Effect of nitrification inhibitors on fertiliser particle size distribution of the DASA® 26/13 and ENSIN® fertilisers

T. Šima¹,*, J. Krupička² and L. Nozdrovický³

1,3Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Faculty of Engineering,Department of Machines and Production Systems, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra,Slovak Republic; *Correspondence: tomasko.sima@gmail.com
²Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Engineering, Departmentof Agricultural Machines, Kamýcká 129, 16521 Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract:

Effectiveness of the spinning disc fertiliser spreaders is affected by the physicalproperties of the fertiliser. One of the most important factors is the fertiliser particle-sizedistribution which depends upon the size of the fertiliser particles. The aim of the paper wascomparison of two very similar fertilisers from the same manufacturer DUSLO, Inc. usinggranulated nitrogen fertiliser with sulphur content DASA® 26/13 and nitrogen fertiliserENSIN® containing sulphur and nitrification inhibitors dicyandiamide DCD and 1, 2, 4 triazole– TZ. Comparison was done by evaluation of the particle-size distribution of the fertiliserseparated at first in the vertical air flow by K-293 Laboratory screening machine with steeplyincreasing flow speed. The airflow speed was regulated by airflow volume from 60 to 150 m3 h-1. Secondary separation was done by sieve screening of the samples by Haver EML digital plusTest Sieve Shaker. Sieves with square holes with dimensions 1 mm, 2 mm, 3.15 mm, 5 and10 mm were used. Both fertilisers meet the requirements of the manufacturer for grain-sizedistribution. Air flow separation shows higher variability of weight of the ENSIN fertiliserparticles in comparison with DASA fertiliser. Air flow 130 m3 h-1 separated all the particles ofDASA fertiliser. To separate all ENSIN® particles there was used air flow to 150 m3 h-1. Thesedifferences affect the quality of work of the spinning disc fertiliser spreader and cause non-uniformity in the field distribution of fertiliser which has negative environmental andeconomical effects.

Key words:

airflow, fertiliser, nitrification inhibitors., particle, sorting

The treatment of rape (Brassica napus L.) seeds with the help of electrical field

A.Pozeliene and S.Lynikiene

Institute of Agricultural Engineering of Lithuanian Agricultural University,
Instituto st. 20, Raudondvaris, LT-54132 Kauno r., Lithuania; e-mail: ausra@mei.lt,
stely@mei.lt

Abstract:

The paper presents data about the sorting and stimulation of germination of rape seeds with the help of corona discharge field (CDF). The seed- preparing machines used the electric field to sort seeds according to the unit of mechanical and electrical features and improve germination. A survey of literature discussing the methods of the increasing of seed germination of electro�physical nature and the duration of the various periods from the stimulation to sowing time has been viewed. The conveyer type electric separator designed in the institute was used for the seed processing. The 3�105 V m-1 field strength was used for seed sorting according to the biological value in the electric separator. The change of the germination stimulation effect during the onemonth seed storage period was determined for the seeds with conditional moisture content but two different initial germination rates. The same strength of corona discharge field was used in research of the germination dynamics. The duration of seed treating in the field was 2 s. During the research the following facts were established: that by the sorting of non – conditional rape seeds it is possible to get 80% of seed to correspond to the requirements of the standard; CDF has positive influence on germination dynamics of treated seeds; density function of the seeds treated with CDF is described by lognormal distribution and that of untreated seeds, by normal distribution; the average increase of the germination of stimulated seeds has been reliable during the one-month period from stimulation to sowing. Statistical processing of the test data shows that the increase in germination of the seeds treated with CDF is reliable in comparison with the control.

Key words: