Choosing a spreader

A Drop spreader

A mechanical spreader is prevalent. It is of 2 types – Drop and Rotary spreader. For both a hopper is filled with nutrients and the spreader is pushed on the lawn. The drop one has an aperture at the base of the hopper. The trigger is pulled to open the cover and the material moves through the aperture into the lawn. The area of lawn fertilized during each lap is determined by the width of the spreader, which is maximum 2 feet. The advantage is that for smaller areas the chemicals don't fall in surrounding areas and the work is more precise. The negative aspect is that for large areas it is needed to walk several times.

The Rotary spreader

The rotary or broadcast spreader has a segmented rotating dish, which spreads the chemicals into surrounding areas. Thus a larger area is covered (sometimes even 8'). The disadvantage being that constant coverage is not obtained. So how far the material is thrown has to be determined and our passageway has to be arranged accordingly. Some there are side deflectors to avoid spreading on sidewalks or driveways. There are also hand-held spreaders for small areas. The drop spreader is slower then the rotary one. Near the perimeter use the drop spreader thereby creating a safety region. Now the area in this region can be fertilized with a rotary one.

For both it is advocated to spread fertilizer in one direction and then in a perpendicular direction for the second time. Remove any remaining material with a brush after spreading. Keep moving parts lubricated.

Calibration and Wrong use

Read all instructions on the bag. Weigh enough fertilizer for 100 square meters. Adjust spreader to a low setting. Spread the material over the area. Increase/ decrease the setting so that 100 square meter are covered. Record the setting and product on a paper and paste it on the spreader. Improper use of spreader carries the nutrients into lakes and streams which assist algae and weeds to grow which affects the atmosphere of aquatic organisms and cause a hurdle for swimming.

Recommended Reading

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