Spring time is a good time to top dress paddocks and give them that extra body of feed for the summer months. Below are some tips for getting you started:
-First, select the paddock and pastures you want to improve.
-Secondly, obtain a soil analysis from your local Agronomist or some friendly advice from a local produce store. Once you have been advised or identified the correct fertilizer to use in your paddock you are ready to top dress. It is important that you pick a good time to fertilize preferably before rain is anticipated and in early spring.
It is ideal to have control over the throw of your fertilizer when top dressing. This allows for less wastage by ensuring the fertilizer only falls in the desired areas rather than in neighbouring paddocks etc. With the Southern Cross Mowers spreader the centre gate throws the fertilizer easily behind your tractor and if you are doing fence lines you have the added advantage of left and right gates that are easily adjusted via a control lever. The SXMSpreaderalso has a cone shaped anti-rust plastic hopper this is ideal for Australian conditions and has a capacity of approximately 220kgs when full.
Spreaders can also be useful in correcting soil structure and ph levels. An optional agitator can be fitted to a Southern Cross spreader to help spread lime or gypsum preventing compaction within the spreader hopper.
Another tip to improve pasture when using your spreader is to add seed into your fertilizer mix this will improve your pasture density. Check with your Agronomist or your local produce store regarding rates and mix ratios.
Basic steps on how to use your spreader:
1.Connect the spreader to your tractor via your three-point linkage as per the Operator's Manual
2.Set the flow rates for the fertilizer following the flow rate chart on the machine
3.Lower the machine and carefully add the fertilizer and or seed to the spreader
4.Lift the machine and off you go!
Depending on the season, that is, how much rainfall you have had you should see results within 4-6 weeks. For further information on Southern Cross slashers please contact our team or your local authorised dealer. Alternatively you can email us on sales@sxm.com.au.