Measurement of Physical Characteristics of Fertilisers and their Influence on Handling and Application

Keywords: Fertilisers, spreaders, physical characteristics, spread pattern.

The measurement of the main physical characteristics of different types of dry fertilisers is described and discussed. These include the grain size distribution, the actual and bulk densities, airborne ‘flying’ characteristics, grain strength, flow characteristics and friction on the spreading disc.

The use of these data in assessing the various spreading characteristics of different fertiliser materials is described, together with the practical measurement of actual performance in the test hall.

The results of the laboratory measurements and the practical tests are combined in a computer-based program from which recommendations for the necessary settings on the broadcaster can be determined.

Variations in physical characteristics between batches of nutritionally similar fertilisers can lead to a requirement for different spreader settings.

Sven Dutzi, Amazonen-Werke, H Dreyer GmbH & Co KG, Hasbergen-Gaste, Germany.

19 Pages, 12 Figures, 2 Tables.