Minnesota State Wire

As Minnesota farmers conclude the harvest season and begin preparing for fall fertilizer application, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is urging caution when handling anhydrous ammonia (NH3). The agency emphasizes that safety should be prioritized over speed during all stages of NH3 use.

Accidents involving anhydrous ammonia can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. To minimize these risks, the MDA has issued a reminder to farmers, fertilizer dealers, and custom applicators to follow strict safety protocols during application, transport, and storage.

“Anhydrous ammonia is an important fertilizer, but it’s use isn’t without risk,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Slowing down, wearing protective gear, and keeping water on hand can make the difference between a safe season and serious injury.”

The department recommends that anyone applying NH3 should wear goggles and gloves rated for NH3 protection. Contact lenses should be avoided due to the potential for exposure. At least five gallons of clean emergency water should always be kept within reach while working with ammonia. Since transfer lines may still contain residual ammonia after use, they must be handled carefully. Standing upwind during transfer or bleeding of lines as well as securing valves before breaks are also advised measures to reduce exposure.

Additionally, equipment used in application should be positioned downwind from homes, people, and livestock whenever possible to limit accidental exposure.

When it comes to storage and transportation of NH3 tanks or units, the MDA advises against assuming that lines are empty at any time. Protective gear must always be worn when working with tanks or transport equipment. Storage sites need proper safety water supplies—either a 150-gallon open-top container or both a shower and plumbed eyewash station—as well as a five-gallon container of clean water with each nurse tank.

Farmers are also reminded about transport regulations: speeds must not exceed 30 miles per hour; slow-moving vehicle emblems need to be visible from behind; tanks have to be secured using two independent chains in addition to the hitch pin or clip.

In case of an accident involving NH3 exposure or release, individuals are instructed to seek immediate medical care first, call 911 next, and then notify the Minnesota Duty Officer at 800-422-0798.

Minnesota’s Groundwater Protection Rule prohibits fall nitrogen fertilizer applications in areas identified as vulnerable groundwater regions. Farmers can consult an online map provided by the state government for more information on which areas fall under this restriction: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/protecting/cleanwaterfund/gwpr-maps

To further protect environmental quality and improve crop nutrient efficiency elsewhere in Minnesota, farmers are encouraged only to apply NH3 when soil temperatures average 50°F or lower. This helps prevent nutrient loss into waterways by reducing leaching risk during warmer conditions. Up-to-date soil temperature readings across different regions can be accessed through an interactive map available on the MDA’s website: https://app.gisdata.mn.gov/mda-soiltemp/

For additional details regarding safe handling practices for anhydrous ammonia—including comprehensive guidance documents—farmers are directed toward resources published by the MDA: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/anhydroussafety

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