Co-op’s fertilizer terminals in Brandon, Man., and Grassy Lake, Alta., support Western Canadian growers by ensuring the security and accessibility of all the necessary macro and micronutrients, including Tranzform, a zinc-enhanced ammonium sulphate fertilizer.
Understanding zinc nutrition and deficiency
Zinc catalyzes many enzyme systems used for protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism in plants. It is also responsible for the metabolism of auxins (plant growth regulators), which makes it important for regulating key growth processes.
According to Kevin Seavers, Senior Manager, Fertilizer at Federated Co-operatives Limited, although zinc requirements aren’t nearly as high as with macronutrients, it is still essential for promoting metabolic functions in the plants and supporting the production of chlorophyll and carbohydrates. In Western Canada, corn and cereal crops can benefit from adding zinc where soil tests indicate a deficiency (under 1.0 ppm).
“Zinc is immobile in the soil, so anytime you have cold and wet soil or situations where root development could be challenged, it may be beneficial to have zinc close to the seed. Another scenario where added zinc can be beneficial is if your soils are low in zinc and you’re applying a large amount of phosphate,” said Seavers.
Tranzform fertilizer
Tranzform is created by Teck Resources Limited - Trail Operations in southern British Columbia, using zinc and ammonium sulphate. This results in a completely biodegradable and sustainable fertilizer that increases crop production and improves human nutrition.
“Although Tranzform is very similar to more commonly known 21-0-0-24 and 20-0-0-24 ammonium sulphate products, the production process utilizes zinc as a binding agent. This results in a product with zinc uniformly distributed on each granule that is readily available for crops,” said Seavers.
In addition to the benefits of zinc in ammonium sulphate, Tranzform also stores exceptionally well, both in bins and flat-bottom storage. “Zinc can be considered hydrophobic, which helps with storage compared to other ammonium sulphate products,” Seavers said.
How Co-op’s fertilizer terminals support local Co-ops and growers
“The past three years have been incredibly volatile in terms of pricing and supply in Western Canada. Sanction-driven product shortages and global trade flow changes, which started during the COVID-19 pandemic, have significantly affected product availability,” said Seavers. “We’ve also seen more just-in-time purchasing behaviour after the last few years’ pricing devaluations.”
The Co-op fertilizer terminals offer rail access, which is imperative for convenient sourcing of the necessary nutrients. They also have significant fertilizer storage capacity, which is needed if producer demand is pushed later in the season. The terminals also allow grower-direct pickups, which allows freight savings and reduces the challenges associated with overhandling the product.
Connect with your local Co-op Grow Team member to learn more about your operation’s zinc needs and the benefits of including Tranzform in your nutrient rotation.
