Chiles Propane: Agricultural Uses for Propane

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	Chiles Propane, LLC 902 W. College Pulaski, TN 38478 info@chilespropane.com © 2001 Chiles Propane

More than 1.5 billion gallons of propane are used on more than 660,000 farms every year for hundreds of different applications, including:

Flame Weeding: Farmers using propane-gas flame weeders have reported higher yields per acre by using propane.

Pest Control: Propane gas flamers can provide 70 percent to 90 percent control of wintering adult insects compared with 25 percent to 50 percent provided by chemical pesticides, and propane flamers cost three to five times less per acre than chemical controls.

Crop Drying: Propane drying systems are widely used because of the simplicity of the required equipment, which contributes to low equipment, fuel, and maintenance costs.

Irrigation Pumps: Propane-fueled irrigation pumps produce the same amount of power as gasoline or diesel engines, with lower emissions. Propane will not leave a dangerous and sometimes toxic residue, as liquid fuels can.

Poultry and Pig Brooding: Infrared propane brooders have proven to be more efficient and stay warmer with less heat than forced-air furnaces. Fuel costs are also 15 to 25 percent less than those for forced-air furnaces.

Crop Heating: Propane heaters operate efficiently for long periods while producing enough heat to prevent valuable crops from being ruined by unexpected cold spells. Propane is also used in heating greenhouses.

Trust Propane for Your Tractors and Forklifts

Studies show that tractors fueled by propane can have lower major overhaul costs than gasoline-powered tractors, and sometimes, engine life is prolonged.

Some gasoline-powered tractors that are converted to propane have an increase in power. In a properly modified engine, farmers report the ability to pull larger equipment than before, because propane has a much higher octane rating than gasoline.

Properly maintained propane-fueled forklifts operate with emissions well below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

Is Propane Safe to Use on Farms?

Yes, propane is a safe fuel choice for farmers, because it is nontoxic andinsoluble in water. So, it poses no threat to aquifers or the groundwater supply. Because it quickly vaporizes within a pressurized container and is released as a gas, it doesn't spill, pool or leave residue.

Convenience of Propane

You can select locations for storage-tank placement to ensure accessibility for each specific need. Propane is the most portable alternative fuel. It can be stored in portable tanks, which provides the flexibility to power equipment even in the remotest areas of the farm.