uncoupling those lines.”
In the event of a spill or accident, officials urge farmers to immediately call 911 and notify the Minnesota Duty Officer. Transporting anhydrous ammonia also requires special care. Boerboom reminds farmers to follow speed limits and display proper signage when moving equipment:
“Definitely drive the 30 mph for those slow moving vehicle requirements when you’re telling that nurse tank and there should be a slow moving vehicle emblem on the nurse tank. Be just really cautious of your environment.”
For additional safety tips and information, farmers can visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s website.
