Calibration of fertilizers for application of AGROMENAS – G and NEREA to sugarcane

Abstract

FMCM-1 and TATU fertilizer spreaders are used for sugarcane fertilization in Cuba. The objective of this research was to calibrate the FMCM-1 and TATU fertilizer spreaders for the high-productivity application of NEREA fertilizer and AGROMENAS – G organo mineral fertilizer. The methodology included the experimental calibration of the delivery rate in kg min^-1 of the fertilizer spreaders and the determination of the effective field capacity during the application of both fertilizers, using known methods.  The experimental calibration showed that for AGROMENAS – G, the    FMCM-1 only delivers 25,56 kg min⁻¹ and the TATU fertilizer spreader 19,37 kg min⁻¹, both below the flow rate required to meet the application dose, reaching only 34% and 26% respectively. In the case of NEREA, although a flow rate of 37,33 kg min⁻¹ is required, the FMCM-1 delivers 17,37 kg min⁻¹ and the TATU 13,97 kg min⁻¹, which represents less than 50% of the required flow rate. The effective field capacities for the application of NEREA (0.29 and 0.36 ha h⁻¹) and AGROMENAS – G (0.20 and 0.27 ha h⁻¹), working at the speeds that allow the standard delivery dose, are lower than the usual capacity of 0.78 ha h⁻¹ achieved at 7 km h⁻¹. This compromises compliance with production plans and the timely fertilization of sugarcane shoots.