The agricultural sector is witnessing a significant shift in fertilizer application methods, with the simultaneous use of two types of fertilizers becoming increasingly feasible. This innovation offers farmers a way to optimize their operations, particularly when considering the three key nutrients that dominate fertilizer applications: nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. Traditionally, farmers have relied on compound fertilizers, which combine various nutrients into a single granule, or blends of different fertilizers. While these methods have their advantages, they also come with limitations that this new approach aims to address.
One of the primary benefits of spreading two types of fertilizer at once is the efficiency it brings to labor and time management. Using a single spreader to apply multiple nutrients can streamline the process, allowing farmers to cover more ground in less time. However, the industry has long grappled with the challenges posed by the physical properties of certain fertilizers. For instance, potassium chloride, known as kali 60, has an angular shape that leads to separation when mixed with other granules. This separation issue has prompted manufacturers to develop fertilizers in specific granule forms and sizes that align with those of calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), thereby mitigating the problem.
Despite these advancements, the production of blended fertilizers often incurs additional costs due to the processing required to create them. Straight fertilizers tend to be more economical, as the extra steps involved in creating blends increase both time and expense. Furthermore, blends come with fixed ratios of components, which may not align with the variable needs dictated by precision farming practices. As a result, the option of spreading each fertilizer separately has emerged, although it necessitates additional passes over the field, which is less efficient.
To tackle this issue, innovative solutions have been developed, such as the dual-spreader system introduced by Amazone in 2017. This system allows for the simultaneous use of one spreader mounted on the front hitch and another on the rear, with software designed to manage the spreading functions in a mirrored configuration. This setup includes features for boundary, edge, and ditch spreading, as well as optimized switch points for section control. Kverneland has also joined the fray with its own dual-spreading system, which requires dual Isobus control for effective operation.
However, the implementation of such systems is not without its challenges. The need for precise GPS control is paramount, as both spreaders must be defined as separate implements within the system. Additionally, practical considerations arise, such as the mechanical design of spreaders, which often necessitates adaptations to function correctly when mounted on the front hitch. These complexities can be addressed through factory solutions offered by Amazone and Kverneland, which simplify the integration of front and rear-mounted spreaders.
Despite the clear advantages of using two spreaders, including improved weight distribution and increased hopper capacity, market adoption has been slow, particularly in regions where this practice is not yet common. Conversations with suppliers indicate a growing interest, but the financial investment required—often more than double that of a single spreader—remains a significant barrier. For some farmers, the practical limitations of visibility and weight when using a large front-mounted spreader lead them to explore alternative solutions, such as mounting two spreaders on a single chassis.
Internationally, the practice of utilizing front and rear-mounted spreaders simultaneously is more prevalent, particularly in countries like France. This method not only enhances operational efficiency but also serves as a viable alternative to larger spreaders when applying a single fertilizer type. The implications of these advancements are profound, as they offer farmers a way to optimize their nutrient management while addressing the challenges posed by traditional fertilizer application methods. As the agricultural industry continues to innovate, the integration of dual-spreader systems may pave the way for more efficient and effective fertilizer use, ultimately contributing to sustainable farming practices.