WHAT’S THE POINT WITH GREENPOINT AG
MACHINERY MINUTE: OPTIMIZING THE FERTILIZER PASS BY M A R K E . J O H N S O N Quality application of fertilizers is critical every year, but the spotlight is intense on this field-pass given current input costs this year. No matter the application system used, factors such as weather, humidity, and field conditions can make quality applications difficult to achieve. However, accurate and precise application can be attained by regularly testing for calibration, uniformity, and machine maintenance. Accurate applications are achieved through routine calibration testing. It’s recommended that calibrations are checked biannually at a minimum. This process only takes a few minutes, and any rate-controlled system likely has
a wizard that walks you through these steps. Perform rate calibrations anytime application components are swapped out during repairs. When performing a static test, target <5% error but keep in mind that most systems will have a degree of error depending on the amount of overlap in a respective field. For dry fertilizer systems, ensure the operator is the person measuring the density of the product during calibration. Density has a huge influence on the calibration and on ability of the machine to stay on rate when it gets to the field. On self-propelled machines, if the density measurement is off by 1 lb/ft3, each load of fertilizer applied will be off by about 300 pounds. Another
Machines must be set up properly, and uniformity tests should be performed multiple times throughout the growing season to prevent “streaking” of crops with misapplied areas.
22
Cooperative Farming News
