All About That ALF

By: Amber Milder, Precision Ag Specialist
We cannot catch a break, can we? Although it seems like planting happened just yesterday, we are already to the fall fertilizer season and thinking about the crop of 2017.  Numerous fertilizer programs already exist to fulfill each farming operation’s unique requirements.  As you all have heard numerous times, there is no cookie cutter approach to the decisions you are all currently facing.  However, we do have a product that can fit into everyone’s fertilizer program seamlessly and shows benefits across the board.  This product goes by the name ALF.

ALF is a nitrogen fertilizer that is made as a co-product from manufacturing amino acids. These amino acids utilize dexterous, a corn derivative, to create their chemical composition.  ALF receives its nitrogen, in the ammonium and organic form, as an extraction from anhydrous ammonia at a rate of 6%.   ALF also contains 4% sulfur in the sulfate form.  From low volatility levels (reduces the risk of leaching), to an attractive price, ALF offers numerous benefits.

Decreases Input Costs

ALF is a low-cost, Iowa made fertilizer with a chemical composition of 6-0-0-4(S).

Breaks Down Crop Residue

Laboratory and field studies have proven, over the last several years, that ALF helps to increase the rate of residue decomposition by making nitrogen and sugars available to the microbial bacteria.

Slowly Releases Nitrogen

Under most conditions, ALF provides a slower releasing form of nitrogen.  This makes the potential greater for improved nitrates for both pastures and corn plants early on and throughout the growing season.

Includes Sulfur

Sulfur is an essential nutrient for achieving maximum crop yield and quality, ranking 4th in importance behind Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.  Deficiency of sulfur is also becoming a greater issue due to the reduction of sulfur discharge from factories.

 Safe to Use

From livestock grazing to humans handling this product, ALF shows no harm.  This is because ALF is in the liquid form and not under pressure like anhydrous ammonia. The major raw material in ALF is dexterous, made from U.S. grown corn, that derives from starches.  Dexterous is also one of the most commonly used ingredients in packaged foods found in your grocery store.

Easy Application

Application of this product is about as easy as they come.  Unlike some fertilizers, ALF does not have to be injected into the soil to prevent ammonia from leaching.  It can be broadcasted right onto the soil surface without showing any nutrient loss.

To get ALF incorporated into your fertilizer plans, get in touch with your Stutsman Agronomist.  ALF is a rare product on the market and we are lucky and proud to be able to deliver it to you!