Bsi bs en 13739 2 2011 (2013)

BS EN 13739-2:2011
IncorporatingBS
corrigenda
May 2012 and May 2013
EN 13739-2:2011

BSI Standards Publication

Agricultural machinery —
Solid fertilizer broadcasters
and full width distributors —
Environmental protection
Part 2: Test methods


BS EN 13739-2:2011

BRITISH STANDARD


ISBN 978 0 580 79142 0

31 May 2012

Implementation of CEN corrigendum May 2012:
Clause 7.1.1.2 has been amended

31 May 2013

Implementation of CEN corrigendum
November 2012: Introduction updated

EN 13739-2

EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

October 2011
Incorporating corrigenda May 2012 and November 2012

ICS 65.060.25

English Version

Agricultural machinery - Solid fertilizer broadcasters and full
width distributors - Environmental protection - Part 2: Test
methods
Matériel agricole - Distributeurs d'engrais solides en nappe
et centrifuges - Protection de l'environnement - Partie 2 :
Méthodes d'essai

Landmaschinen - Ausleger- und Mineraldüngerstreuer Umweltschutz - Teil 2: Prüfverfahren

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 20 August 2011.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same

status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2011 CEN

All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Ref. No. EN 13739-2:2011: E


BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

Contents

Page

Foreword .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
1

Scope ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

2

Normative references ............................................................................................................................ 6

3

Terms and definitions ........................................................................................................................... 6

4
4.1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.2
4.3

Test conditions ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Machine for test ..................................................................................................................................... 8
General .................................................................................................................................................... 8
Transverse test ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Rotating test ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Test materials ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Application rates .................................................................................................................................... 9

5
5.1
5.2
5.3

5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3
5.4
5.5

Test equipment ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Accuracy in weighing measurements ................................................................................................. 9
Transverse test  Devices for receiving fertilizer for transverse distribution ............................. 10 
Rotating test ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Measurement of the angular position of the spreader..................................................................... 10
Data acquisition device ....................................................................................................................... 10
Devices for receiving fertilizer for spread pattern distribution ....................................................... 10 
Test site ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Handling of test materials during the tests ....................................................................................... 11

6
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.5.1
6.5.2
6.6
6.6.1
6.6.2
6.7
6.8
6.9

6.10
6.10.1
6.10.2

Test methods........................................................................................................................................ 11
Contact with obstacles ........................................................................................................................ 11
Estimation of hopper volume – Checking of the spillage ............................................................... 11
Adjustment of flow rate ....................................................................................................................... 11
Reduced working width or throwing width ....................................................................................... 12
Flow rate regulation system, when available (see example in Figure 2) ....................................... 12
Deviations of the flow rate .................................................................................................................. 12
Continuous mass flow measurements .............................................................................................. 12
Evenness of transversal distribution................................................................................................. 13
Arrangement of containers ................................................................................................................. 13
Procedure ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Evenness of transverse distribution near the border ...................................................................... 15 
Evenness of transverse distribution when spreading with equipment for top-dressing............. 15
Deviation of the obtained flow rate from the intended flow rate .................................................... 15 
Evenness of obtained flow rate .......................................................................................................... 15
Obtained flow rate on horizontal ground .......................................................................................... 15
Obtained flow rate on sloping ground ............................................................................................... 16

7
7.1
7.1.1
7.1.2
7.1.3
7.1.4
7.1.5
7.2

7.2.1
7.2.2

Calculation and presentation of test results ..................................................................................... 16
Transverse distribution ....................................................................................................................... 16
Determination of the fertiliser amount distributed ........................................................................... 16
Working width ...................................................................................................................................... 19
Degree of unevenness of transverse distribution ............................................................................ 19
Equipment for spreading near the border ......................................................................................... 19
Top-dressing ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Flow rate ............................................................................................................................................... 21
Obtained flow rate on horizontal ground .......................................................................................... 21
Obtained flow rate on sloping ground ............................................................................................... 21

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BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

8

Test report ............................................................................................................................................ 21

Annex A (normative) Determination and specification of physical properties of test materials ............ 22
Annex B (informative) Example of a fertilizer – collecting container ........................................................ 23
Annex C (informative) Example of a test report ........................................................................................... 24
C.1
General ................................................................................................................................................. 24
C.2

Features of the fertilizer distributor................................................................................................... 24
C.2.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 24
C.2.2 Description ........................................................................................................................................... 24
C.2.3 Dimensions and specifications .......................................................................................................... 24
C.3
Physical properties of test material................................................................................................... 27
C.4
Test conditions .................................................................................................................................... 27
C.5
Test equipment .................................................................................................................................... 27
C.6
Test results .......................................................................................................................................... 28
C.6.1 Contact with obstacles ....................................................................................................................... 28
C.6.2 Estimation of hopper volume ............................................................................................................. 28
C.6.3 Adjustment of flow rate....................................................................................................................... 28
C.6.4 Reduced working width ...................................................................................................................... 28
C.6.5 Flow rate regulation system ............................................................................................................... 28
C.6.6 Evenness of transverse distribution on level ground ..................................................................... 29
C.6.7 Evenness of transverse distribution near the border...................................................................... 29
C.6.8 Evenness of transverse distribution when spreading with equipment for top-dressing 
Statistical results ................................................................................................................................. 30
C.6.9 Deviation from intended flow rates ................................................................................................... 30
C.6.10 Evenness of flow rate.......................................................................................................................... 30
C.7
Inspections ........................................................................................................................................... 30
C.7.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 30
C.7.2 Hopper filling opening ........................................................................................................................ 31
C.7.3 Hopper emptying ................................................................................................................................. 31
C.7.4 Hopper cleaning .................................................................................................................................. 31
C.7.5 Calibration aids.................................................................................................................................... 31

C.7.6 Feeding device ..................................................................................................................................... 31
C.7.7 Spillage ................................................................................................................................................. 31
C.7.8 Instruction handbook .......................................................................................................................... 31
C.8
Remarks ............................................................................................................................................... 32
Bibliography ...................................................................................................................................................... 33

3


BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

Foreword
This document (EN 13739-2:2011) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 144 “Tractors and
machinery for agriculture and forestry”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by April 2012, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the
latest by April 2012.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 13739-2:2003.
This standard consists of the following parts under the general title Agricultural machinery  Solid fertilizer
broadcasters and full width distributors  Environmental protection:


Part 1: Requirements;



Part 2: Test methods.

This document is a revision of EN 13739-2:2003 to take into account the fact that during last years a new
concept of testing facility has been developed. The original document has been completed in order to describe
how to test a spreader with the new facility and how to calculate the results in order to make them comparable
to the ones which would have been obtained with the conventional facilities. Comparative tests carried out in
2007 by test houses and manufacturers have shown that the results obtained with conventional facility are
strictly comparable to the ones obtained with new facility using the calculation methods of this document and
allow verification.
The following changes were introduced compared to the previous version:


updating of normative references;



addition of definitions;



addition of 4.1.3, 5.3, 6.6.1.2, 6.6.2.2 and 7.1.1.2 related to the "Rotating test".

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

4

BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

Introduction
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) draws attention to the fact that it is claimed that
compliance with this document may involve the use of a patent concerning (test bench CEMIB) given in 4.1.3,
5.3, 6.6.1.2, 6.6.2.2, 7.1.1.2.
CEN takes no position concerning the evidence, validity and scope of this patent right.
The holder of this patent right has assured CEN that he is willing to negotiate licences under reasonable and
non-discriminatory terms and conditions with applicants throughout the world. In this respect, the statement of
the holder of this patent right is registered with CEN. Information may be obtained from:
Véronique Vissac-Charles
IRSTEA
1, rue Pierre-Gilles de Gennes
CS 10030
F-92761 Antony cedex
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights other than those identified above. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such
patent rights.

5


BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

1

Scope

This European Standard specifies methods to test mounted, trailed and self-propelled broadcasters and full
width solid fertilizer distributors used in agriculture and horticulture.
This European Standard does not apply to machines which are:


combined grain and fertilizer drills; or



equipment for distributing granulated pesticides; or



solid fertilizer line-distributors (which are dealt with in EN 13740-1:2003 and in EN 13740-2:2003).

If the term ‘machine’ is used it covers both full width distributors and broadcasters, except in the case of
definitions in Part 1.
Two different methods are described in this European Standard to carry out the evaluation test: a transverse
test and a rotating test. The rotating test is mainly adapted to centrifugal spreaders.

2

Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1235:1995, Solid fertilizers  Test sieving (ISO 8397:1988 modified)
EN 1236, Fertilizers  Determination of bulk density (loose) (ISO 3944:1992 modified)

EN 13299, Fertilizers  Determination of flow rate
EN 13739-1:2011, Agricultural machinery  Solid fertilizer broadcasters and full width distributors 
Environmental protection  Part 1: Requirements

3

Terms and definitions

For the purpose of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 13739-1:2011 apply together with the
following:
3.1
reference axis of spread pattern on the ground
half-line the origin of which is at the middle of the segment joining the centre of spreading discs parallel to the
axis of symmetry of the spreader axis progress, and positive backwards
NOTE

See Figure 1.

3.2
angular position of the spreader
angle between the reference axis of spread pattern on the ground and the row of collecting containers during
the measurement

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BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

3.3

transverse test
test carried out by collecting the spread fertilizer in a row of collecting containers having a linear relative
movement parallel to the axis of symmetry of the spreader (either by moving the spreader or the line of
collecting containers)
3.4
rotating test
test carried out by collecting the spread fertilizer in a row of collecting containers having an relative rotating
movement which is near the middle of the segment joining the centre of spreading discs and which is obtained
with a specific rotating device

1

Forward movement during in field spreading operation

6

2
3

Spreader to be tested
Reference axis of the spread pattern on the ground

7 Negative values for the transverse distribution (X values
in meter)

Reference of the spread pattern: 0°

4
5

Positive angles of the spread pattern
Negative angles of the spread pattern

8 Positive values for the transverse distribution (X values
in meter)

Figure 1 — General view of the spreader and of its spread pattern and specification of the reference
axis of the spread pattern on the ground, and of the different angles used (in the case of rotating test)

7


BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

4

Test conditions

4.1

Machine for test

4.1.1

General

During the tests the machine shall be used according to the instruction handbook.
4.1.2

Transverse test

The machine shall be driven with a forward test speed which does not vary by more than ± 0,1 km/h and
which is within the range of (4 ± 0,4) km/h.
The number of runs for each measurement shall be two.
The flow adjustment using 4 km/h shall be set to correspond to the flow rate obtained at a forward driving
speed of 10 km/h.
If the machine is not designed to be used at a forward speed of 4 km/h, the forward test speed shall be within
the range of (8 ± 0,4) km/h or (10 ± 0,5) km/h or (12 ± 0,6) km/h and the number of runs shall be four resp.
five resp. 6 with the flow rate set according to the forward speed. The test speed shall also in this case not
vary by more than ± 0,1 km/h from run to run within each test.
The forward speed, PTO ratio and disc speed shall be stated in the test report.
The distributing mechanism shall be at the height above the fertilizer-collecting containers (the upper edge of
the containers) equal to that recommended by the manufacturer for work above the ground or the crop.
4.1.3

Rotating test

The angular velocity of the rotating device shall be set at 3°/s.
One rotation of the rotary device shall be done for each measurement.
The flow adjustment shall be set to correspond to the flow rate obtained at a forward driving speed of 10 km/h.
The PTO ratio and disc speed and angular velocity shall be stated in the test report.
The distributing mechanism shall be at the height above the fertilizer-collecting containers (the upper edge of
the containers) equal to that recommended by the manufacturer for work above the ground or the crop.

4.2

Test materials

Unless the instruction handbook states otherwise, test materials shall be used from the following groups and

as specified in 6.3 to 6.10:
3

a)

a granular fertilizer with bulk density > 0,9 kg/dm ;

b)

a granular fertilizer with bulk density ≤ 0,9 kg/dm ;

c)

a prilled fertilizer with bulk density > 0,9 kg/dm ;

d)

a prilled fertilizer bulk density ≤ 0,9 kg/dm ;

e)

a compacted fertilizer.

8

3

3

3

BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

NOTE
Crystalline fertilizers will be considered during the next revision when they have been used more regularly so
that experts can agree on their physical properties.

The physical properties for the test material to be used shall be within the limits given in Table A.1.
The physical properties of the test material used shall be specified in the test report.

4.3

Application rates

Unless the instruction handbook states otherwise, the following adjustments calculated for 10 km/h shall be
used as selected in 6.3 to 6.10:


rate 1: a flow rate corresponding to a minimum application rate for the test material depending on the
nutrient content, according to Table 2;



rate 2: a flow rate corresponding to a maximum application rate for the test material depending on the
nutrient content , according to Table 2;



rate 3:

a flow rate in between, corresponding to

rate1 + rate 2
.
2

The machine shall be adjusted to give the flow rate of the test material within ± 5 kg/min for flow rates
< 100 kg/min and ± 5 % for flow rates ≥ 100 kg/min. The flow rates are calculated from application rates and
working widths at the forward driving speed determined in 4.1.
Table 1 — Minimum and maximum application rates depending on nutrient content
Nutrient

Application rate
kg/ha
minimum

maximum

N

20

120

P2O5 (P)

30 (13)

150 (65)

K2O (K)

40 (33)

300 (249)

MgO (Mg)

25 (15)

100 (60)

NOTE
The application rate (kg/ha) is calculated on the basis of the nitrogen (N)
content for the test materials which include nitrogen and on the basis of the phosphor (P)
content for test materials which include phosphor but no nitrogen.
If there is no (N) or (P), the application rate shall be calculated on the basis of (K) or
(K2O), and if no (K), on (Mg) or (MgO).

5
5.1

Test equipment
Accuracy in weighing measurements

The minimum accuracy for the weighing of the samples of test materials shall be:


± 0,1 g for the transverse tests of 6.6; 6.7; 6.8;



± 0,05 g for the rotating tests of 6.6; 6.7; 6.8;

9


BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)



± 1,0 g for the test of 6.5.2;



± 500 g for the tests of 6.2; 6.3; 6.5.1; 6.9; 6.10.

5.2

Transverse test  Devices for receiving fertilizer for transverse distribution

The collecting containers shall have top external dimensions of 500 mm × 500 mm and precautions shall be
taken to minimise spillage by ricochet out of the containers.
NOTE
The wall thickness at the top edge should be equal or smaller than 1,5 mm. An example of a funnel shaped
container is shown in Figure B.1. The container can also be a rectangular or square vertical section. Test collecting
containers with external top dimensions of 250 mm x 500 mm could be used side by side if their collected amount is added

together. Existing collecting containers of 250 mm x 1000 mm could be used since it has been shown that the result
corresponds to 500 mm x 500 mm containers.

90 % to 110 % of the expected amount of test material shall be collected.
This requirement is checked by comparing the application rate calculated from the collecting containers with
the application rate obtained in the flow rate test, when using test material from the same batch in both
measurements.

5.3
5.3.1

Rotating test
Measurement of the angular position of the spreader

The measurement of the angular position between the row of collecting containers and the spreader axis shall
be done with a sensor. The precision of this angle measurement shall be better than 0,1°.
5.3.2

Data acquisition device

The angular position of the spreader, the fertilizer mass into the spreader hopper, the fertiliser mass into each
of the collecting containers, and the acquisition and storage time shall be measured and registered with a
frequency higher or equal to 5 Hz. The response time of the measurement devices should be at least 0,2 s.
Data shall be filtered with a Bessel lowpass at 0,5 Hz.
5.3.3

Devices for receiving fertilizer for spread pattern distribution

The collecting containers shall have top external dimensions of 500 mm × 500 mm and precautions shall be
taken to minimise spillage by ricochet out of the containers.

NOTE
The wall thickness at the top edge should be equal or smaller than 1,5 mm. An example of a funnel shaped
container is shown in Figure B.1.

The rotation axis of the rotating carrier shall be located on the axis between the containers centres of the
containers’ row. See Figure 4.
90 %-110 % of the expected amount of test material shall be collected. This requirement is checked by
comparing the application rate calculated from the collecting containers with the application rate obtained in
the flow rate test, when using test material from the same batch in both measurements.

5.4

Test site

The tests shall be carried out on an even, horizontal and hard surface. The air velocity shall be less than 2 m/s
during the tests. The air humidity shall be less than 65 % and the temperature 10 °C to 25 °C.
The actual values of air humidity, temperature and air velocity shall be stated in the test report. If tests are
done outdoors, this shall also be stated in the test report.

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BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

Precautions shall be taken to eliminate ricochets from the ground into the collecting containers.
The test site shall be fully described in the report.

5.5

Handling of test materials during the tests

It is important that the test material is not exposed to the air more than necessary. The maximum exposure
time before the test starts is four hours.
All samples, for later analysis of physical properties, shall be immediately put under airtight storage.

6
6.1

Test methods
Contact with obstacles

For machines equipped with a boom the following test is performed:
An obstacle is placed along a horizontal test track. The machine is moved forward with the speed of 8 km/h.
The boom shall hit the obstacle at 90 % to 100 % of the half boom width out measured from the middle of the
track (see Figure 2 in EN 13739-1:2011).
The boom movement is observed during the test. After the test the boom section is inspected for any damage
and the location of damage is noted in the test report.

6.2

Estimation of hopper volume – Checking of the spillage

The volume of the hopper shall be estimated with one fertilizer of type a) with a bulk density D measured
according to EN 1236. If not stated otherwise in the instruction handbook, when estimating the volume of the
hopper the machine shall be placed horizontally.
The hopper shall be filled between 10 % and 80 % of the basic-hopper volume. This shall be performed three
times: one at the 10 % filling level, one at the 45 % filling level and one at the 80 % filling level, with the
surface levelled according to the instruction handbook.
At each time the mass M of fertilizer is measured. The volume

V=

M
of the fertilizer put into the hopper
D

shall be noted as well as the volume indicated by the hopper scale. The deviation in percent between the
volume of fertilizer put into the hopper and the indicated volume shall be noted.

Check by inspection at 80 % filling level of the basic hopper that no spillage occurs from the machine during
transport when the feeding device is closed or disengaged.

6.3

Adjustment of flow rate

The obtained flow rate shall be measured with the spreader completely equipped and adjusted for field
spreading.
If the machine has a manually controlled system for decrease or increase of the flow rate, then the system
shall be tested at + 20 % and at – 20 % of flow rate 3. The test shall be performed with test material of type a)
as specified in 4.2.
Test samples shall be taken over a period equivalent to that required to collect at least 50 kg.
The deviation of the obtained flow rate from the intended flow rate is calculated as a percentage of the
intended flow rate. This value is noted in the test report.

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BS EN 13739-2:2011

EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

NOTE

6.4

The test could be performed during the test of flow rate in 6.10.

Reduced working width or throwing width

The possibilities to reduce the working width and adjustment for border spreading shall be checked with the
hopper filled to at least 10 % of the basic hopper volume with a test material of type a) and:
1)

the working width is reduced symmetrically from the tested working width to the smallest stated
reduced working width;

2)

the machine is adjusted according to the manufacturer's instruction for border spreading.

NOTE
of 6.6.

6.5

The inspections could be done during the tests of 6.9 or 6.10. Points 1) and 2) can be done during the test

Flow rate regulation system, when available (see example in Figure 2)

6.5.1

Deviations of the flow rate

Fill the basic hopper to at least 25 % of the basic hopper volume.
Set the machine with the automatic system and the test material of type a) and to the specified flow rate 3.
Find out which parameters can influence the regulation system and regulate the flow by using one parameter
at a time according to:


change in speed ± 50 % of average recommended speed; or



change in application rate ± 50 % of the stated flow above.

After each change, set the machine to flow rate 3 and measure the deviation between the obtained flow rate
and the intended flow rate.
Both positive and negative deviations are measured by collecting all test material with at least 50 kg for each
sample. For each parameter tested two measurements shall be made.
Calculate and note in the test report the deviations in percent of the obtained flow rate from the intended flow
rate.
6.5.2

Continuous mass flow measurements

Set the machine with the automatic system and the test material of type a) to the specified flow rate 3.
Measure and note in the test report the time needed for the achievement of increased flow rate at (flow
rate 3 + 50 %) from flow rate 3.
Measure and note the time needed for the change in flow rate to the achievement of the – 50 % decreased

flow rate.
Take into account the deviation of the obtained flow rate from the intended flow rate according to Table 1 of
EN 13739-1:2011.

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BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

Key
1
2

Max. permitted deviation
Preset value

3

Initiation

4
5

x = time (s)
y = flow rate (kg/min)

Figure 2 — Example of types of regulation

6.6

Evenness of transversal distribution

6.6.1
6.6.1.1

Arrangement of containers
Transverse test

Containers (see 5.2) shall be placed in a row side by side with their top edges parallel to the ground surface
and shall cover at least the throwing width. The row of containers shall be perpendicular to the direction of
travel.
Arrange the containers so that the centre of the machine moves between the two collectors which represent
the first container on right and left side.
NOTE

The influence of for example tractor wheels when passing over the containers should be minimised.

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BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

6.6.1.2

Rotating test

Containers (see 5.3.3) shall be placed in a row side by side with their top edges horizontal and shall extend to
at least half of the throwing width. The length of the row of containers shall be longer than the maximum

distance between the centre of the disc and the farthest point of the spread pattern.
The centre of the first container shall draw a circle which is smaller in diameter than the circle drawn by the
line passing through the centre of the spreading devices. See Figure 4.
6.6.2
6.6.2.1

Procedure
Transverse test

Either the machine or the collecting containers shall be in motion.
Arrange and adjust the machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. Carry out the test with the
machine adjusted for a speed according to 4.1 and note the adjustments in the test report.
If the driving speed is different from 10 km/h the application rate collected from the containers shall be
calculated by multiplying with

x
, where x is the actual speed and y is the speed which the flow rate is
y

adjusted for. The application rate collected shall also be corrected for the number of runs, specified in 4.1.
On completion of each test, the hopper shall still be filled to at least 25 % of the stated basic hopper volume,
or the minimum of 500 l during the whole test, whichever is the lower.
Carry out with test materials of types a) and c) as specified in 4.2 at the three flow rates, as specified in 4.3.
Tests shall also be performed for types b), d) and e) with flow rate 3.
Weigh the test material collected in each container and calculate the coefficient of variation (CV) according
to 7.1.3.
The test shall be carried out at least at one working width specified in the instruction handbook. No more than
two tests for optimising the spreading pattern are permitted. Optimising tests shall be carried out in
accordance with methods described in handbooks. Settings and results of the tests carried out shall be
mentioned in the report.

6.6.2.2

Rotating test

The spreader shall be rotated during the spreading operation, around a vertical axis.
Arrange and adjust the machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. Carry out the test with the
machine adjusted for a speed according to 4.1.2 and note the adjustments in the test report.
The angular range for the test shall cover the complete spread pattern.
The real flow rate spread during the test is obtained by adding together all data expressed in g/s, of the
spreading matrix after spatial interpolation, as obtained in 7.1.1.1.
On completion of each test, the hopper shall still be filled to at least 25 % of the stated basic hopper volume or
the minimum of 500 l during the whole test, whichever is the lower.
Carry out with test materials of types a) and c) as specified in 4.2 at the three flow rates, as specified in 4.3.
Tests shall also be performed for types b), d) and e) with flow rate 3.
During the test, the data acquisition frequency shall be set to 5 Hz. The angular velocity of the spreader
around the vertical axis shall be set as described in 4.1.3.

14


BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

The test shall be carried out at least at one working width specified in the instruction handbook. No more than
two tests for optimising the spreading pattern are permitted. Optimising tests shall be carried out in
accordance with methods described in handbooks. Settings and results of the tests carried out shall be
mentioned in the report.

6.7

Evenness of transverse distribution near the border

Arrange and adjust the machine according to the manufacturer's instructions for border spreading. Each
border spreading equipment shall be tested with test materials a) to e) with flow rate 3.
Perform the tests according to 6.6.
Calculate the maximum deviation of the application rate within the edge width from the average application
rate, calculated in 6.6 for the test material used. Calculate the coefficient of variation in the transition width
(CT). Use the results from 6.6 to add to the transverse border distribution when calculating CT.
NOTE

The border distance and transition width are illustrated in Figure 1 of EN 13739-1:2011.

Indicate in the report the value Y as defined in 7.1.4.
The values of border distance, working width, CT, Y and Z (from the border to the fertilizer limit as calculated in
7.1.4) and the machine setting shall be presented in the test report.

6.8

Evenness of transverse distribution when spreading with equipment for top-dressing

Equipment and/or adjustments for top-dressing shall be tested for the flow rate 1 and a granular test material
containing nitrogen, from one of the groups selected for the tests in 6.6. The test shall be performed when
top-dressing at normal spreading and spreading near the border.
The method of testing is to use the equipment and method according to 6.6 and 6.7 except for the height
adjustment of the machine which shall be the same height between the collecting container's upper edge and
the spreading devices as that stated by the manufacturer for the height between the top of the crop and the
spreading devices. If the distributor cannot be adjusted (e.g. in height) in accordance with the instruction
handbook, the method used shall be mentioned in the report.

6.9

Deviation of the obtained flow rate from the intended flow rate

The test shall be performed with test material of type a) from those selected in 6.6 and at the specified flow
rates 1, 2 and 3.
Set the flow rate as close as possible (if the setting is stepless: below 3 %) to the intended flow rate by using
the calibration method described in the handbook.
Then two longer obtained flow rate tests shall be performed with the same type of test material and with a
sample size of at least 50 kg of test material. Calculate the deviations between the average of the two
obtained flow rates and the intended flow rate.

6.10 Evenness of obtained flow rate
6.10.1 Obtained flow rate on horizontal ground
The test is carried out with test material of type a). The basic hopper shall be filled to at least 25 % of its
maximum stated volume.
Adjust the feed setting so as to obtain a flow rate as near as possible to the flow rate 3 at a chosen working
width.
Start up the feed mechanism.

15


BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

The test shall be performed with mass flow measurements with a measuring frequency of at least 1 Hz.
Present a graph of the deviation between the intended and obtained flow rate during test and the filled
fertilizer.
6.10.2 Obtained flow rate on sloping ground
Perform as for 6.10.1 but on a surface with inclination angles of 10° upwards, downwards and to either side,

respectively.
The obtained flow from each feeding device shall be measured separately.
Compare the flow rates with the results in 6.10.1.

7

Calculation and presentation of test results

7.1

Transverse distribution

7.1.1
7.1.1.1

Determination of the fertiliser amount distributed
Transverse test: Weighing

Weigh the quantities collected in each container separately. Divide each of these values by the number of
runs in order to determine the mean quantity distributed per run, and illustrate the distribution using a
histogram (see the graph in Figure 3).
On each side of the X-axis X = 0 m, cut the curve when at least 2 consecutive containers have distribution
quantities below 0,1 g.

16


BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

Key
1 Application rate (%)
13739-2:2011/AC:2012
(E)overlapping to and fro
2ENCumulative
distribution curve with
3

Working width

Figure 3 — Schematic example showing evenness of transversal distribution

1 Modification
in 7.1.1.2
7.1.1.2
Rotating test:
Calculation of the fertiliser density distributed on the ground
Replace the formula
the first
with the following one:
Calculate
fertiliser in
density
byparagraph
using the formula:
" D ((R,θii))==

P ((RR,,θθi i+ +1)1−) −PP
( R(R
,θ,iθ− i1)− 1)

".
((θθi i++1)1−) −(θ(θ
i +i 1−
) 1)

With D(R, θi): distributed quantity at the point of polar coordinate R and θi,
P(R, θi+1): Fertiliser mass in the container positioned at a distance R of the spreader centre, when the
relative angle between the container and the reference axis of the spreader is θi+1.
NOTE
The correction factor of ballistic flying time used for the calculation is included in the patent as it may differ
from bench to bench. This correction takes into account the angular rotation velocity and the distance to the collector
containers.

Each of these distributed quantities are localised in the (R, θ) repair, which has to be transformed in Cartesian
coordinates (X, Y), see Figure 4.

17


BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

1

Forward movement during spreading operation

2
3

Spreader to be tested

Reference axis of the spread pattern on the ground

7 Positive values for the transverse distribution (X values
in meter)
8 Rotation center of the carrier
R1 Radius described by the discs
4 Reference of the spread pattern: 0°
D Distance between the center of rotation of the carrier
5 Row of containers
and the centre of the first collection box
6 Negative values for the transverse distribution (X values
R1 > D
in meter)

Figure 4 — Schematic representation of the container, and of the correspondence between polar and
Cartesian coordinates
When the fertilizer densities on the ground are calculated, a spatial interpolation of these densities shall be
run, so that a regular Cartesian matrix of the fertilizer distributed densities can be obtained. The matrix grid
shall be 0,25 m.
When this matrix is obtained, a summation, column by column shall be run. It allows to obtain the fertilizer
transversal distribution. This distribution shall be interpolated on the regular spaced of 0,5 m. No value for
X = 0 m shall be given. The transverse distribution curve is given for a regular vector of X values, spaced at
0,5 m, and the central values for X are between - 0,25 m and 0,25 m. This transversal curve shall be
normalised by the sum of all the values of the curve, and presented in percents.
On each side of the X-axis X = 0 m, cut the curve when at least 2 consecutive containers have distribution
quantities below 0,1 g.

18

BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

In regard with the spreader velocity chosen, with the measured fertilizer flow, these values can be given in
grams. This last operation is important, in particular for border associations and calculations.
The transversal curve is also obtained, and can be used for all the needed calculations (CV, …). It can be
illustrated using a histogram (see the graph in Figure 3).
7.1.2

Working width

The overlapped distribution shall be determined for the tested working width by using the histogram (see
7.1.1). This shall be established by using the method for to and fro distribution, superposition by translation of
the histogram with its mirror image. The coefficient of variation is calculated according to 7.1.3.
Present also the graph with the coefficient of variation as a function of the working width. The application rate
and type of fertilizer shall be noted in the graph-text.
If the setting of the distributor is another than recommended in the instruction handbook, this shall be noted in
the test report.
7.1.3

Degree of unevenness of transverse distribution

The coefficient of variation, CV (%) is given by the formula:

CV =

s
× 100
x

(1)

where
s

is the standard deviation, given by the equation:

∑(

)

s=

1 n
xi - x
n − 1 i =1

n

is the number of containers on the working width;

xi

is the amount collected in each container, in grams after overlapping to and fro;

2

(2)

where

x is the average amount of collected fertilizer, in grams, after overlapping to and fro, given by
the equation:
x=

7.1.4

1
n

n

∑ xi

(3)

i =1

Equipment for spreading near the border

For all machine types, present the results in accordance to 7.1.1.
Calculate the maximum positive deviation in the transverse distribution in the edge width and compare it with
the average application rate in 7.1.2 and 7.1.3 (the same test material and adjusted application rate).

19


BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

Calculate the coefficient for the transition width CT (%) from the formula:
CT =

sT
× 100
x

(4)

where
sT

is the standard deviation in the transition width, given by the formula:
1
nT - 1

sT =

nT

∑ (x
i =1

iT

- x) 2

(5)

where

nT

is the total number of containers in the transition width;

xiT is the calculated amount in each container in the transition width, in gram. Each amount is
calculated by combining an overlapped distribution of border spreading and normal
spreading to and fro, see also Figure 1 of EN 13739-1:2011.
Calculate the value Y outside the border from the formula:
N

Y=

∑ xbi × l × 1000
i =1

(6)

x×a

where
N

is the number of containers between the border and the first empty container;

xbi

is the amount collected in each container outside the border, in grams;

x

see Formula (3) in 7.1.3;

l

is the number of containers to be placed on 100 m border length (i.e. = 200);

a

is the number of containers to be placed on 1 ha field area (i.e. = 40 000).

In case of the use of containers of 0,50 m × 0,50 m, the formula can be simplified as follows:
N

Y=

∑ xbi × 200 × 1000
i =1

x × 40000

5⋅
=

N

∑ xbi
i =1

x

(7)

Calculate the value Z from the border to the fertilizer limit: Distance (in m) from border to fertilizer limit (in case
of the use of containers of 0,50 m × 0,50 m: Z = N × 0,5).
NOTE

The loss (kg) per 100 m border length can be calculated from formula given in C.6.7.2.

The presentation of the results shall be given in accordance to Figure 5.

20


BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

Key
1
2
3

Fertilizer limit
Border
Distance Z

Figure 5 — Schematic example showing the transversal distribution on the border
7.1.5

Top-dressing

Calculate and present the results in accordance to 7.1.1 to 7.1.3.

7.2

Flow rate

7.2.1

Obtained flow rate on horizontal ground

Calculate from each recording the deviation of the obtained flow rate from the intended flow rate.
Note the maximum deviation from the intended flow rate in the test report.
7.2.2

Obtained flow rate on sloping ground

Calculate the results in accordance to 7.2.1 for each slope.
Calculate also the difference between at least two measured flows for each slope.
Calculate the deviation between the average obtained flow from each slope and the average obtained flow on
horizontal ground.

8

Test report

A typical model of a test report is shown in Annex C.

21

BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

Annex A
(normative)
Determination and specification of physical properties of test materials

Table A.1 — Physical characteristics for mineral fertilizers used as test material
Physical
characteristics

Particle size (mm)
D 50 as specified
in EN 1235:1995
Bulk density
(loose)
(kg/dm3)
according to
EN 1236
Flowability
(calculated from
the method of
determination of
flow rate as
described in
EN 13299)
(kg/min)
minimum
Grain hardnessb
a

Mineral fertilizer types
Prills

Granules

Compacted

> 0,9
3
kg/dm

≤ 0,9
3
kg/dm

> 0,9
3
kg/dm

≤ 0,9
3
kg/dm

2,5 - 4,2 a

1,8 - 4,2 a

1,5 - 3,5 a

1,5 - 3,5 a

2,5 - 5,0 a

> 0,9

0,7 - 0,9

> 0,9

0,7 - 0,9

> 0,7

5,5

5,0

6,0

6,0

4,0

-

-

-

-

-

Max 2 % by weight of the particles are allowed to be less than 1 mm in diameter in test materials.

b

The fertilizer used has to be hard so that the grain structure is not essentially altered during spreading.
CR 12333 gives information on the determination of the crushing strength of fertilizer grains. However, there is no
standardised method for the time being.

NOTE
This Table reflects the current work done within CEN/TC 260 "Fertilizers and liming materials". Further
references will be completed during next revision.

22


BS EN 13739-2:2011
EN 13739-2:2011 (E)

Annex B
(informative)
Example of a fertilizer – collecting container

NOTE

Four sides with the same shape.

Figure B.1 — Example of a fertilizer – Collecting container (funnel) made in stainless steel plate for
fertilizer distributor test

23