the best for you

Benefits Of A Variable Rate Fertilizer Spreader

By Leslie Griffith


Mechanized farming methods were initiated during the agrarian revolution that preceded the industrial era. At this point in history, man realized the need for progressing from substantial to commercial farming as a means of providing food security for the swelling population. One of the most popular implements developed for boosting crop production was the variable rate fertilizer spreader.

Initially, broadcasters were purely manual with the operator responsible for dragging them in the fields during planting. In some cases, one worker pulled the implement while another ran the spreader by turning a crank. Within a short period of their existence, innovative developers figured out a means of running the spreading disc using the wheel motion. The transmission system was based on gears or pulleys or a combination of both.

The death of monopoly based production for farm implements allowed a fresh breed of developers to set up shop in this sector. Today there are machines that are attached to garden ATVs for working considerable land portions. Small capacity products can be mounted on the standard three point hitch on a tractor.

Bigger contraptions are mounted on the hitching points and coupled to the PTO shaft to derive rotary motion from the engine. Most spreaders employ the concept of centrifugal forces to broadcast commercial fertilizers from a finned disc rotating about a vertical axis. This disc is usually located across a cylindrical outlet from the hopper.

The biggest shortcoming with centrifugal spreaders is the uneven rate at which the additive is deposited on the soil being worked. To solve this problem, some manufacturers came up with an alternate pendulum spreading mechanism that is popular on medium capacity products. The hopper should be made from a material that will not be affected by corrosion associated with some farm additives.

Broadcasters are a must have tool for lawn owners and individuals investing in pasture grass for fodder. One may also come across them in the garages of outfits that offer high end sports such as polo and golf. They present the most effective way of spreading foliage feed, grass seeds and herbicides on a patch of land.

The most enterprising farmer will take time to select a product with an adjustable spread rate so that he can calibrate it to meet his needs. Most adjustments can be made from the handle bars by pushing a selecting lever to the size of the holes you want. A good calibration must also be coupled with the recommended spread pattern for best results.

Most farmers make the mistake of misplacing the owner manual supplied by dealers. It is possible that a machine cannot be calibrated unless one follows the step by step procedure recommended by manufacturers. With a variable rate fertilizer spreader, it may be necessary to seek online help to perform some tasks. Also important is the dragging speed thought this will be determined as your experience grows. Pay attention when working rugged terrains as the bumps may compromise on the first calibration.




About the Author:



Articles les plus consultés