Studies into the spatial distribution of fertiliser and seed applied from light aircraft

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
An evaluation is presented of a technique to estimate losses, mainly as off-target drift, of the small-particle component of aerial superphosphate Recovery by collection in water and subsequently analysing for P content under-estimated the amount recovered. This was possibly due to uncertainty in analyses of the P content of the fertiliser applied through changes in moisture content. Dry recovery in Invermay catchers did not prove an accurate means of measuring absolute recovery, but is considered reliable for the measurement of relative recoveries. Seed recovery in the Invermay catchers was considered reliable and was greater than in jars containing water, largely owing to greater recovery of white clover seed. The data have been used in the estimation of efficiency of use of fertiliser. Applied to the Invermay soil type the measured airdrops would have resulted in pasture production generally in the range of 70 to 85% of that produced by an equivalent amount of fertiliser applied evenly. Limitations in the interpretation and application of these data to other situations are discussed. Within regions of the fertiliser swath receiving 100 lb/ac or more there was no marked difference in width of spread between aerial and granulated superphosphate.

This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit: