What is the numerical factor that converts bed-applied per-acre rates to broadcast rates given bed width 40 inches and row spacing 72 inches?

• A. 0.333
• B. 0.444
• C. 0.556
• D. 0.667

Answer: (C)

Converting bed-applied rates to broadcast rates depends on how much of the field is actually covered by the beds. The bed width and row spacing define the bed-coverage fraction: in each 72-inch-wide strip, 40 inches are bed. So the fraction of area that is bed is 40/72 ≈ 0.5556, about 0.556. Multiply the bed-applied rate per acre by this factor to get the broadcast rate per acre. For example, a bed rate of X would become X × 0.556 when spread over the whole field.