Evaluation of the performance of manure spreaders: first results according to the NF EN 13080 standard

Abstract

This article is based on a study financed by the ADEME, whose objective is to evaluate the performances of organic matter spreaders in accordance with European standard, EN 13080, Manure spreaders - Environmental protection Requirements and test methods. It explains criteria of requirements of the standard, the difficulties of implementation, and shows the results. The main characteristics of the spreaders (selected among the most representative in the market: 6 with vertical beaters and 3 with disc), are presented. We also describe the used products: manure and compost. The phase of presetting, allowing to obtain spreading of 30 tons/hectare for manure and of 15 tons/hectare for compost, confirms the interest of this calibration and indicates progress to be carried out in order to obtain the right amount. It also point out the lack of information and the inaccuracy of the adjustments. The step of evaluation is developed in two stages in order to judge separately 2 qualities of the distributions: -transversal, and - longitudinal evenness. The presented results indicate the levels of performances of the spreaders for each criteria, C.V. (variation coefficient) and working width, for transverse distribution, C.V. and stretch in the tolerance zone for the longitudinal distribution. Finally, fixtures of the performances of the spreaders are established by taking, as level of acceptability, all the simultaneously satisfied criteria, such as indicated by the standard.