A Common Sense First Step Into Precision Farming... We believe lime is the most cost effective entry into variable rate technology. By starting with lime and releasing the nutrients tied up by acid soil, comprehensive soil tests will then show actual, available nutrient levels.
For a trailer spreader, we can operate the conveyor chain using 20 gpm hydraulic flow from your tractor and run the spinners with the PTO. We then add the hydraulic control valve and the rate sensor. You plug in your rate controller and use your radar or GPS.
Or we can add a PTO-operated pump and reservoir to the tongue and run the entire spreader with hydraulics.
The illustration below shows the feedback loops between the hydraulics and the electronics:
If you are interested in the potential of variable rate application, here is a reasonable way to get started, with minimal cost and the best chance of seeing real results. Stoltzfus can make both truck spreaders and trailer spreaders GPS-Ready. This allows you to plug in new components when you make the next step toward site specific soil management.
Stoltzfus: 121 Morgan Way, P.O. Box
527, Morgantown, PA 19543
Tel: 610.286.5146 | Toll Free: 800.843.8731
| Fax: 610.286.6600
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