The main difference between a Nevada RainWave™ and a traditional Splash Plate effluent applicator is the way the effluent is spread. A comparison we often use is to imagine the difference between shaking a hose from side to side, or getting a hose and putting your finger over the edge to create a fan. Each method has its advantages, but also different levels of efficiency when it comes to spreading nutrients on the farm.
Nevada RainWave™
The RainWave™ is designed to have an oscillating system that is self-driven. There is no hydraulic or electric drive, it simply oscillates from side to side to give a nice wide and even spread of effluent across the paddock. As the system oscillates, large droplets fall through the grass/crop onto the ground surface. There are virtually no wind drift issues and no volatilisation of nitrogen disappearing into the atmosphere. With minimal smell or odour, the Nevada RainWave™ gives an advantage for efficient and accurate spreading.
Standard on Nevada Single and Tandem Axle Slurry Tankers, the RainWave™ applicator provides a wider, more controlled spread compared to a splash plate applicator. Nevada’s larger range of Tankers, the Tridem Axle series come fitted with a duo RainWave™. Offering more control for larger tankers with a 15 metre spread width, plus creating a fast and efficient unload time, so you can easily go back and grab the next load.
Splash Plate
With a splash plate, effluent hits the plate with pressure to break up the particles. The fine nitrogen particles can dissipate into the atmosphere which causes wind drift. Particularly in windy conditions, airborne particles can make the tanker dirty creating more potential issues of odour. Splash plates lack efficiency with an uneven spread. With more placement just behind the tractor instead of out to the sides, the spread will not reach as far as other methods. However, a splash plate offers low maintenance and can be fitted to any tanker set up.
Results
In terms of spread and pasture growth results, the RainWave™ is more comparable to a dropper boom or trailing shoe, rather than a direct comparison to a splash plate. The RainWave™ may need occasional maintenance due to the oscillating mechanism, but is far less than implementing a dropper boom or trailing shoe as an applicator option.
Every Nevada Slurry Tanker comes complete with a RainWave™ applicator, making it easy for effluent spreading with little set-up. The Nevada RainWave™ can be easily retro-fitted to most slurry tankers, giving you a simple upgrade for better effluent distribution.
Not sure if a RainWave™ or a splash plate is the best fit for your set-up? Our team is happy to help - get in touch to find the right solution for your effluent management needs!