A spreader is an agricultural tool used for dispersing or spreading seeds, fertilizer lime, sand. Spreaders make farming easier by increasing the efficiency of spread fertilizer while also reducing the stress of manual application. Spreaders are mostly used for fertilizers, as such most spreaders are built for easy spread of fertilizers. This article will examine spreaders and their uses as relating to fertilizers.

Types Of Fertilizer Spreaders

There are three basic types of spreaders with all three listed below;
• Rotary Or Broadcast Spreader: The rotary or broadcast spreader is used for spreading dry and evenly sized fertilizers. These spreaders usually provide even coverage for the soil which is to be fertilised. Broadcast spreaders are also used to spread salt on winter ice and reseed lawns. The spreader works by releasing the fertilizer into a disk after which it throws into a semi-circle ahead of the machine. The sizes of broadcast spreaders range from small portable spreaders, which are made for small gardens to push-along models which are for larger yards. The handheld models are most effective for small areas. The push-along models are ideal for more open areas.
• Drop Fertilizer Spreader: This type of spreader can be used for granular fertilizers and uneven materials like compost or mulch. This type of spreader must be worked in straight and overlapping lines. It, therefore, requires open space for the best result. The fertilizers pass through a gap in the bottom of the spreader, down to the ground below. The two sizes of drop fertilizer spreaders are pull-along and push along models. The push models are very effective in small areas while the pull-along models are for a large area of land. The pullalong models are usually attached to mowers for use.
• Liquid Fertilizer Spreader: This spreader is made up of a garden hose and a canister. The garden hose is attached to a canister, usually one with an adaptive nozzle. The canister usually contains dry fertilizer, designed in such a way that it dissolves quickly. The fertilizer is usually sprayed out through the adaptive nozzle. Liquid fertilizer spreaders are effective for quick fertilizing jobs but do not provide the accuracy gotten from drop and rotary fertilizers.

Reasons Why Spreaders Are The Best For Farming

There are a good number of reasons why the use of spreaders is the best for farming. Some are detailed below.
• Even Application: When you’re using a lime and fertilizer spreader, you can be sure of even application. It is quite common to have uneven application when you do not make use of a spreader. This leads to under application and over-application. Under application of fertilizer leads to bare patches of land. Over application, on the other hand, leads to burning of clumps and roots.
A fertilizer spreader helps you avoid these problems.
• It Helps Keep The Chemical Off Your Skin: Using a spreader helps to keep chemical off your skin, unlike other means. When an unconventional method such as a homemade applicator is used, you almost certain to have chemicals on your hands. The best way, therefore, to save yourself from such contact is by using a spreader. • It Saves Time: A spreader saves a lot of time as it can be calibrated to apply fertilizer at the accurate rate which you choose. In doing this, there is no need for manual calculation or monitoring of application rates. It also saves energy as you do not need to add so much input in ensuring even distribution.
• Multiple Uses: Spreaders can be used for other purposes asides the application of fertilizers, and this is one of its benefits. It can also be used to spread seed and also to salt walkways in the winter ice. The fact that the calibration can be changed makes this possible, as it can be switched depending on whether you want to spread in small or large quantity.
• It Saves Money: Spreaders help you to save money, as the prices of fertilizers and other supplies are increasing. Using a spreader helps you not to over apply, thereby ensuring judicial use of your fertilizer.

The Best Way To Farm Using A Spreader

In application, you need to use the spreader in a way that will ensure your farm is in its best form. We will consider using a broadcast fertilizer and lime spreader on a lawn. When it is used well broadcast spreaders tend to be a very efficient means to distribute fertilizers, seeds, lime and other lawn products.
Broadcast spreaders are used by professionals, which is why it is the focus here. Also, broadcast spreaders work better over a wide area. They work best for yards which are larger than 4,000 sq.ft.
• The first thing to do is to dial in the spreader manufacturer’s recommended settings on the spread rate gauge. You can then go on to test and measure the dispersal patterns through the spreader.
• After conducting this test, and being sure it is satisfactory. You can begin the spreading proper. You should start from across the hills so that at the end, you would have covered the uneven terrain sufficiently.
• You should maintain a pace of about 3 mph, more like the pace of a middle-aged man. The pace should be kept moderate, as this affects the broadcast of the spreader. Walking too slow will increase the product density, as throw width becomes reduced. Walking too fast, on the other hand, thins out the coverage.
• Whenever you want to take a turn or stop, ensure to close the flow lever in order to stop dispersing, as this will amount to waste through saturation.
• Always operate the spreader by positioning the impeller plate close to the lever. Putting it above or below the lever will result in uneven distribution. Most importantly, always follow the recommended coverage rate for every product, in order to avoid over-applying any of the products.