By Farm Progress staff

The Salford Ferti-GO 4S gives you the ability to either apply fertilizer in the row or band it outside the row while planting. It’s another option for delivering granular starter fertilizer where you think plants will use it best, spokespeople say.

The name describes the tool’s capabilities. “Ferti” represents fertilizer, “G” stands for granular, “O” indicates it can be mounted onboard the planter, and “4S” refers to four-section control. The unit can be set up to meter fertilizer for in-furrow application, or with a few adjustments, you can band higher rates outside the row.

The Ferti-GO 4S is ISOBUS-compatible and responds to computer prescriptions to vary rate across the field. The standard unit holds 4 tons. With optional bin extensions, total capacity can reach 6 tons.

Currently, mounting legs are available to mount the Ferti-GO 4S unit on certain models of John Deere planters. It can also be retrofitted to other planters, spokespeople say. Contact your Salford dealer to see if the tool will fit your planter.

The Ferti-GO 4S comes with a roll-tarp to keep it covered while simplifying reloading the hopper. A weigh scale is optional. Because it mounts on the planter, spokespeople say transportation on the road and maneuverability in the field aren’t issues.

One of Salford’s hallmarks using the Salford Valmar delivery system is accurate application. Company representatives add that accurate precision metering is built into this unit. Learn more at salfordgroup.com.

Editor observations
Three Farm Progress editors took a close look at the Ferti-GO 4S. They are Tom J. Bechman, Indiana Prairie Farmer; Lon Tonneson, Dakota Farmer; and Mindy Ward, Missouri Ruralist. Here are their comments:

• Tom’s takes. This new unit appears to be built with the same quality materials and to exact specifications, just like all other Salford products. It should have a fit for someone wanting to use granular fertilizer to either apply limited amounts in the row or band higher amounts. Since you can apply higher amounts, it could allow you to both plant and apply a good portion of your fertilizer for the year in one pass.

There are two questions to answer before going this direction: Can you pull the planter with this extra attachment full of fertilizer with the same tractor you use now? Will extra weight be an issue on your soils? It could be a good fit in many situations.

• Lon’s observations. What I noticed about the Salford Ferti-GO 4S is what’s missing. There is no chassis, no wheels and no tracks. It mounts on the planter, which seems like it should cost less than buying a whole pull-behind spreader or pull-between cart to carry and apply fertilizer in the field.

• Mindy’s views. There was a time when planters came with mounted fertilizer boxes. Back then it was a hassle to load fertilizer and seed. Between the planter and fertilizer boxes, it was too much for the tractor. It will be interesting to see if this new product has remedied those factors. However, farmers wanting to apply starter fertilizer at the beginning of the season may find this fits the bill.