{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.021264028352037802, 'fraction_numerical': 0.004725339633786178, 'mean_word_length': 4.964788732394366, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Comparison of Variable-Rate Granular Application Equipment

The popularity of variable-rate technology (VRT) has grown but limitations and errors of 
this technology are generally unknown. Therefore, uniform and variable-rate (VR) tests were 
conducted to characterize distribution patterns at various rates and quantify rate changes for 
assessing the application accuracy of 3 VRT granular applicators (2 spinner spreaders and 1 
pneumatic applicator). The characterized single-pass patterns demonstrated consistent shapes but 
deviated slightly from the desired patterns for two applicators at all rates. The simulated overlap 
multiple-pass summary statistics indicated that the three applicators performed satisfactorily with all 
but one of the CV’s less than 20%. A majority of the CV’s were less than 15%. The average 
application rates for 2 applicators were less than the desired levels for all tests. The third applicator 
under-applied at the low rate, over-applied at the high rate, but equaled the desired level at the 
medium rate. The overlap patterns for the spinner spreaders showed consistent peak levels at the 
center of the pattern, valleys on either side, and then tails on the ends that exceeded the desired 
levels. The pneumatic applicator overlap patterns indicated a problem with under-application at its 
center. The most uniform application occurred at the lower application tests for all applicators. Rate 
changes were much quicker for the two newer VR control systems. These results showed distribution 
plots are required along with CV’s to calibrate applicators and correctly assess patterns while new 
technology has improved response time on VRT equipment.