THE increasing acidification of WA Wheatbelt topsoils has led to an exponential increase in lime sand spreading as a neutralising factor.
But for farmers employing controlled traffic farming, particularly in windy environments, a fertiliser spreader's "throw", with an even spread of application, becomes a critical component of the operation.
It's why east Yuna farmer Greg "Jack" Creasy opted for a new Agrispread model this year after assessing the market.
"It was time for an upgrade and I wanted a spreader to accommodate the 12m (40ft) controlled traffic strips," he said. "And I wanted a unit with variable rate capacity."
The clincher for Mr Creasy was the company assurance that the Agrispread was rated to spread 12m of lime sand in windy conditions.
The industry standard in Australia is 10m (33ft).
Mr Creasy has been liming since the early 1990s and limes between 20 and 25 per cent of his property a year.
"There's no doubt the liming is working and we've got the 0-10cm (0-4in) of topsoil in a pH range between 5 and 5.5 and we're slowly getting the subsoil (30cm, 12in) up to between 4.5 and 5.0.
"You generally paddocks when they need it and we'll keep at it to get the pH levels up."
It is self-evident that introducing another "must-do" pass needs to be cost effective and this was uppermost in Mr Creasy's mind when he chose the Agrispread.
"The spreading width was a big factor because we have a lot of wind up here but I also was impressed with its solid build and auto scales which are linked to the controller (Apollo RDS) for auto calibration.
"And of course its variable rate capability."
With the arrival of a 16.5 tonne capacity model last month, Mr Creasy was quick to put it into action and was pleased with its performance.
"I'm spreading 2t/ha in very windy conditions and it is comfortably spreading to 12m and more," he said. "With no wind I can get out 14m (46ft).
"It also pulls very well and is smooth in operation and the controller is easy to use so overall it's an impressive piece of gear."
The Agrispread is capable of spreading a wide range of product including lime, fertiliser, fibrophos, sand, salt nd poultry waste.
Hydraulic control of the spinners and drop-point adjustment ensure accurate spreading up to 24m (80ft), depending on the type of material and weather conditions.
A range of models are available from 1.5 to 16.5 tonnes and all models come standard with user-friendly test kits, allowing continuous testing of spread patterns.
The results of these test kits can be visually checked or through an online test results service.
Standard features include a roll tarp; headland control; hydraulic spinners; plastic mudguards; tail lights; sprung drawbar; hydraulic brakes; stainless steel nuts, bolts, belt rollers, rear discharge and hydraulic fittings; quick-change lime and fertiliser disc; high-spec calibration test kit (13 test trays).
Options include an Apollo computer with hydraulic drive and VRT-ready compatible with Trimble, GreenStar and Topcon.
Load cells also are an option along with two or three metre wheel centres for controlled traffic.
The Agrispread is distributed by Yuna-based Agrispread Australia, which has the Australian distributorship rights from family-owned Irish manufacturers Running Gear Limited.
In WA, McIntosh&Son and Staines Esperance have been appointed dealers.
The company has developed an extensive range of agricultural machinery under the Agrispread brand.
p More information: Contact your local McIntosh & Son dealer or Staines, Esperance.