What does the overlap distance refer to in fertilizer application?

The overlap distance refers to the distance each pass of fertilizer application overlaps the previous one. This concept is crucial for ensuring even coverage of fertilizer across a field. When a spreader is used, it may not apply the fertilizer in perfect uniformity, so overlapping the applications helps to eliminate gaps that could lead to uneven growth or areas receiving insufficient nutrients. Proper management of the overlap distance can help optimize fertilizer use, minimize waste, and maintain environmental standards by preventing over-concentration of nutrients.

The other choices do not accurately capture the concept of overlap distance. The space between each pass, while important for application patterns, does not pertain to how much one pass overlaps another. The total area fertilized is a broader metric that reflects the overall coverage but does not pertain specifically to overlap. The width of the spreader indicates the area covered in a single pass, but it does not define the overlap itself. Focusing on the proper overlap distance helps enhance application efficiency and effectiveness in fertilizer management.