Michigan State University Extension
Soils & Soil Management - Fertilizer - 06109718
07/10/97
Nutrient Management to Protect Water Quality Extension Bulletin WQ-25, January 1996
Maurice L. Vitosh and Lee W. Jacobs Extension Soil Specialists Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Michigan State University
Evidence of uneven fertilizer distribution due to improperly adjusted fertilizer spreaders can be seen almost every year, particularly on winter wheat. The uneven distribution of fertilizer results in over- fertilization in some areas of the field and under-fertilization in others. The result is less than optimum yields and potential loss of excess nutrients to surface water and groundwater.
All fertilizer applicators need to be accurately calibrated. If crop producers are unsure whether the equipment they are using is properly calibrated, they should recalibrate the equipment to avoid crop yield loss and potential risk to the environment. Improving the calibration of fertilizer applicators will result in more uniform distribution of the fertilizer at the proper rate.