Suspension Application
Systems Australia
Background:
The application equipment was developed and patented
by Mr Ray Patchett, an aerial operator from New Zealand.
The application system that Ray produced over 10 years
resulted in the ability to apply, finely ground, (100%<125
microns, 95%<75 microns), naturally occurring rock
based elements, such as Lime, Gypsum, Dolomite, Elemental
sulphur, Reactive phosphate rock and a range of trace
elements. The system also allows for the addition of
microbiological stimulants and seed and can all be incorporated
in one pass, reducing application costs significantly.
The components are applied in a wet format minimising
off target losses that would be expected when using
powders.
Why: By
finely grinding the elements (which is achieved by mechanical
means on the surface) it makes them more readily available
to the plants and to interact with the soil profile.
The system has the ability to mix on site, a range of
elements needed for the soil being treated. The products
are mixed at a ratio of about 70% product to 30% water
making it the consistency of thick paint. The water
can be replaced by microbiological stimulant or liquid
trace elements as required, thus eliminating the need
for extra applications. A mixture of products can be
applied at rates of 400kg/ha in one pass, offering sufficient
quantities to ensure higher crop and pasture productivity.
Because very fine rock based elements are used it means
that all product applied is readily available in the
growing season, resulting in less product required which
leads to less transportation and application costs.
The increase in efficiency of products as the particle
size decreases has been widely documented, also the
need to distribute the particles in a very even manner
as there is virtually no horizontal movement of the
particle once it enters the soil profile. This application
system delivers a very even application, thus ensuring
availability to all plants and not just a percentage.
How The System Works:
The system is fitted to standard Agricultural Aeroplanes
with a minimal amount of modification. The use of a
specifically designed high volume pump delivers the
material being applied to the patented boom and nozzle
system at low pressure. The engineering design incorporated
into the boom allows the system to be turned on and
off without blocking. The airflow over the nozzle plays
an important part in the even distribution of the particles
to the ground. After soil samples have been analysed,
products are determined which best suits the needs of
the soil being treated. These products are finely ground
and mixed in a mixing unit on site, ready for dispersal
by the aircraft.
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