Fertilization is an important moment in agricultural activities. Since the harvest will directly depend on the saturation of the soil with micronutrients. To manage to handle large areas on time and not to disrupt the time of planting crops created a special device called mineral fertilizer spreaders.
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Why do we need mineral fertilizer spreaders
The fertilizer spreader is a highly specialized device designed to fertilize a land plot with a seed distribution function. This is a great opportunity to cultivate large areas in a short time, thereby increasing the efficiency of any agricultural land.
Types of machines for fertilizer distribution
Agricultural aggregates for the distribution of mineral fertilizers can be additionally equipped with the functions of mixing, grinding and transportation. Actually spreaders are divided into mounted, trailed, disc mounted and pendulum mounted. About them further the speech will go.
Hinged
The hinged spreader can, in its power, be “torn down” with a tractor. It is made in the form of a frame and a special attachment, on top of which is securely fastened by a bunker. There is also a pair of discharge grids that prevent large elements from getting inside the unit. In the lower part of the device there are special funnels for the distribution of fertilizers.
In the process of their failure, they can be replaced. During the operation of the unit, the fertilizers through the shaft fall from the bunker to the distribution discs rotating in opposite directions. And fertilizers are evenly distributed on the treated surface.
Trailed
Trailed units are distinguished by high productivity of the distribution of nutrients and sowing of seeds, even with minimal pressure.
Such a unit consists of a body, conveyor, dispenser and drive mechanism. To control the seeding, you need to change the speed of movement of the conveyor and the width of the slit, which occurs under the action of the valve.
Disk mounted
Disc mounted spreaders must have special discs and blades with stainless steel, as well as a driveshaft. In order to regulate the amount of spreading fertilizer from the cab of a tractor driver by means of hydraulic transmission, there are special dampers.
Due to the change in their position, the concentration of the mineral components in the land plot is monitored. In order to prevent clumping and ingress of large particles inside the device, the unit was equipped with agitators and safety nets.
Pendulum mounted
The production of pendulum mounted spreaders takes place exclusively abroad. Therefore, the popularity of such units for our country is much lower. In this case, the main working body is not a disk, but a special swing tube.
To ensure the strength and performance of this part it is made of high-quality plastic. The tube moves through reciprocating action through the shaft. But It is worth noting that the pendulum mounted mineral fertilizer spreaders are somewhat inferior in disc productivity in their performance.
Plus, they are very noisy and unevenly distribute nutrients over the land plot.
Pros and cons of spreaders
Any agricultural equipment is designed to simplify agricultural work. And the mineral spreader is no exception. It has its advantages and disadvantages, as further discussed.
Positive qualities of the unit:
- the speed of movement of feed substances to the destination;
- the ability to feed the nutrient compositions of large areas;
- the speed and uniformity of distribution of fertilizers in the treated area;
- regardless of the type of unit, fertilizers are applied to the soil exclusively in the process of traffic;
- there are such spreader models that have the function of controlling the amount of fertilizer to be distributed. In other words, you can increase the concentration of nutrients where necessary, and reduce where the soil is already fertile. For entrepreneurs of the agrarian sector, this is a big saving of their financial resources.
In addition, such units can be used not only for its intended purpose, but also to disperse the seeds.
Negative qualities of the unit:
- high cost of the device. If the farm is small, then the small entrepreneur has no opportunity to buy such equipment. And then the decision is made to do everything manually.
How to do it yourself
If you can not buy a spreader in the store, you can create it yourself. But for this you need to understand his device. You need a box with eleven holes, which will be further protected by rotating plates. Moreover, above the surface of each plate there are two diverters. To control the supply of raw materials you need to have a damper. As a support serve two running wheels.
Mineral spreader is a great helper for any farmer. But not everyone can afford such a technique. In this case, you can make a simplified homemade version.After all, it is better to let it make a specialized unit, and not a person.