Advise needed for setting the flow rate on a Fertilizer Buggy

blueriver · Mar 6, 2012

So the local co-op got some new fertilize buggies ... Most times if I want 250 lbs to the acre I just read the chart and open the gate to the setting and read the spread width.

This buggy has a chart for AM-NITRATE one for UREA one for DAP and another for POTASH

The fertilizer was all mixed at the co-op and the buggy filled ... when I got home this evening I saw that chart, called them and asked about it ... he says open it about an inch and you should be good with a swath of 30-40' ... at the cost per ton of fertilze I do not want to assume I should be good.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Western · Mar 6, 2012

I bet with his experience he is close. Other way would also be a guess, average the three settings, I would go with the N setting since that is likely more detrimental for your 1st cutting.

Either way you'll have to decide since rain is eminent.

blueriver · Mar 7, 2012

Yep rain is on the way and current winds are 20 mph ... I'm going to hit it at 6 a.m. using the Urea setting just a shade less than the chart and see how I come out.

BYW ... I called for the buggy on Monday and stated I'd be there first thing Tuesday to get it. Got there and all the buggies where out ... finally picked it up yesterday at 3 p.m. ... they said everyone is trying to get some out before this rain.

The way the grass is coming on early I think its wise to get it out early this year ... $690 a ton for a mix of Urea, DAP and Potash.

Western · Mar 7, 2012

$690

Sure has gone up since I was buying it 3-4 times a year At that price , it should come with a set of "Ginsu" knives!!

Hopefully you don't get the 4-5" their calling for in N East Texas, You'll be down at the creek trying to strain the fertilizer out of the runoff

blueriver · Mar 7, 2012

Western said:
$690 Sure has gone up since I was buying it 3-4 times a year At that price , it should come with a set of "Ginsu" knives!!

Hopefully you don't get the 4-5" their calling for in N East Texas, You'll be down at the creek trying to strain the fertilizer out of the runoff

There calling for 1-2 in my area ... got 2/10ths this afternoon. Actually I'm glad it doesn't call for coffee ... the fertilize is about 35 cents a lb and coffee is what about $5 a lb.

blueriver · Mar 7, 2012

I opened the gate about an inch and that had me run over the field 2x's to empty the spreader ... just more cheap diesel !!!

Western · Mar 7, 2012

Get the 2/10ths before you spread? that would almost break the Urea down good for the coming "soaker" The Bermuda in my yard, though a short growing hybrid, already has 1' runners, your (assuming) coastal B, or Giant should really take off.

Good point on the coffee too, that would make allot of lean cows and broodmares in this country!!

blueriver · Mar 7, 2012

The 2/10ths was this afternoon after it was spread... yes I'm thinking the way the grass is coming on, it (hopefully) was a right decision to get it out this early.

The coffee comparision is the same as diesel ... darn glad my diesel engines don't run on Crown Royal!!

Bob Ha · Mar 7, 2012

Perfect timing for us also. I put Urea out today @ 200lbs per acre ($525 per ton). I'm using last years soil sample that said I needed 90lbs of nitrogen. Grass better grow so I can bale some hay.

Western · Mar 7, 2012

blueriver said:
The coffee comparision is the same as diesel ... darn glad my diesel engines don't run on Crown Royal!!

At least with the CR, you always have refreshments on board:thumbsup:

I think you guys will be cutting and baling double tap the 1st go around. I went and checked the Bermuda Giant I had planted around my pond, I already have runners started and 2-3" green in spots