Imprecise fertiliser applications can bite both ways. Not only can it lead to oversupply of fertiliser, increasing input costs, incorrect nutritional status can result in striping and missed strips, limiting yield.
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While a number of spreader companies are set up for precision application, Gason offer a home-grown option.
Released in 2017 the Gason 9 tonne 7390 spreader and the 12t 7312 spreader, are available fitted with either a ground-drive feed chain or a hydraulic drive for variable rate control.
Both models can be fitted with either multi-purpose or widespread spinner sets.
AF Gason director and agricultural division head Greg Gason said the changes were a result of customer demand.
"The market is demanding a 36 metre spread width to suit their cropping program," he said.
"We redesigned the back end, after three years of extensive development and testing in the paddock."
Mr Gason said since its release, the precision spreader range had performed well.
"Overall sales for this financial year have been above budget, despite the drought and a lot of our market being in NSW," he said.
Mr Gason said the system utilised a removable widespread centre V that provides increased flexibility when changing from different products.
"Spinners can be switched easily so you can run lime, gypsum and manure," he said.
Mr Gason said the option of load cells for accurate assessment of remaining product from the cab as well as the variable rate technology hydraulic drive metering system for manual or prescription rate use had proven popular.
"The machines have performed really well, we've had good feedback, people have found the load cells particularly handy," he said.
"With the load cells you can monitor the load on the go, and keep an eye on where they are up to and how soon until they run out."
Mr Gason couldn't confirm whether people were using the precision features, such as variable rate, on their farms but he said farmers wanted the capability in the spreader, should they choose to turn it on.
"The accuracy you get, the more even spread, means they can go wider," he said.
"This can mean less traffic and less time in the paddock."
Mr Gason said the spreaders had performed well when tested by the Kondinin group, in terms of spreader pattern and throw, meeting a coefficient of variation of just 15 per cent when tested with 60 and 100 kilogram rates of urea out to 36 metres.
Mr Gason said while precision features had gained popularity there was still demand for standard gear.
"Our sales for the general purpose versions of the spreader have been good as well, its six of one, half a dozen of the other," he said.
Mr Gason said optional extras on the spreaders included a choice of control monitors, roll over tarp kit, rear tail lights, hydraulic trailer brakes, narrow and 3 metre control traffic axles and heavy duty manure spinners.
