Research project NO/B/008 (Research action NO)
1. The few methods of measurement which exist are often poorly defined or unsuitable for conditions on the ground. They need improvement. The situation hinders improvement in the quality of work since each manufacturer tends to take advantage of the weaknesses in present standards to present the performance of his equipment in a favourable light. The methods used in trials should be analyzed, specified and made uniform.
2. The only testing methods which do exist are primarily intended for the acceptance of new equipment, not the evaluation of machinery already in use. Even if the equipment is capable of performing well, there is still a need for simple but adequately precise methods to adjust the regulation for the input (for example - fertilizer spreaders: the characteristics of the product vary from year to year depending upon suppliers, etc.; sprayers: regular checks of the principal parts, etc.).
3. These two points are absolutely essential if an improvement in the economic performance of agriculture is to be achieved. Yield must be maintained if there is to be a general reduction of doses (pesticides, chemical fertilizers, etc.). There is consequently an imperative need to avoid over- or under-dosing which requires the use of properly operating equipment (point 1) correctly regulated users (point 2).
4. The development of reliable testing methods requires a number of practical tests. These include allowing in each sector for the effects of the characteristics of inputs and the specific nature of the equipment.
5. The study will be conducted cooperatively with other European agricultural machinery centres. Belgian experience can be put quickly to use on the European level in ongoing and future research in the field.
Summary of the final report:
See Dutch version or French version
Méthodes de mesure de la précision d'application des intrants en agriculture : rapport final
Bruxelles : Politique scientifique fédérale, 2003 (SP1170)
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