lundi 15 décembre 2014

Does Variable Rate Fertilizer Spreader Really Work

By Lucia Weeks


Agriculture is a complicated field. The quality and quantity of the yields depend on several external factors, most of which are beyond one's control. Despite that, farmers have found ways to maximize their harvests. One example is the use of manures in natural farming in order to sustain the soil's nutrients. Luckily, technological advancements has paved way to agricultural innovations.

The use of variable rate fertilizer spreader is among the most recent developments in agriculture. Farmers acknowledge that each plant has unique needs, especially in the type and amount of nutrients it requires. Thus, applying a fixed amount on all plants is both wrong and unwise. Nonetheless, manual application of fertilizers is a drag especially in a vast farm.

The variable rate fertilization technology aims to cater to this concern. The automated applicator can determine the right amount of fertilizer for each plant. The sensors in the spreader gathers data real-time on top of the spread pattern information initially entered based on the field details. This ensures that the machine can adapt to the changing needs of the plants. The automation also provides quicker coverage for such a wide area.

This innovation is ecologically beneficial because it decreases the possible impact to nature caused by excessive fertilizers. Applying too much chemicals can possibly contaminate ground water because of leaching, affect the soil's properties and diminish its nutrient contents. Such abuse will eventually cause adverse effect on future harvests.

For the farmers, this also means maximizing profitability. There are no fertilizers wasted because the plants get just the right amount it needs. According to research, farmers can save up to 40 percent of fertilizers immediately on the first use of the spreader. This means saving thousands of unnecessary expenses. Less fertilizer per acre also means less fuel costs.

Hence, return of investment is pretty sure. Not only can the farmers reduce their expenses considerably, but they also take advantage of present field conditions. With this, they can expect significant improvement in their crops' quality. This also results in a more consistent growth pattern, which can be beneficial a few years down the line.

An automated applicator is typically comprised of optical sensors on either sides and a 3-ton spreader. The sensors collect real-time data on certain variables that determine the quantity of the fertilizer and its spread pattern. The variables can be predictive, temporal and spatial.

Predictive variables can be expected with the use of historical, such as the yield and weather. Temporal variables, on the other hand, are the most unstable and constantly changing. Examples are growth change and seasonal changes. Spatial variables focus on the soil's composition, like the presence of pests and potential diseases, crop growth and the ground's pH value.

The variable rate spreader undeniably works to a farmer's advantage. In fact, more citrus growers are using this technology nowadays. When choosing a spreader, remember that not one size fits all. In order to fully optimize its purpose, you can customize the design. The most popular types include row crop spreaders, self-propelled spreader, truck spreaders and many others.




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