1 minute read
IAN FORMAN - NSTS MANAGER
Ian Forman, NSTS manager
Fertiliser prices continue to remain high, which makes it ever more important to ensure accurate application of fertilisers again this season. Think about all of the factors that affect spreading, weather and field conditions, operator training and making best use of the technology available all have an impact on accuracy, but with time constraints some of these aspects may get overlooked.
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Advice from AHDB last year suggested in some cases a 20% reduction from RB209 recommended rates for machines not set up accurately. With prevailing high prices this year, and perhaps without the benefit of having some fertiliser left in the shed from 2021 when prices were much cheaper, this should be considered if you don’t know how accurately your machine is set up.
Knowing your machine is in good condition and set up correctly is a good starting point and something that can be easily managed both before and during spreading operations.
Included as part of an NSTS spreader test is a check over the whole machine, paying close attention to the condition of the vanes and agitators. Each product is tested for weight, size and hardness to allow an accurate comparison against manufacturers recommendations for setting up a machine, and adjusted accordingly.
Trays are then laid out across the full width of spread to gain a figure for coefficient of variation (CV). A result of a CV less than 10% is aimed for and in most cases is achievable.
Having a correctly set up machine will also help you meet obligations to protect the environment. NVZ rules and Farming Rules for Water requires farmers to apply fertiliser as accurately as possible to reduce the risk of pollution. Including a border spreading check when having a spreader tested will help meet these requirements, especially when spreading near watercourses.
For further information, contact NSTS, or go to the website, www. nsts.org.uk where you can search for a Test Centre near you and arrange a test on your machine to ensure it is applying all your fertiliser products on target and evenly across the field.
