Fertiliser spreading advice
Time to spread
Making sure your spreader settings are correct means you’re off to the best possible start. Once out in the field, here is how the spreader pros make sure they hit home every time.
Heed the weather!
Strong winds may affect your spread pattern, especially if you’re spreading lighter prills. Our simple advice: if it is too windy to spray, don’t spread either. Keep an eye on humidity levels too; on a damp day fertiliser can absorb moisture, which will affect flow rates. Damp or humid conditions will also affect sulphur products, causing them to build upon the vanes quicker than in dry conditions.
Consistent forward speed
Speed plays an important role in achieving a constant application rate, so the correct gear must be used. With machines that rely on PTO or ground drive to operate the disc, always travel at the recommended forward speed. Variations will produce uneven spread and variable application rates.
The right bout width
It is most important to set your spreader to the correct working width to achieve the right overlap pattern. The manufacturer’s handbook will give this information for the type of fertiliser which is to be used. For full-width distributors, each bout should match up with the previous one.
Pay attention to the headlands
It is usual to leave enough space for two bouts around the field. With lateral spread machines it is essential that the ‘switch-on’ and the ‘switch-off’ of fertiliser is aligned to avoid double-dosing or missing. Use the headland disc or border device supplied with the machine. Take into account application restrictions on field margins and set the headland device accordingly. Pay special attention where you have watercourse adjacent to field boundaries.
Spreading the nutrients at the right time
Fertilisers are used most effectively when your crops need them most. Trial data has shown that crops benefit from a spring application of N, P&K, and S, as that is when their demand for these major nutrients is at its highest, getting your crops off to a great start.
Are you interested in taking your spreading one step further? Read more about the N-Sensor which ensures that the right and optimal rate of fertiliser is applied at each individual part of the field.
N-Sensor - to variably apply nitrogen
The N-Sensor is a variable rate sensor that measures crop nitrogen requirement at the time of application and variably adjusts the fertiliser rate accordingly.
More advice
These short stories will show you why and how choosing the right fertiliser and ensuring the nutrients are spread accurately and evenly pay off. Here is our advice on how to protect your investments as well as the environment:
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It is important to handle and transport fertiliser safely whilst minimising deterioration in quality. Correct handling and transportation of fertiliser should be based on climatic conditions, the type of fertiliser and how it is shipped (bulk or bags).
Fertiliser storage
Correct storage of fertiliser is important to ensure safety. Where possible, fertilisers should be stored in a closed, secure storage place to protect the product from the weather and reduce the risk of theft.
Physical properties of fertilisers
The physical properties of a fertiliser are determined by its chemical composition and how it is produced. An understanding of product properties is useful for handling, storage and spreading of fertiliser.
Recommended fertilisers
To spread fertiliser accurately over wide bout widths it is important to use a quality fertiliser. All Yara fertilisers have excellent spreading characteristics but the following fertilisers are some of the most popular and are particularly recommended.
