Method and apparatus for calibrating agricultural granular material applicators

摘要

The method and apparatus of the present invention enables a farmer or other agricultural worker to conveniently and efficiently calibrate the rate at which a granular material, particularly a granular pesticide, is dispensed from an agricultural planter. A stationary calibration unit has a motor and a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft is insertable into a pesticide dispenser forming part of the agricultural planter. Rotation of the shaft simulates movement of the agricultural vehicle carrying the planter in the field to determine the rate at which a granular pesticide is dispensed. The dispensing rate may thereafter be adjusted to a desired value and checked by again running the motor of the stationary unit to simulate field conditions. The calibration unit enables adjustment and recalibration of the dispensing rate of granular pesticide from an agricultural planter without the necessity and burden of performing trial and error field measurements and adjustments.