Lawn Care/Maintenance/Equipment/Maintenance Equipment/Spreaders

Spreader

Spreaders have multiple uses. They may be used for laying seed, for applying fertilizer, lime or soil topdressing. They may apply pre or post-emergence herbicides or some treatments for disease. Generally, spreaders can be calibrated for most applications other than seeding.

Spreaders are of two general type:

  1. Rotary Spreader
    Image Source: Texas A&M
    Turfgrass Program
    Rotary Spreaders are particularly useful for applications involving large particles. They can lay a much wider row, but have a graded distribution pattern much heavier in the middle of a row than at the edges
  2. Drop Spreader
    Image Source: Texas A&M
    Turfgrass Program
    Drop-Type spreaders are much more even in their application, but usually do not cover as wide an area. They require careful alingment to avoid gaps or "hot spots". They can be calibrated very precisely for optimum application rates

    A graphic demonstration of how to calibrate a drop spreader is available at:

Finally, for a much more through discussion of spreaders and application, see: (Louisiana) Granular Spreaders: Selection Calibration, Testing and Use (67-page book!)

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