An innovative no-tiller has developed a dual-application system for anhydrous ammonia and granular fertilizer that minimizes soil disturbance.

The tool, designed and built by Baileyville, Kan., farmer and custom applicator David Holthaus, joins a John Deere 2510H 
anhydrous applicator with a Montag dry-fertilizer tank.

Holthaus, who no-tills 1,500 acres of corn and soybeans in northeast Kansas, had been using a knife applicator for about 10 years, but he wanted a tool that was better suited to no-till situations. He also wanted to combine application operations.

Holthaus liked the Deere 2510H’s high-speed capability, and its ability to apply anhydrous ammonia with minimal soil mixing. He also appreciated the Montag dry-fertilizer tank, particularly because of its sturdiness and large opening at the top for easier filling.

“I just decided to marry the two of them,” Holthaus says. “I built a cart and hitch and put the John Deere 2510H and the Montag box together.”

Combining Tools

 Holthaus, who does some custom-application work, has been over more than 7,000 acres with the 2510DH prototype. He also built a second machine for another custom applicator, and that unit has been used on nearly 5,000 acres.

“In our area, a knife machine can compact moist soil, especially in the spring,” Holthaus says, “but this tool works just as well during spring or fall. You can cover a lot of acres quickly and it’s great over terraces.”

The 37½-foot wide 2510DH has 15 openers on 30-inch centers. The 22-inch-diameter discs slice through residue, creating a pocket…