Understanding The Benefits Of Variable Rate Fertilizer Spreader

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.

The variable rate fertilizer spreader is one of the newest developments in agriculture. Every farmer would agree that the plant's needs, particularly the quantity of fertilizers required, vary from one plant to another. Thus, it is impractical and unwise to apply a fixed quantity of fertilizer in all the plants across the farm. Nonetheless, manually applying the fertilizers can be time consuming especially in vast fields.

This is exactly the reasoning behind variable rate fertilization or VRF. The spreader has the ability to determine the quantity of fertilizers to deposit in each plant while it provides the automation to cover wide area promptly. Besides the spread pattern input, the automated applicator can also gather data from real-time sensing to address the changing needs of the plants.

This innovation is ecologically beneficial because it decreases the possible impact to nature caused by excessive fertilizers. Applying too much chemicals can possibly contaminate ground water because of leaching, affect the soil's properties and diminish its nutrient contents. Such abuse will eventually cause adverse effect on future harvests.

The farmers can also maximize their profits. Since each plant is fertilized with just the right amount, no more fertilizers are wasted. With this, the farmers can cut down up to 40 per cent of the quantity they used before. They can save thousands on unnecessary costs. Also, fewer fertilizers per acre implies less fuel costs.

Another economic benefit is the return of investments. Besides the substantial reduction in expenses, the use of VRF technology takes full advantage of the field conditions. Therefore, farmers can expect improvement in the quality of their crops. Moreover, this could result to a consistent growth pattern in the field, something that remains to be beneficial even after a few years.

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.

Temporal variables are the least stable and changing constantly. Seasonal and growth changes are some of its examples. Spatial variables are factors concerning the soil and its compositions, such as crop growth, pH value of the soil and presence of diseases or pests. Meanwhile, yield and weather belong to predictive variables, which can be predicted through historical data and trend.

Using variable rate spreader can definitely benefit farmers. In fact, many citrus growers are adapting this technology. When choosing an applicator, you should remember that not a single size fits all. If you want to make the most of it, you may opt to customize your spreader to suit your needs. You may choose from self-propelled spreaders, truck spreaders or row crop spreaders to name a few.