Chemical Distribution Patterns for Blended Fertilizers in the Field

The homogeneous application of fertilizers depends on the physical properties of the particles, such as particle size distribution, bulk density, particle shape and breaking strength. Often with blended fertilizers, each component has its own physical characteristics. Experiments were carried out to determine the transversal distribution patterns of the components of two blended fertilizers after spreading. It was found that components were segregated according to the projection distance and that this resulted in an uneven chemical application over the field. Several tests show that the application rate of some components can vary by more than 40%. The granulometry of the particles explains only partly the behaviour of the blend, others factors linked to the motion of the particles on the disc must be taken into account.