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Timely fertiliser spreader advice
Make sure your spreader looks after every acre
As we head into the spring spreading season it is time to offer a few timely reminders with regard to spreader maintenance and set up.
Granule size, bulk density & surface finish are the main physical properties that effect fertiliser spreadability and fertiliser can vary dramatically from batch to batch and to the naked eye it is impossible to notice any changes; for instance in surface finish. These changes can result in a loss of accuracy from the spreader. Many spreader manufacturers have web based or mobile phone spreader settings such as the fertiliser database at www.amazone.co.uk and, although you may have obtained some advice, these settings may well be based on older fertiliser samples and will not necessarily represent the product currently on farm. It is recommended that all spreaders should be set up over the testing trays.
Prior to any tray test, the spreader itself needs to be physically checked over for any signs of wear and tear. Look closely at the spreading mechanism, such as agitator drives, shutter balance left and right and vane condition. That telltale rippling on the vanes will indicate the need for a change as any roughness in the vane will result in a change to the spread pattern.
With an increasing demand on spreaders to offer variable rate application technology it is important that the choice of spreader is suited to VRA spreading. The spreader needs to maintain a constant width of spread irrespective of the forward speed and application rate. Remember that changing the forward speed from 10 kph to 16 kph represents effectively a 60% increase in fertiliser output. If this is coupled with a demand from the VRA controller to double the application rate at that moment then can the spreader maintain its spreading accuracy without a need to change the basic machine settings?
VRA spreading is possible with some simple forward speed related spreaders such as the Amazone ZA-M 01 fitted with a normal AMADOS+ rate controller working in conjunction with a PDA based VR system. There is no need for weigh cells or hydraulic disc drive unless the appeal of bulk fertiliser usage or automatic headland shut-off dictates the desire for more technology.
Fertiliser is an expensive input; make sure the return is as rewarding as possible on your farm