Abstract
Uniformity in the deposition of granulated fertilizers in the seed furrow is essential for crop development and productivity. Quantitative (dose and flow) and qualitative factors (segregation and formulation) influence granulated fertilizer distribution throughout its application. This experiment aimed to compare the deposition of two granulated fertilizers with different chemical formulations (04-14-08 and 04-30-10), using the helical overflow metering mechanism at three different operating speeds (4.0, 7.0, and 10.0 km h−1), simulated on an electronic bench. The granulated fertilizers were analyzed for particle size, density, angle of repose, and water content. On the other hand, the deposition data were subjected to descriptive statistics and frequency histograms. The angle of repose and water content did not differ between fertilizers, while the density difference was not significant. The granulated fertilizer 04-30-10 presented the most uniform particle size compared to the granulated fertilizer 04-14-08. The higher particle size uniformity was responsible for a more homogeneous deposition in the seed furrow for the granulated fertilizer 04-30-10 at a speed of 4.0 km h−1, followed by 7.0 km h−1.
Highlights
Fertilizers are the most relevant agricultural inputs in the Brazilian economy
Granulated fertilizer quality is related to the occurrence of segregation, which can change the amounts of nutrients deposited along the seed furrow (Feltran et al, 2006)
Both fertilizers were within the parameters established by ABNT, as the quantities of passing particles of granulated fertilizers GF1 and GF2 on the 2.0-and 1.0-mm meshes amounted to approximately 4% (Table 1)
Summary
Fertilizers are the most relevant agricultural inputs in the Brazilian economy. According to FAO (2019), Brazil ranked fourth in the use of mineral nutrients in 2016, representing 7.63% of the total consumption in the world. Fertilizer quality, related to particle size and uniformity, is of fundamental importance in crop productivity, considering the search for profitability (Reynaldo et al, 2016a). Granulated fertilizer quality is related to the occurrence of segregation, which can change the amounts of nutrients deposited along the seed furrow (Feltran et al, 2006). The correct distribution of granulated fertilizers in quantity and uniformity is important, as the rational use of this resource in agriculture contributes to the optimization of the profitability of producers, in addition to minimizing the impacts on the environment due to reduced contamination of soil and water resources (Sousa et al, 2011)
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