Evaluation of variable rate technology for fertilizer application in permanent pastures

Abstract

This paper describes the field tests that evaluate a new centrifugal fertilizer distributor Vicon RS-EDW to be used in Precision Agriculture. The results of dynamic calibration tests show a significant and systematically difference between the application rates of the two discs (about 20%). This difference had to be corrected by the manufacturer that made the necessary changes in the electric actuators. The fertilizer spreader had good distribution homogeneity, considering different working velocities and different positions in the parcel. The pattern distribution curve for 18% Super phosphate fertilizer led to an effective working width of 28 meters, with a coefficient of variation of 15%. The longitudinal test, under experimental working conditions led to a machine delay time of 6-7 seconds. The obtained results show an actual fertilization application density between 74-90% of that determined for each location. These results make it possible to confirm that the spreader can be used to spread any fertilizer differentially in the field.