Precise fertiliser distribution on slopes

Uniform crops, even on slopes

Exact fertiliser distribution over the entire working width is the basis for uniform and resource-efficient crop management as well as exploiting the full yield potential. This does not present any difficulty for modern-day technology in flat areas. The topography has a significant impact on the spread fan and therefore on the fertiliser distribution in the field in extremely hilly terrain. To counteract this effect, AMAZONE offers a simple yet efficient slope spreading kit for the ZA-V fertiliser spreaders.

Simple special option with a high impact

The fertiliser granule path is precisely defined in flat areas. After the shutter has opened, the material falls onto a defined point of the spreading disc under gravity. The granules are accelerated by the spreading vanes and distributed over the field. 

There are various spreading scenarios for spreading on slopes. Spread patterns in both uphill and downhill spreading are different from those on flat areas. The same applies to spreading at right angles to the slope. The material delivery points on the disc in these practical situations are changed by the inclination of the fertiliser spreader. Whereas the fertiliser strikes the spreading disc at right angles in flat areas, it is shifted in extremely hilly terrain, which in turn has a direct effect on the spread pattern. The fertiliser is guided down onto the disc over a longer distance by means of the slope spreading kit, thereby minimising the impact of the slope to a considerable extent. 

Quantifiable economic and ecological benefits

This simple special option can optimise the lateral distribution of the fertiliser on slopes. In particular, the throwing distance and the lateral distribution of the fertiliser are improved by the slope spreading kit. As a large-scale field trial at InnovationFarm in Austria showed, the lateral distribution on extreme slopes can be optimised by a coefficient of variation of at least 5 % as a result of the slope spreading kit. This was verified both in application at right angles to the slope as well as when fertilising uphill and downhill. Apart from the economic aspects, this also has important ecological benefits for the environment (InnovationFarm, 2022).

Proven precision

The InnovationFarm in Wieselburg, Austria considered the issue of fertiliser spreading on slopes in 2022. The practical field trials examined the impact of the gradient on the lateral distribution. Fertiliser spreaders of the ZA-V series were used with and without a slope spreading kit.

Background information and details of the trial design, results and institute can be found on the InnovationFarm website.

• https://www.innovationfarm.at/projekte/

An extensive test report can be found in Landwirt 22/2022.

• https://landwirt-media.com/hangstreu-set-duenger-auch-am-hang-exakt-verteilen/

Slope spreading use case

• Gradient: 9 degrees or 16%

Results: Driving uphill and downhill

Results: Driving at right angles to the slope

Simple technical solutions can be used to optimise the lateral distribution of the fertiliser. In particular, the throwing distance and the quantitative lateral distribution of the fertiliser can be improved by the slope spreading kit.

CV improvements in lateral distribution of up to 5 percentage points were achieved in the trials. Apart from economic aspects, this also has important ecological benefits for the environment.

Driving at right angles to the slope with a slope spreading kit: A CV of 4.9 % was determined for the variant with a slope spreading kit. 

An improved, more symmetrical quantity distribution in comparison with the standard variant is provided by the slope spreading kit here.