Polem tanks ideal for storage of liquid fertilizer

Brothers Hein and Lenus Waalkens invested in two Polem tanks to store liquid fertilizer in 2023. “We are super satisfied with them. Pleasant work, large storage capacity, no maintenance and because of the green color they hardly stand out in the landscape,” says Hein Waalkens.

Together with his brother Lenus (60), Hein (63) grows wheat, barley, rapeseed and alfalfa in Nieuwolda, Groningen. They also do agricultural nature management with field edges and bird fields. “We have heavy clay soil here with 65 percent siltability. Cultivation above ground therefore works best,” Hein explains.

Tanks worn out

The brothers have been using liquid fertilizer for more than 40 years. “Liquid fertilizer you can dose much more precisely and get it to where you want it. When using fertilizer pellets, you are dependent on the weather. And we have plenty of wind here in Groningen,” laughs Hein. They use the liquid nitrogen on the land starting in February. Depending on the yield of pig or cattle manure, the brothers consider whether to start with animal manure or liquid fertilizer. “That's a new earnings model for us; the neighbor has a pig farm. If it's more financially interesting we'll use that manure on the land.”

'Reliable and solid fertilizer storage'

To store liquid nitrogen, they bought used beer tanks years ago. Those needed replacing last year. “I looked on the Internet and came in contact with Polem; it looked solid and reliable.” The consultant came and they discussed options. “What I liked about Polem was that we could order the tanks in any size and color we wanted. We chose a larger diameter, lower height and for dark green; the tanks hardly stand out in the landscape between the trees and you don't suffer from glare from the sun,” Hein explains. Waalkens poured a new concrete floor in the concrete sump on which Polem placed the tanks: two plastic single-walled tanks of 35,000 liters each. Immediately ready for use.

Flexible

According to Hein Waalkens, the advantage of these tanks is their flexibility. “The price of fertilizer fluctuates quite a bit. We follow the market and if the price suits us, we order the nitrogen and store it.” The tanks can store about their annual amount of liquid nitrogen. A float measures the level, which is always easy to read on the outside. “In February, everyone wants to go out into the fields to spread manure or fertilizer. If you stock your own, you are not dependent on the supplier or a contractor. We like working that way,” Hein said.