Fertilizer Application Equipment Flashcards
7 cards from real CFA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Fertilizer Application Equipment flashcards as text
A subsurface band applicator places fertilizer in the soil primarily to:
Answer: Minimize fertilizer contact with seeds and improve nutrient placement
Subsurface banding minimizes seed-fertilizer contact that can cause salt injury and places nutrients closer to root zones for more efficient uptake.
What is the function of a jet agitator in a liquid fertilizer nurse tank?
Answer: To keep liquid fertilizer uniformly mixed using recirculating liquid jets
Jet agitators recirculate liquid through nozzles submerged in the tank, keeping mixed fertilizers and suspension products uniformly blended.
Which factor most significantly affects the spread width of a rotary spinner spreader?
Answer: Spinner disc rotation speed and granule size/density
Spinner disc RPM combined with fertilizer granule size and density determines how far and wide granules are thrown from the spreader.
What is 'streaking' in the context of liquid boom fertilizer application?
Answer: Visible lines of over- or under-application caused by nozzle problems
Streaking refers to visible bands of uneven application, typically caused by clogged, worn, or mismatched nozzles on the boom.
An anhydrous ammonia applicator must use which type of specialized hose for transferring the product?
Answer: High-pressure hose rated for anhydrous ammonia service
Anhydrous ammonia requires specially rated hoses and fittings that resist its corrosive and pressure properties to prevent leaks and failures.
What does a GPS variable rate application (VRA) controller allow an applicator to do?
Answer: Automatically adjust fertilizer application rates based on field prescription maps
VRA controllers receive GPS position data and adjust application rates in real time to match prescription maps based on soil variability.
Why should liquid fertilizer booms be flushed with clean water before storing equipment for extended periods?
Answer: To prevent nozzle and line corrosion from residual fertilizer salts
Residual fertilizer salts in lines and nozzles can crystallize and corrode metal parts or clog nozzles during storage.