What is a significant risk associated with using rotary spreaders for granular application?

Using rotary spreaders for granular application is often connected to the risk of unintentionally dispersing granules onto non-target surfaces. This occurs because rotary spreaders work by flinging granules outward as they rotate, which can lead to a broader spread pattern than intended. This characteristic can result in granules landing on adjacent properties, gardens, water bodies, or unintended areas, potentially causing environmental harm, affecting non-target plants, or contaminating water supplies.

It's important to manage the spread pattern and to understand that while rotary spreaders can cover large areas efficiently, they must be used with precision to prevent overspreading. Proper calibration and technique can mitigate this risk, but the inherent design of the rotary spreader poses a significant concern regarding granule control.