Broadcast spreader setting - Ask Extension
Hello, Thank you for the detailed soil test. I now know that I need to add potassium. My questions: 1) Can you make a recommendation for the spreader ...
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Broadcast spreader setting #867534
Asked May 08, 2024, 10:22 AM EDT
Hello, Thank you for the detailed soil test. I now know that I need to add potassium. My questions: 1) Can you make a recommendation for the spreader stetting on a Scott's standard broadcast spreader for your yearly recommendation of 3-4 lbs. Nitrogen and 1 lb. Potassium per 1000 sq. feet, assuming twice a year application? 2) How would I adjust for a "weed and feed" product? Thanks so much, Jeff
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
It's difficult to make an accurate recommendation for a broadcast spreader of any brand. Your Scott's spreader should be calibrated (unless using the Scott's brand of fertilizer). Here are several instructions (and a video) that tell you how to perform a calibration of your broadcast spreader:
https://extension.psu.edu/calibration-how-tos-how-to-calibrate-your-rotary-spreader
https://turf.purdue.edu/spacing-between-passes-with-a-rotary-spreader/
https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/430/430-017/430-017_pdf.pdf
https://extension.unh.edu/resource/calibrating-fertilizer-spreader-video
https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/rotary-spreader-calibration-procedures
Be sure to walk at the same pace (speed) for all calibration tests and the actual fertilizer application! Use the same brand of fertilizer for both calibration and application every time.
Also you should know that 1# of nitrogen per 1000 Sq Ft is the maximum recommended amount you should apply at each fertilizer application unless your fertilizer contains slow release nitrogen. More on fertilizer application (& rates) here:
https://turf.purdue.edu/fertilizer-recommendations/
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/AY/AY-22-W.pdf
https://extension.psu.edu/turfgrass-fertilization-a-basic-guide-for-professional-turfgrass-managers
Potassium will be applied as a ratio of nitrogen depending on the analysis of the fertilizer you purchased (20-0-4, 24-0-5, 32-0-10 etc.). Winterizer fertilizer has higher Potassium amounts but is often difficult to find in the late spring. You may consider an application of Muriate of Potash (KCl: 0-0-60 to 0-0-62) or Potassium sulfate (0-0-50 to 0-0-52) per your soil test instructions.
To adjust your spreader for a weed and feed product you should perform the calibration procedure using that product to accurately know how much fertilizer and herbicide are being applied per 1000 Sq Ft.
MSU Extension does not endorse any retailers or brands.
https://extension.psu.edu/calibration-how-tos-how-to-calibrate-your-rotary-spreader
https://turf.purdue.edu/spacing-between-passes-with-a-rotary-spreader/
https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/430/430-017/430-017_pdf.pdf
https://extension.unh.edu/resource/calibrating-fertilizer-spreader-video
https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/rotary-spreader-calibration-procedures
Be sure to walk at the same pace (speed) for all calibration tests and the actual fertilizer application! Use the same brand of fertilizer for both calibration and application every time.
Also you should know that 1# of nitrogen per 1000 Sq Ft is the maximum recommended amount you should apply at each fertilizer application unless your fertilizer contains slow release nitrogen. More on fertilizer application (& rates) here:
https://turf.purdue.edu/fertilizer-recommendations/
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/AY/AY-22-W.pdf
https://extension.psu.edu/turfgrass-fertilization-a-basic-guide-for-professional-turfgrass-managers
Potassium will be applied as a ratio of nitrogen depending on the analysis of the fertilizer you purchased (20-0-4, 24-0-5, 32-0-10 etc.). Winterizer fertilizer has higher Potassium amounts but is often difficult to find in the late spring. You may consider an application of Muriate of Potash (KCl: 0-0-60 to 0-0-62) or Potassium sulfate (0-0-50 to 0-0-52) per your soil test instructions.
To adjust your spreader for a weed and feed product you should perform the calibration procedure using that product to accurately know how much fertilizer and herbicide are being applied per 1000 Sq Ft.
MSU Extension does not endorse any retailers or brands.
Dick,
What a wealth of information! I finally know how to determine proper application rates. I can’t thank you enough!
Jeff
On May 12, 2024, at 11:02 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
