Why Farmers Love IBC Totes
Agriculture is one of the largest markets for used IBC totes, and the reasons are straightforward. Farms need large volumes of water, fertilizer, chemicals, and other liquids, often in remote locations without access to plumbed infrastructure. IBC totes provide portable, forklift-compatible, gravity-drainable bulk liquid storage that can be moved around a farm with a tractor, skid steer, or truck. Their durability, low cost (especially used totes), and versatility make them indispensable tools for modern agricultural operations of all sizes.
Application 1: Irrigation Water Storage
IBC totes serve as portable water reservoirs for drip irrigation systems, greenhouse watering, and field-edge water supply. A single 275-gallon tote provides enough water for several hours of drip irrigation on a small to medium-sized plot. Elevating the tote on a platform or hillside creates enough gravity pressure to operate low-pressure drip systems without a pump. Multiple totes can be connected in series for larger operations. Many farmers position totes at strategic locations around their property, filling them periodically from a well, pond, or municipal water supply, and then using the gravity-fed water for irrigation between fill-ups.
Application 2: Liquid Fertilizer Storage
Liquid fertilizers such as UAN (urea ammonium nitrate) solutions, liquid calcium, and micronutrient blends are commonly stored and dispensed from IBC totes. The tote's bottom valve makes it easy to meter fertilizer into spray tanks or fertigation systems. For farmers who buy fertilizer in bulk tanker loads, IBC totes provide a convenient way to break bulk volumes into manageable, portable quantities that can be distributed around the farm. One important consideration: verify that the fertilizer is chemically compatible with HDPE, as some concentrated fertilizer formulations can degrade certain plastics over time.
Application 3: Livestock Watering
Portable livestock watering stations made from IBC totes are extremely popular with ranchers and farmers practicing rotational grazing. By mounting a float valve on the tote's discharge outlet and connecting it to a stock tank or trough, you create a self-regulating watering station that can be moved with the herd. One 275-gallon tote provides enough water for approximately 20 head of cattle for one day (at 10 to 15 gallons per head per day), making it ideal for short-duration rotational pastures. For food-grade safety, use totes that previously held food products, and clean them thoroughly before use.
Applications 4 Through 8
Pesticide and Herbicide Mixing: IBC totes serve as mixing tanks for spray operations. The large volume allows for efficient batch mixing, and the bottom valve simplifies transfer to sprayer tanks. Always use totes dedicated to a single chemical type to prevent cross-contamination, and label them clearly.
Maple Syrup Collection: In maple-producing regions, IBC totes collect and store sap during the sugaring season. A single tote holds enough sap for approximately 6 to 7 gallons of finished maple syrup (at a 40:1 sap-to-syrup ratio). Food-grade totes are essential for this application.
Compost Tea Brewing: Large-scale organic farms use IBC totes as compost tea brewers. The large volume allows for batch brewing of hundreds of gallons of compost tea, which is then applied through irrigation systems or spray equipment. Adding an aerator to the tote creates a oxygenated brewing environment.
Mobile Fuel Storage: While not recommended for gasoline (which requires specialized containers), IBC totes can store diesel fuel for farm equipment when equipped with a proper dispensing pump. Diesel is compatible with HDPE, and a 275-gallon tote provides enough fuel for multiple fill-ups on tractors and equipment.
Wash Water Collection: Farm wash stations generate large volumes of rinse water from cleaning equipment, produce, and facilities. IBC totes collect this water for proper disposal, treatment, or reuse in non-potable applications. This is particularly important for farms with USDA or GAP certification, where wash water management is a compliance requirement.