Uneven fertilizer feeds some plants too much and others too little, so the entire field grows unevenly.

What can go wrong

• Over-fertilized crops grow tall and dark green; under-fertilized crops stay short and weak.

• Too much fertilizer in one spot will dry out the leaves and damage the roots.

• Poorly fed patches will have yellow leaves, thin stems and poor flowering.

• Fruit size and overall output are inconsistent; grain size is inconsistent.

• Overfed plants have soft growth that attracts insects and diseases.

• Plants mature at different times, which makes harvesting difficult.

• Excess fertilizer is lost by runoff or leaching, polluting the water.

How to avoid it

• Calibrate your spreader before every season.

• Test your soil so you apply only what is needed.

• Split doses into two or three smaller applications.

• Apply on a calm day when the field is not waterlogged.

• Overlap passes correctly and keep a steady tractor speed.

Even spreading of fertilizer means even crops, better profit, and healthier soil. A little time on calibration and soil testing before sowing can save you from losses later and keep every plant growing at the same pace.