By: Pacific Corrugated Pipe Company
A Creative Twist on Corrugated Metal Pipe
Talk about ingenuity! This project submitted by Pacific Corrugated Pipe Company showcases a bold new use of corrugated metal pipe fertilizer tanks in Arizona. Instead of the familiar role in drainage or stormwater management, these pipes are powering a sustainable agricultural initiative.
The system required forty tanks built from 72-inch diameter corrugated metal pipe. Each tank measured 12 feet in length, with one end capped and a 2-inch ductile iron stub welded three feet from the top. To increase durability, the customer coated the outside surface for added corrosion protection before installation.
Harnessing Heat Above and Below Ground
Each corrugated metal pipe fertilizer tank was installed with seven feet buried underground and five feet left above grade. The soil kept the lower section cool and stable, while the Arizona sun heated the portion above ground. That natural combination created the steady temperature needed for fermentation to succeed.
The design copied a process the Amish community has long used in their agricultural systems. Today, their approach continues across the Midwest and Eastern United States, proving that a simple, time-tested method can still drive innovation. By pairing traditional wisdom with corrugated metal pipe, this project delivered a sustainable solution designed for modern farming.
From Dairy Manure to Organic Fertilizer
The recipe inside these corrugated metal pipe fertilizer tanks begins with a five-gallon bucket of manure from local dairies. After “rising” like yeast, two organic ingredients are added, followed by water at a 70-30 ratio. This living mixture ferments in the tanks while undergoing a process of feeding, burping, and agitation.
When ready, the top layer is drawn through the attached 2-inch stub. That extract becomes the base water for organic fertilizer. More natural ingredients are blended in to complete the batch, producing a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer for nearby farms.
Turning Manure into Money
This project highlights the versatility of corrugated metal pipe fertilizer tanks. Farmers transform agricultural waste into valuable fertilizer, reducing costs while supporting sustainability. The system helps local dairies manage manure responsibly and provides nearby farms with a steady supply of organic fertilizer.
With relatively simple technology and durable corrugated metal pipe, the process truly turns waste into worth. What many consider trash becomes a vital resource, proving that even manure can be treasure when innovation meets tradition.
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