Check Fertilizer Rates

IMPORTANT: Ensure the liquid fertilizer system is working as designed. Perform a rate check on all rows of the planter simultaneously. Checking only one row is not a good indication of fertilizer system performance.

Liters Per Hectare Conversion Chart
Row Spacing	Conversion Factor
51 cm	0.081
56 cm	0.074
76 cm	0.054
91 cm	0.045
97 cm	0.043
102 cm	0.041

Gallons Per Acre Conversion Chart
Row Spacing	Conversion Factor
20 in.	0.255
22 in.	0.232
30 in.	0.170
36 in.	0.142
38 in.	0.134
40 in.	0.128

1. Calculate size of collection container required.

   Size of container required = L/ha (gpa) expected ÷ conversion factor.

   METRIC example, 45 L/ha is expected application rate. Conversion factor for 76 cm row spacing is 0.054.

   45 ÷ 0.054 = 833 mL

   Use a container capable of easily collecting at least 833 mL.

   STANDARD example, 18 gpa is expected application rate. Conversion factor for 30 in. row spacing is 0.170.

   18 ÷ 0.170 = 106 oz

   Use a container capable of easily collecting at least 106 oz.

2. Tie a container to machine frame next to every fertilizer opener. Remove delivery hoses from openers and insert hoses into containers.

3. Drive forward 244 m (800 ft) at planting speed.

4. Measure number of mL (oz) in each container.

5. Calculate actual application rate for each opener.

   Measured mL (oz) x conversion factor = actual rate

   METRIC example, 789 mL were captured in container. Conversion factor for 76 cm row spacing is 0.054.

   789 x 0.054 = 42.69 L/hectare (Actual Application Rate)

   STANDARD example, 118 oz were captured in container. Conversion factor for 30 in. row spacing is 0.170.

   118 x 0.170 = 20 gpa (Actual Application Rate)