Development of procedures and resources for on-farm fertiliser spreader application checks have been completed. A trial workshop was run with farmers in Dunsandel and resources are available on-line.
- A webpage has more information
- A website has been created with resources and a calculator
- A series of simple videos is available on YouTube.
The emphasis of the project is ensuring the right amount of fertiliser is evenly spread. The rate is check by dividing the amount applied by the area covered. Determining evenness is trickier.
Like international systems and SpreadMark, pattern testing relies on sample collection in catch trays and mathematical analysis. A line of trays is laid across the path of travel, fertiliser collected and weighed, and data analysed.
Tray layout for a spreader pattern test
To help the maths and reporting, an on-line calculator has been developed. This is publicly available at www.fertspread.nz.
The spreader test procedures will be presented at workshops at the FAR Waikato Arable Research Site on 10 December 2015, at Arable Y’s in Ashburton in April 2016. Other opportunities will be advised as confirmed.
More information and downloads available on the LandWISE website.