Whether your objective is to maximise yield from crops or produce the best looking greens or courses, if you apply fertiliser or agrochemicals using a spreader, sprayer or granular applicator, you will achieve better results and spend less if you have your equipment professionally tested and calibrated.
For the very best results spreaders should be calibrated whenever a new fertiliser is used but no less than once a year. Under the National Sprayer Testing Scheme, it is now compulsory for most growers to have their sprayers tested annually.
Sprayer Testing
In the UK, legitimate sprayer testing is subject to the standards set by the National Sprayer Testing Scheme. All engineers must be qualified by the NSTS and test results logged with the Scheme. Naturally our tests are carried out to this standard by qualified engineers who, providing the machine meets the standard, will issue the appropriate MOT certification on site. During the test, all working parts of the machine are checked and recommendations for maintenance made. Should there be a maintenance issue that would cause the machine to fail the MOT or significantly impact upon the evenness of distribution, our engineers are qualified to carry out repairs or make replacements.
Spreader Calibration
We provide a comprehensive calibration service for spreaders with verifiable computerised records to ensure the best possible financial return on fertiliser investment and genuine peace of mind. For sprayers we provide a full assurance scheme compliant NSTS test for which our technicians are fully qualified.
Whether fertilising crops, greens or courses, the best results are achieved when the spread pattern, i.e. the amount of fertiliser that is applied to each section of ground, is as even as possible. The level of variance is known as the coefficient of variation (CV) and for effective spreading should be no more than 10%.
Our test is a three part process which will ensure optimum spreading and a well maintained machine. Whilst we don't believe in testing for testing's sake, our tests are the most comprehensive and produce the most meaningful information of any vailable in the UK today.
- MOT-Style Check - a thorough examination of the machine and its working parts. You will be presented with a checklist showing the condition of the machine and any recommended maintenance.
- Tray Test Analysis - a practical test, based on European and British kitemark standards.
- The CV is measured and presented in an easy to understand graph.
Calibration - wherever the CV can be improved we calibrate the spreader accordingly, retest and present you with the rectified graph and measurement
Slug Pelleter Calibration
There are two types of Slug Pelleter Calibration: Calibration in the field (dynamic calibration) is by far the most accurate and there are several ways it can be done; Static calibration tests can be carried out any time of year or weather, so both methods are useful.
Static Calibration
- Check speed by driving between two canes spaced 100m apart and time in seconds
- Set machine to spread a normal width
- Study product lavel to select application rate
- Calculate how much machine should spread in one minute.
- Refer to output chart for machine and set aperture
- Run machine for one minute and collect output
- Compare output with target output - make any adjustments, repeat until target is reached. Record settings
Dynamic Calibration
This involves spreading the pellets on the land.
Driving over 100m, working out how much product should be on the area of say 100m x 24m, putting this exact amount of product in the hopper and seeing where you run out. You can then either adjust your speed or aperture setting until you get it dead right. This could take up to 3 runs
We carry out both Static and Dynamic calibrations depending on the client and situation.
