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Anhydrous Ammonia Application Technology
Society: ASABEMain Category: Agricultural & BiologicalSub Category: ChemicalEra: 1930-1939DateCreated: 1932Delta Research and Extension CenterStonevilleState: MSZip: 38776Country: USAWebsite: https://www.asabe.org/awards-landmarks/asabe-historic-landmarks/anhydrous-ammonia-application-technology-56.aspxCreator: Edwards, Felix, Smith, J. O., Andrews, W. B.

In 1932, J. O. Smith, Agricultural Engineer at Delta Branch Experiment Station in Stoneville, MS, attached a small anhydrous ammonia cylinder to a plow in such a manner that the NH3 was released in the soil.  The plow, a Georgia Stock, was pulled by a gray mule named Ike.  This was the first known use of anhydrous ammonia as a soil-applied crop fertilizer.  The crude apparatus and the anhydrous ammonia it applied provided a much needed source of nitrogen for the otherwise rich alluvial soils of the Mississippi Delta. 

YearAdded:
2011
Image Credit: Courtesy Flickr/thirteenofclubs (CC BY-SA 2.0)Image Caption: Anhydrous Ammonia is one of the cheapest forms of nitrogen fertilizer available on the market. However because it is such a hazardous material and is difficult to apply, many farmers choose to hire third party businesses to store and apply the fertilizer.
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Anhydrous Ammonia Application Technology

In 1932, J. O. Smith, Agricultural Engineer at Delta Branch Experiment Station in Stoneville, MS, attached a small anhydrous ammonia cylinder to a plow in such a manner that the NH3 was released in the soil.  The plow, a Georgia Stock, was pulled by a gray mule named Ike.  This was the…

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