Tanks for transporting and storing pesticides can be made of a variety of materials — not all of which are created equal.

A new Purdue Extension publication helps farmers and agribusiness professionals choose the right type of steel tanks for the right purposes.

Steel Tanks for Storing and Transporting Pesticides and Fertilizers (PPP-105) was written by a team of university and industry experts, including Fred Whitford, coordinator of Purdue Pesticide Programs. It covers a host of tank types and steel construction materials and how to select the best tanks depending on what needs to be stored or transported.

"The material that works best depends on how you will use the tank,” Whitford said.

"You need to select your tank's construction material based on its compatibility with the material it will hold, how long you expect the tank to last, how much preventative maintenance you want to perform and how much you want to pay up front."

The publication explains how to best research, purchase and use mild steel and stainless steel tanks for farms, businesses and public agencies. It also includes information on repairing tanks and buying used tanks.

In addition to mild and stainless steel, tanks can be made from materials such as polyethylene or fiberglass. Because of that, two other publications are available to accompany Steel Tanks:

• Poly Tanks for Farms and Businesses (PPP-77)

• Fiberglass Tanks for Storage, Transport, and Application: Designing Your Customized Tank (PPP-93)

All three publications can be purchased from Purdue Extension's The Education Store at http://www.the-education-store.com for $5 each. They can be found within the store’s website by searching for the identification numbers listed above.

Authors in addition to Whitford are Dennis Nowaskie, superintendent of the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center; Brad Peas, sales representative for AgroChem; Dean Sink, liquid production supervisor for Co-Alliance; Ernie Fuller, retired tank boilermaker; Gerry Bunn, quality control manager for the Dilling Group; Chuck Kominski, director of technical services for Tssenderlo Kerley Services; Todd Cobb, crew leader for The Andersons; Gerry Blase, manager for Asplundh Railroad Division; Andy Schmerge, sales representative for Fertilizer Dealer Supply; and Kevin Smith, editor for Purdue Agricultural Communication.