Trials & Product Development
Amenity Fertilisers
Who we work with
We work with both fertiliser manufacturers and spreader manufacturers who need to understand how their products perform in pedestrian and small mechanical spreaders.
Our trials replicate the equipment and conditions used by grounds professionals, golf courses, and turf managers worldwide.
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What we do
We assess how amenity fertilisers spread through a range of rotary, drop, and handheld spreaders.
Each trial measures spread width, accuracy, and consistency to ensure products apply cleanly and evenly — with no visible banding or waste.
The results help manufacturers set clear guidance for end users and confirm product suitability across different spreader models.
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How We Do It
Step 1 - Fertiliser Analysis
Every trial begins with a product assessment. We measure granule size, crush strength, and bulk density to understand how the material will behave when spread.​
This helps us understand how the material will behave when spread and guides the selection of tray spacing.
Step 2 - Tray Testing
We tray test to establish the correct working width for the fertiliser and assess the left-to-right balance of the spread pattern.
Single-disc machines in particular can produce an uneven pattern if not correctly set, so balance testing is an essential part of achieving accurate results.
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Step 3 – Rate Calibration
Once the working width is known, we calculate the settings required for a full range of application rates.
An output table is produced showing settings for both single and double-pass applications, allowing customers to identify the correct setup for their desired rates.
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Step 4 – Reporting & Analysis
All trials include a clear summary of results: product behaviour, working width, and recommended settings.
Photographs or additional pattern data can be provided to support technical documentation or marketing material.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
"Fertilisers and application equipment are continually evolving.
To keep ICL at the forefront of the industry, we utilize the service from Spreader & Sprayer Testing to rigorously evaluate our products and provide the calibration data we use every day.
This ensures that each machine and fertiliser we offer is optimised for accurate and efficient spreading, giving us confidence in their performance."
Dr Andy Owen, International Technical Manager, ICL Growing Solutions
