CFA Fertilizer Application Techniques & Equipment 2

Question 1

A farmer wants to apply a pre-emergent herbicide combined with fertilizer in a single pass. Which equipment setup is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Combination applicator with boom sprayer and dry spreader

Answer

Combination applicators allow simultaneous application of liquid herbicides and dry granular fertilizer in one field pass, saving time and reducing soil compaction.

Question 2

What is the primary advantage of split fertilizer applications compared to a single large application?

Accepted Answer

Lower risk of nutrient loss and improved uptake efficiency

Answer

Split applications reduce nutrient loss through leaching and volatilization while matching fertilizer supply more closely to crop demand periods.

Question 3

When calibrating a liquid fertilizer applicator, a technician collects output from nozzles over 30 seconds. What is the next step to determine rate per acre?

Accepted Answer

Convert collected volume to gallons per minute, then calculate coverage rate using speed and width

Answer

Accurate rate calculation requires converting timed output to flow rate (gpm) and factoring in ground speed and boom width to determine gallons per acre.

Question 4

Which soil condition most significantly impairs uniform incorporation of broadcast fertilizer?

Accepted Answer

Excessively cloddy or rough seedbed

Answer

Cloddy, uneven soil surfaces cause inconsistent fertilizer placement and make mechanical incorporation difficult, resulting in uneven nutrient distribution.

Question 5

A boom sprayer's left section is applying at 15% higher rate than the right section. The most likely cause is:

Accepted Answer

Clogged or worn nozzles on the right section

Answer

Clogged or worn nozzles reduce output on that section, making adjacent sections appear to apply at a higher relative rate; nozzle inspection and replacement corrects the imbalance.

CFA Practice Test

CFA Practice Test

CFA Fertilizer Application Techniques & Equipment 2