GROWERS have been reminded to make sure they are sorted for the start of the spring by setting up their fertiliser spreaders properly, ready for work.

Rob Foxall of SCS Spreader & Sprayer Testing Ltd, said that, with the wide range of fertilisers available, it was important that every machine was set up for the grade of fertiliser to be used on each farm.

"Don’t just get the machine out of the shed and rely on last year’s settings," he said. "Product formulations change and you could be wasting money by over-dosing with expensive fertiliser. Or, just as bad in my view, by not allowing the crop to reach its full potential and losing money by under-dosing."

He said the most important part of calibrating a fertiliser spreader was to tray test that machine with the intended fertiliser.

"In my experience, settings in the instruction books are only a guide. Your machine and your fertiliser may well produce a more accurate spread pattern using slightly different settings. The only way to be certain is to do a full width tray testing using a full set of trays. Attention to detail, such as this, is the way to get the most from your crop."

With the new National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) fertiliser spreader testing scheme launched in September, SCS is ahead of the game by offering this detailed level of testing.

"We set rigorous test standards for fertiliser applicators and have a wealth of experience, with a network of engineers across the UK. No single farm is too far away to benefit," Mr Foxall said.

The Sustainable Use Directive indicates that all active applicator equipment needs an NSTS certificate by November 29, 2016.