Activities before spreading
102
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 sieves. The sieves 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% a diameter between 2.0 - 3.3 mm,
30% 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 fertiliser
distribution 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 further smaller granules fall 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 may 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 distribution 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 sieves 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 damage the crops as the granules could make holes in the
leaves of the crop.
Summary of Contents for RO-M EW
Page 42: ...Getting familiar with the machine 42 Menu structure...
Page 43: ...Getting familiar with the machine 43...
Page 218: ...Notes 218 Notes...
Page 219: ...Notes 219...
