Understanding The Benefits Of Variable Rate Fertilizer Spreader

By Lucia Weeks


Farming is not an easy task. There are external factors that could affect both quality and quantity of the harvests. Although most of these are beyond human control, there are means to maximize certain factors. Since time immemorial, manures are applied in natural farming to sustain the nutrients for the plants. Of course, with technological advancements come agricultural innovations as well.

One of the latest developments in the field of agriculture is the introduction of variable rate fertilizer spreader. Farmers acknowledge the fact that various plants have varying degrees of needs particularly in the amount of nutrients they require. Thus, it is wrong and impractical to apply the same amount of fertilizers in every plant. Nonetheless, it is too time consuming for the farmers to manually do the application especially in vast farms.

This dilemma is what the variable rate fertilization is trying to address. The VRF automated applicator is capable of determining the right quantity of fertilizers to be deposited in each plant. Aside from the spread pattern initially entered on the system, the spreader gathers real-time data through its sensors. The automation can also cover a wide area more quickly.

This technology is deemed environment-friendly because it aids in decreasing the adverse effects of applying excessive fertilizers. Too much chemical deposited on the ground could affect its nutrient content and alter its properties. This could possibly contaminate the ground water as well due to leaching. In the long run, the quality of the harvests will be affected, too.

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.

Therefore, return of investment is sure to be expected. Besides significant reduction of expenses, farmers can also capitalize on the present field conditions. This can help improve the quality of the crops for the future yields. This could lead to consistency in growth pattern, too, which will become a valuable asset a few years in the future.

A typical example of an automated applicator consists of a 3-ton spreader and optical sensors on the side. These sensors gather all variables that must be considered in determining the quantity and spread pattern. Such variables may be spatial, predictive or temporal.

Spatial variables are about the composition of the soil. Some examples include soil's pH value, the presence of pests or diseases and potential crop growth. Predictive variables are composed of the factors that can be foreseen like the weather and yield. Temporal variables are something that are expected to change every now and then, such as growth and seasonal changes.

The use of variable rate spreader is definitely beneficial to farmers. As a matter of fact, more and more citrus growers are starting to adapt. If you decided to get your own applicator, you must bear in mind that a one size fits all equipment cannot optimize its function. You can customize the spreader to perfectly fit your needs. Some of the most common types are truck spreaders, row crop spreader and self-propelled spreaders among others.




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