Seed and Fertilizer Patterns with Spinning and Oscillating Spreaders
1978
Wolf, D. D. | Smith, E. S.
Seeding and fertilization represent common operations where broadcast distributors increase efficiency of forage production and pasture renovation. The successful use of broadcast units has been something of an art with procedures based largely on trial and error experiences of the operator. In this paper we describe two broadcast delivery methods for application of fertilizers and forage seeds. Spinner and oscillating delivery methods were used to establish spread patterns and effective swath widths for phosphate (20% P) and potash (50% K) fertilizers, and seeds of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) A mixture of P fertilizer, red clover, and tall fescue (100:12:6 ratio), typical of that appropriate for pasture renovation, was also tested. Both the spinner and oscillating units produced satisfactory spread patterns when properly adjusted. The spinner unit required adjustment for each material delivered to produce a symmetrical spread pattern while no changes were required with the oscillating type. The effective swath width was selected as the maximum width for a 15% coefficient of variation among rates at 0.6 m intervals across the field. The fertilizer-seed mixture did not segregate seriously during delivery and the effective swath width was selected to achieve uniform coverage of the component with the smallest pattern.
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