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
When using a drop spreader versus a rotary spinner spreader, what is the primary operational advantage of the drop spreader?
Answer: More precise placement with less lateral spread beyond the machine width
Drop spreaders release fertilizer directly below the machine, providing precise placement and preventing application onto non-target areas like sidewalks or water features.
What is the purpose of a strainer or inline filter on a liquid fertilizer boom sprayer?
Answer: To remove particles that could clog nozzles and disrupt uniform flow
Strainers catch undissolved particles and debris before they reach nozzles, preventing clogs that cause uneven application.
A fertilizer applicator observes that one side of the boom is applying more product than the other. The most likely cause is:
Answer: Pressure imbalance or different nozzle wear rates on opposite boom sections
Unequal pressure distribution or differential nozzle wear between boom sections causes one side to deliver more or less volume than the other.
What does 'ground speed compensation' mean in modern fertilizer applicator controllers?
Answer: Automatic adjustment of application rate as travel speed changes to maintain consistent pounds per acre
Ground speed compensation automatically increases or decreases product flow to maintain the target application rate when travel speed changes.
When selecting nozzles for a liquid fertilizer boom, what specification most directly determines the application rate per acre?
Answer: Nozzle flow rate (gallons per minute) at operating pressure
Nozzle flow rate at the operating pressure, combined with ground speed and boom spacing, determines the gallons-per-acre application rate.
Which maintenance practice is most critical for ensuring accurate metering in a chain-driven dry fertilizer applicator?
Answer: Checking chain tension and sprocket wear regularly
Proper chain tension and undamaged sprockets ensure the metering mechanism turns at the correct rate, directly affecting application accuracy.
What is the correct procedure when switching between different fertilizer products in a liquid boom sprayer?
Answer: Thoroughly flush the tank, lines, and nozzles with clean water between products
Thoroughly flushing between products prevents chemical incompatibility reactions that can cause precipitation, clogged nozzles, or crop damage.