What is essential for professional fertilizer applicators regarding equipment?

Proper use and calibration of equipment is crucial for professional fertilizer applicators for several reasons. Effective fertilizer application relies on the accuracy of the equipment used, which directly influences crop health, yield, and environmental safety. If the application equipment is not calibrated correctly, it could lead to over-application or under-application of fertilizers. Over-application can cause nutrient runoff, harming water sources, while under-application may result in inadequate nutrient supply to plants, affecting growth and productivity.

Regular training in the proper use of equipment ensures that applicators are familiar with the different settings and features of their machines, allowing them to adjust them based on specific field conditions. Calibration involves adjusting the equipment to achieve the desired application rate, which is vital for achieving optimal agronomic performance and minimizing negative environmental impacts.

In contrast, while daily inspections and annual maintenance are important to ensure equipment functionality and longevity, they do not replace the necessity of correct use and calibration. Simply relying on new equipment each season may not guarantee effectiveness if it is not used or calibrated correctly, emphasizing that knowledge and skill in operation take precedence over merely the equipment's age or condition.