Electronic monitoring aids fertiliser spreader

Like all other farm implements, the humble fertiliser spreader has benefited from the addition of electronic monitoring and control systems.

The biggest benefit on farms without tramlines is the use of simple GPS parallel guidance systems, which ensure accurate bout widths. More sophisticated integrated GPS systems can now be used to control the headland shut-off function, to minimise over-spreading on headlands.

On-board weighing systems can allow automatic calibration and, with GPS, can facilitate variable rate application provided there is a benefit to be achieved from variable rate application. While these electronic systems can be of benefit to intensive users or contractors they are not necessary for accurate and even spreading. The most important technology is basic spread-mechanism design. This, coupled with good fertiliser quality and careful setting and adjustment, will result in accurate and even fertiliser spreading.