When it comes to farming, a tractor mounted fertilizer spreader is an important tool for fertilizing large farming areas. However, for the spreader to work effectively, it must be calibrated properly. Calibration refers to the process of setting the spreader's application rate to ensure that the right amount of fertilizer is applied to the target area. In this article, we will explain how to calibrate your tractor mounted fertilizer spreader.
Gathering Materials
The first step in calibrating your tractor mounted fertilizer spreader is to gather all the necessary materials. You will need your tractor mounted spreader, a measuring tape, a collection container such as a bucket, and a scale for weighing the collected material. It is essential to ensure that all these equipment are functioning correctly before starting the calibration process.
Calculating the Required Amount of Fertilizer
The next step is to calculate the amount of fertilizer required for your target area. This calculation is necessary to set the spreader's application rate correctly. To calculate the required amount of fertilizer, you need to know the size of your target area and the fertilizer's recommended application rate per acre. Once you have this information, multiply the size of your target area by the recommended application rate; the result is the required amount of fertilizer needed to cover the target area.
Setting the Spread Pattern
After calculating the required amount of fertilizer, the next step is to set the spread pattern of your tractor mounted spreader. The spread pattern determines the distance between the fertilizer exits and the width of the area that the fertilizer covers. You must adjust the spread pattern depending on your target area's size to ensure that the fertilizer is evenly applied.
Performing the Calibration Test
The final step is to perform a calibration test on your tractor mounted spreader. To do this, fill the spreader with a known quantity of fertilizer and drive the tractor in a straight line across the target area at a constant speed. Collect the fertilizer exiting from the spreader for a given distance, then weigh it using the scale. Compare the collected amount with the required amount calculated in step three. If the collected amount is too low or too high, adjust the spreader's application rate and repeat the calibration test until you achieve the required amount.
Conclusion
Calibrating your tractor mounted fertilizer spreader is an essential step to ensure that your crops receive proper fertilization. By following the steps outlined above, you can calibrate your spreader correctly and achieve your fertilization goal. Proper calibration also helps you save money by avoiding over-application of fertilizers, which can be harmful to the environment and your crops.