Manure injection revisited

Jan 1, 2001 12:00 PM, Karen McMahon

New injector leaves high percentage of residue coverage.

You wouldn't think a summer spent hauling manure would be inspirational, but for college student Mick Zoske, it was. While working for a custom manure applicator, Zoske used the tractor time to figure out a better design for injecting manure into the ground. Today the Iowa State University student is nearly ready to market a new injector called the TSS 101 that he claims is better than injectors currently on the market.

More residue. When he went back to college last fall, Zoske tested his new invention in an agronomy class. His design left at least 60% residue on the surface in three tests compared with leading industry designs that left 30 to 55%.

This high percentage of residue coverage comes from a unique design that moves residue back over the injector site. The design includes a double, spring-loaded coulter system in front of the injectors. The injector has a 2-in., spring-loaded shank with tubing fastened to it. Rotary hoe wheels are attached to the sides of the injectors to keep dirt and residue from being thrown.

Zoske says growers may plant directly behind the injector without further tillage.

One big improvement in this injector is that it pivots on the toolbar and therefore turns with the tank. Zoske says some applicators have pulled the toolbar off the tank when turning.

See it at a farm show. Zoske enlisted his cousin Richard Winter to build the injectors. After working on the injectors last summer, Zoske and Winter tested them on a tank in the fall. They completed modifications and plan to take the injectors to winter farm shows. They formed a company called Winske to market and manufacture the equipment.

For more information, contact Winske Inc., Dept. FIN, 21816 County Hwy. D55, Hubbard, IA 50122, 515(or 641)/640-0754.