Granular Fertilizer Spreader Swath Uniformity Achieved at Varying Target Application Rates

Abstract

This study measured the within‐swath uniformity of both spinner and pneumatic spreaders over a range of material application rates commonly associated with precision agriculture schemes (25 to 200 lb/acre). Although small pan sampling is not appropriate for spreader rate calibration, results suggested that five of the spreaders delivered rates ranging from 50 to 200 lb/acre with reasonable accuracy. Four of the five spreaders also appeared capable of delivering an even lower rate, 25 lb/acre. Within swath coefficients of variability (CV) values ranged from 16 to 30% for the most uniform of the spreaders tested, and from 45 to 122% for the least uniform. When different products were applied by multi‐bin spreaders, substantial fluctuation in measured product ratios occurred for bulk bin products. For a single spreader evaluated with a micronutrient bin, micronutrient application rates and variability were relatively consistent regardless of the co‐applied bulk bin product rate. The type of spreader (spinner or pneumatic) did not appear to determine the uniformity of application. Our data suggests a within‐swath CV of 20 to 30% as a reasonable uniformity target for granular fertilizer spreaders under North Carolina commercial farm conditions.

Test and Comprehensive Evaluation for the Performance of UAV-Based Fertilizer Spreaders

“…However, even with an acceptable distribution uniformity, a large spread width is also necessary to improve work efficiency in field applications. Studies have illustrated that a CV of 20-30% was a reasonable uniformity for granular fertilizer spreaders under some farm conditions [28,29]. Additionally, previous studies have suggested that uniformity can be as low as 5-10% and as high as 30% under actual field terrain conditions [30].…”

Broadcast distribution uniformity of fertilizer with centrifugal spreaders used in variable rate application

“…The amount variation around the average allows measuring the distribution quality. According to CROZIER & ROBERSON (2014), coefficient up to 20% is considered satisfactory.…”

Qualidade em aplicações de fertilizantes sólidos granulados realizadas por distribuidor de mecanismo centrífugo

“…Para a escolha da faixa de aplicação adotada para cada tratamento do ensaio, após a determinação da curva de C.V. com o auxílio computacional do Adulanço 3.1, foi selecionada a maior faixa de aplicação que seguramente apresentasse C.V. de 15% em regime de tráfego alternado, medida de referência amplamente difundida na literatura (CROZIER & ROBERSON, 2014;MILAN e GALDANHA JR, 1996;YULE e PEMBERTON, 2009).…”