Advertised Fertilizer Separation?

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Is Published Centre-to-Centre Distance True Separation?

Is the published centre-to-centre distance truly product separation? When researching one-pass seeding systems, you will read about:

recommended fertilizer separation;
published seed-to-fertilizer opener spacing.

Published Centre-to-Centre is not Product Separation! In the study of the effects of one-pass seeding on crop health, agriculture researchers describe seed-to-fertilizer separation as the minimum distance that must be maintained between the two products. When describing their one-pass seeding systems, manufacturers publish the distance between the centre of the seed applicator and the centre of the fertilizer applicator. Centre-to-centre distance of the openers is not the same as minimum product separation. Both the seed and fertilizer will spread out from this centre. The width of spread will depend on soil type, moisture, seeding speed, opener wear, etc. True product separation will be less than the centre-to-centre measurement of that one-pass system. In some cases, the seed and fertilizer will actually be in direct contact! In the side-banding example shown , the centre-to-centre opener distance is 1.5 inches, but each opener width is 0.5". It is reasonable to assume that in ideal conditions, the fertilizer and seed will each spread at least the width of the openers. This leaves only 1" of actual horizontal separation between the seed and the fertilizer. Dry seeding conditions, or attempts to seed at higher than recommended speeds will further reduce the actual separation.	Actual product separation is less than published centre to centre opener spacing.
Disclaimers are Required to Protect the Manufacturer, not the Producer! Since it is inevitable that it necessary for side-bander manufacturer to publish disclaimers for their products: Typical side-bander warning “Warning - This opener system has the potential for creating seed burn due to fertilizer contact with the seed. The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for any crop loss caused by this opener. ” Quote taken directly from the Operator’s Manual for a dual knife system “Many farmers have successfully seeded all crop types while using anhydrous ammonia, however, the manufacturer takes no responsibility if seeding damage is caused by anhydrous ammonia.”
The Bourgault MRB® Seeding System Guarantees Product Separation	Guaranteed Separation One of the many benefits of the Bourgault Mid Row Bander® seeding system is the freedom from worry of seed-to-fertilizer contact. With a spacing of 1" vertical and 5" to the side, even if the actual product separation is 4", the seed is well protected from the danger of salt effect or fertilizer toxicity. Ideal Location Mid row is the ideal location for the nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen, in the form of nitrate is highly mobile and easily accessible by the growing plant.
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