What is meant by effective swath width?

Effective swath width refers specifically to the distance between the two points on either side of the spreader where the amount of fertilizer collected is half of what is collected in the center. This measurement is critical for understanding how evenly the fertilizer is distributed across the field. When applying fertilizer, it's important to ensure that the coverage is uniform to prevent over-application in some areas and under-application in others, which could lead to environmental issues or crop health problems.

Understanding effective swath width allows farmers and applicators to optimize their spreader settings and strategies, ensuring that the application aligns with best practices for crop nutrition and environmental stewardship. This concept helps in calculating the correct amounts needed to achieve desired fertilizer application rates across the entire field, promoting efficient use of resources and achieving better crop yields.