What is the formula to calculate gallons per minute?

The formula for calculating gallons per minute (GPM) is derived based on the relationship between the application rate in gallons per acre (GPA), the speed of the application equipment measured in miles per hour (MPH), and the spacing of the equipment.

In the correct formula, the gallons per minute is determined by taking into account the application rate (GPA) multiplied by the speed (MPH) and the spacing between rows or application points. The division by 5,940 acts as a conversion factor that standardizes the units, enabling the calculation to produce a result in gallons per minute. This factor accounts for the specifics of conversion from acres to square feet and the relationship between the speed and the volume being applied over time.

Using 5,940 is essential because it reflects the conversion from gallons per acre applied over a specified distance of 1 mile (5,280 feet) adjusted for the dimensional factors involved within a minute, thereby allowing the formula to yield a correct and meaningful rate of flow in GPM.

This relationship underscores the importance of understanding how different units interact in agricultural applications and ensuring that calculations are conducted with proper conversions to yield accurate results for effective fertilizer application.