Even Distribution in Fertiliser Spreading
This is the centrifugal spreader laying fertiliser down on the field surface at an even density. The spread pattern depends on disc speed, vane setting, the physical properties of the fertiliser granule, and the height and angle of the disc above the ground; that is why the hitch has to be held at a constant height while spreading.
On a spreader the throw pattern is triangular, and the edges of neighbouring passes overlap to build a uniform total rate. When disc height changes, throw distance and pattern width change with it, the overlap between passes is disturbed, and the field ends up with strips of different rates.
- Follow the disc height and machine tilt settings stated by the manufacturer.
- Widening the pass without measuring the pattern is the most common mistake.
- Damp or caked fertiliser distorts the pattern even at the correct setting.
Because this job requires the implement to be held at a constant height throughout the work, it fits position control logic. Electronic retrofit kits do not measure the spread pattern; what they add is reducing the lift-and-return-to-the-same-working-position at the headland to a single command.
The context in which this term is used: Converting a tractor hydraulic lever to electronic control