TJ Micromix Application Instructions

TJ Micromix Application Instructions:

2X2 BANDED STARTER: The preferred, and perhaps the easiest way to apply TJ Micromix micronutrient products is to blend them with an appropriate NPK starter fertilizer and apply the blended product in a 2x2 band with a fertilizer attachment on the planter. This application method can be utilized with TJ Micromix granular, TJ MicroPel, and TJ Micromix liquid products as per the application instructions in the brochure.

While this is maybe the simplest, and certainly one of the better ways to apply the TJ Micromix products, it is understood that the 2x2 placement option is not viable for everyone (especially no-tillers) and therefore this program will need varying methods to be utilized by the widest possible market.

LIQUID APPLICATION POPUP: Popup fertilizer applications of liquid fertilizer directly in the seed furrow have become quite popular in some areas. TJ Micromix Liquid products can be used in furrow with maximum benefit as long as the NPK portion of the fertilizer application does not cause harm to the young seedling. To insure the seedling injury does not occur, TJ Technologies, Inc. recommends the application of NPK + TJ Micromix does not exceed a salt index of 5. To maintain the salt index at that level the NPK application would normally need to be at 3 gallons or less per acre plus the TJ Micromix application at 1 quart to 1.5 quarts per acre in a 30 inch row. As row width narrows application rates per acre can increase in direct proportion the change in the row width

DRY FERTILIZER:

SMALL GRAINS: Dry fertilizer is often applied with the seed when airseeders or drills are used for planting/fertilizer application. Small grains are more tolerant to the salt index and this application method is great for small grains. Salt index should be less than 30 per acre. Salt index is easily estimated by adding the nitrogen and potassium analysis together. TJ Micromix granular has a salt index of 1 unit per 10 pounds of product and TJ MicroPel has a salt index of 1 unit per 15 pounds of product.

SOYBEANS: Soybeans are much less tolerant of fertilizer in row than small grains and NPK fertilizer of any kind should not be placed with the seed. However, because beans have a lateral root structure, broadcast applications of fertilizer, including TJ Micromix, is equally effective as banding. Therefore, broadcast application is recommended for the application of NPK mixes with TJ Micromix or TJ MicroPel. TJ Micromix and TJ MicroPel CAN be applied safely in furrow with beans if they are not blended with NPK. If in furrow application is done, salt index should not exceed 5 units with 7 to 15 inch rows. Application of fertilizer on beans in 30 inch or wider rows will likely cause injury and should not be done.

SUNFLOWERS: Sunflowers are more tolerant to salt index that beans but less than small grains. Broadcast applications of NPK and TJ Micromix or TJ MicroPel are very efficient and are recommended.

UREA IN STARTER BLENDS: Urea blends are very hydroscopic and can cause TJ Micromix or TJ MicroPel Granules to break down. When this occurs the blend will become mushy and difficult to handle. We DO NOT recommend blending TJ Micromix or TJ MicroPel with Urea blends unless they are for broadcast application and will not be stored for any period of time in the blended state.

OTHER OPTIONS: SEED TREATMENTS, POPUPS, AND FOLIAR APPLICATIONS

PROGRAM B: Foliar and/or split applications

The key to micronutrient fertilization is the early intake of the micronutrients into the plant. The early intake will maximize the response to later fertilizer applications through foliar means. We recommend smaller amount of TJ Micromix product be applied at planting time if foliar applications are to be used later in the season. The smaller amounts can be applied in the following ways:

TJ Micromix Pop Up: Popup applications have been previously described for the entire TJ Micromix application at planting. If the grower wishes to split the applications, the option is to apply one pint to two pints of TJ Micromix with three gallons or less of an NPK mix. If NPK is not desired the TJ Micromix can be mixed with water to increase the volume for application This popup option can be used on all crops with the expectation that the remaining quantity of the micro-mix will be supplied later. However, this option can also be utilized in the event of dry conditions and insecurity on the part of the producer to input the full micronutrient cost when weather conditions are less than favorable.

TJ Micromix and TJ MicroPel: The application rates of TJ Micromix and TJ MicroPel are listed in the brochure. These products can be applied at reduce rates of no less than 7 pounds per acre of TJ Micromix and no less than 10 pounds of TJ MicroPel with application of the rest of the nutrients with the late season nutrient options. Application of reduced rates without the later season nutrient application can often result in a zero yield response. The reason for this observation is unknown.