Homogeneity analysis of transversal distribution of fertilizers applied by centrifugal spreaders
1995
Tissot, S.
Increasing the regularity of fertilizer spreading is an imperative to obtain a performant agriculture which respects the environment. The study begins by a theoretical analysis of the movement of particles distributed by a centrifugal spreader. The precision and the limits of the models are evaluated by comparison with real applications. Based on the control technique for transversal spreading described by ISO 5690/1 standard (1985), an original measuring methodology has been developed. Well adapted to field conditions, this technique has had several modifications compared to the standard technique. Amongst other things, the definition of measuring containers, their placing and the number of spreader passage have been improved. This procedure enables to illustrate the influence of certain fertilizer characteristics and the efficiency of the spreader's main adjustments. The fertilizer should conform with several quality criteria such as granulometry, bulk density and static angle of repose. Amongst the mechanical variables studied, drop point, pitch angle and length of vane influence distribution in a manner which is systematically linked to their adjustment. An excessive distribution heterogeneity is harmful from an agronomical, economical and environmental point of view. Farm trials show that it is possible to reach an acceptable level of regularity by correctly adjusting spreaders for dosis and type of fertilizer.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by University of Liège