Determining Application Rate and Initial Meter Setting

The chemical manufacturer may recommend the rate of application for granular chemicals in the following ways:

  • Grams per 305 linear row meters
  • Ounces per 1000 linear row feet
  • Kilograms per hectare for a given band width and row spacing
  • Pounds per acre for a given band width and row spacing
  • Kilograms per hectare for complete (broadcast) coverage
  • Pounds per acre for complete (broadcast) coverage

When the chemical manufacturer recommends a rate (linear distance or area) for a given band width and row spacing, proceed to the chemical manufacturer's recommended meter setting or to the meter setting recommended in the rate charts in this section.

When the chemical manufacturer recommends a rate (area) for complete (broadcast) coverage only, it is necessary to calculate the appropriate rate for band width and row spacing being planted. This will give the same chemical concentration in the band area as the chemical manufacturer recommends for complete (broadcast) coverage.

NOTE: We recommend measuring the actual band width applied and using this width in application rate calculations.

Use the following formula to convert broadcast coverage into specific band width and row spacing coverage.

FORMULA:

(A x B) ÷ C = Delivery rate per area for a given band width and row spacing

A-Chemical manufacturers recommended rate in kilograms per hectare or pounds per acre for complete (broadcast) coverage

B-Band width in cm or in.

C-Row spacing in cm or in.

EXAMPLE:

The chemical manufacturer recommends 5 kg/ha (20 lb/acre) for complete broadcast coverage. The band width is 36 cm (14 in.). The row spacing is 76 cm (30 in.).

(5 kg x 36 cm) ÷ 76 cm = 2.4 kg/ha

(20 lb x 14 in.) ÷ 30 in. = 9.3 lb/acre

The required delivery rate for 36 cm (14 in.) bands and 76 cm (30 in.) row spacings would be 2.4 kg/ha (9.3 lb/acre).

Delivery of 2.4 kg/ha (9.3 lb/acre) of chemical in a 36 cm (14 in.) band area will provide the same chemical concentration on the soil surface as delivery of 5 kg/ha (20 lb/acre) broadcast coverage.

Proceed to chemical manufacturer's recommended meter setting or to meter setting recommended in the rate charts in this section which will deliver 2.4 kg/ha (9.3 lb/acre).

To check exact number of kilograms per hectare or pounds per acre of chemical that will be delivered, attach a plastic bag to each chemical diffuser, lower machine, and proceed as follows:

Drive 150 m (500 ft) at planting speed. Weigh chemical (in ounces) that was caught in one bag. Multiply amount caught by factor in table, to determine kilograms per hectare or pounds per acre.

Check the chemical caught in each bag in the same manner.

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Pounds Per Acre Factor for Given Row Width
Row Width Factor
20 in. 3.3
22 in. 3.0
30 in. 2.2
36 in. 1.8
38 in. 1.7

 

Kilograms Per Hectare Factor for Given Row Width
Row Width Factor
51 cm 0.131
56 cm 0.119
70 cm 0.095
76 cm 0.086
91 cm 0.071
97 cm 0.067

 

EXAMPLES:

  • Assume row width is 76 cm and 160 grams are caught in one bag (one row). 160 grams times 0.086 (factor for 76 cm rows) equals 13.8 kg/ha.
  • Assume row width is 30 in. and 5.6 ounces is caught in one bag (one row). 5.6 ounces times 2.2 (factor for 30 in rows) equals 12.3 lb/acre.

NOTE: If a significant difference in rate is observed between rows, the meter dial mechanism may require recalibration. See CALIBRATING INSECTICIDE/HERBICIDE METER in this section.

If desired amount is not obtained for each row unit with the first setting, turn metering knob and repeat check until desired amount is delivered.

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