Vicon RO-C 1400, User Manual, Page: 54 / 157

To be done before spreading
54
Determining distribution
The distribution is the ratio of granules with different diameters. A
distribution meter comes with every spreader. This meter has 4
sections, with seven parts. The seven have different mesh width that
divide the fertiliser granules, based on their diameters.

Distribution of 0-70-30-0 indicates none of the granules has a
diameter of less than 2.0 mm, 70% have a diameter between 2.0 - 3.3
mm, 30% have a diameter between 3.3 - 4.75 mm and none is larger
than 4.75 mm.
You should therefore do the following to determine the distribution of
the fertiliser with the distribution meter:

Fill the slot that reads 4.75 mm and close the other openings with
the cover.

Close the distribution meter with the cover and keep it on its side.

Shake it for as long as no more smaller granules are falling through
the sieves.

Turn the distribution meter back up and read the content of each
slot. The given percentages should add up to 100%. It could be
necessary to round the readings off with small and round granules.

Repeat the steps above three times and then determine the
average distribution.
T
IP
Fill the fraction meter from another part of the hopper in order to obtain
a good average as the larger granules tend to roll to the outer part of
the hopper.
T
IP
Clean the seven parts regularly in order to prevent them from getting
blocked.

The last figure indicates how you can read the following distribution:
0-70-30-0
Indication with regard to the distribution:
•
If the diameter of 10% or more of the fertiliser granules is smaller
than 2.0 mm the fertiliser type would be difficult to spread,
especially with large working widths. This could result in a less than
optimal distribution and could damage the crops.
•
If the diameter of 80 - 100% of the fertiliser granules is between 2.0
and 4.75 mm, the fertiliser would be good to spread, irrespective of
the size of the remaining granules.
•
If the diameter of 20% or more of the fertiliser granules is greater
than 4.75 mm it would be difficult for optimum distribution. This
could lead to damage to the crops as the granules could make
holes in the leaves of the crop.