Why is it necessary to recalibrate a granular applicator for each product?

Why is it necessary to recalibrate a granular applicator for each product?

• A. Granules vary in flow rate, density, or moisture which affects application rate
• B. Only new products require recalibration; old ones don't
• C. Calibrations are only needed when changing weather
• D. You can use the same setting for all products

Answer: (A)

Granular applicators meter out a set amount of material, but the actual delivered amount depends on how the granules behave. Different products have varying flow rates, bulk densities, and moisture levels, which change how many granules pass through the metering mechanism per unit time. That means the same mechanical setting can produce too much or too little product when you switch to a different product. Recalibrating for each product ensures the actual application rate matches the intended rate by testing the discharge and adjusting the metering to the target. Weather can influence flow to some extent, but the dominant factor is the product’s physical properties. Relying on one setting for all products leads to inaccurate applications.

Granular applicators meter out a set amount of material, but the actual delivered amount depends on how the granules behave. Different products have varying flow rates, bulk densities, and moisture levels, which change how many granules pass through the metering mechanism per unit time. That means the same mechanical setting can produce too much or too little product when you switch to a different product. Recalibrating for each product ensures the actual application rate matches the intended rate by testing the discharge and adjusting the metering to the target. Weather can influence flow to some extent, but the dominant factor is the product’s physical properties. Relying on one setting for all products leads to inaccurate applications.