Granular applicators, tested for rate and pattern.
We test granular applicators of all types, pneumatic and placement, for any product: most often Nemathorin and Avadex. A static output test or a patternation tray test checks that the right amount goes on, evenly across the width.
What the test covers
Every application component
A thorough check of the applicator before any product goes through it.
Output or pattern
A static output test or a patternation tray test, to check the correct amount is applied, evenly across the width.
The NSTS record
The test is registered with NSTS under the national granular testing scheme.
What we test
- Pneumatic granular applicators
- Placement applicators
- Applicators for any product, most often Nemathorin and Avadex
How often an applicator is due
Anywhere from every year to every six years. It depends on what you apply and which scheme you’re in, and we’ll work out which applies when you book.
| Scheme | Avadex (granular herbicide) | Granular nematicides | Powder seed treatment (such as Rhino) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No farm assurance: the law (the SUD) | Every 6 years12 | Every 6 years | Every 6 years |
| Red Tractor: Crops & Sugar Beet, and Fresh Produce (CR.EC.7, PR.EC.7) | Every 6 years | Every year3452 | Every 6 years |
| Scottish Quality Crops | Every 6 years | Every year62 | Every 6 years |
| Quality Meat Scotland: cattle and sheep | Every 6 years | Every 6 years72 | Every 6 years |
The first test is due before the applicator is 5 years old.15 Red Tractor also asks for granular pesticide equipment to be calibrated whenever the product changes.3
What you get
An NSTS test certificate for the applicator, registered with the scheme.
Every NSTS test carries the NSTS certification fee. It’s what keeps the assurance inspector happy.
How long the test takes depends on the applicator. We’ll give you an idea when we book.
- A test certificate. You, your assessor or a buyer can check a test online by entering its certificate number on the NSTS website.8
- Other machines due? Tell us about your sprayer and spreaders when you book.
Questions.
How often does a granular applicator need testing?
By law, before it’s five years old, then every six years.15 Red Tractor’s Crops and Fresh Produce schemes and SQC ask for granular nematicide applicators to be tested every year; Avadex and powder seed treatment applicators stay on six years.52 Tell us the product and your scheme and we’ll work out which applies.
Do I need to recalibrate when I change product?
Under Red Tractor, yes: granular pesticide equipment must be calibrated whenever the product changes.3 That rule is for pesticide applicators, not fertiliser spreaders.
Do you test Avadex and Nemathorin applicators?
Yes. We test granular applicators for any product, and those are the two we see most.
Book a granular applicator test
Tell us the applicator and the product you apply, and we’ll tell you what your scheme asks for.
- The make and type of applicator
- The product you apply with it
- Your postcode, so we can send the nearest engineer
Or email info@spreadcheck.com. We’ll ring you to fix a date. Nothing is booked until we’ve spoken.
Our other tests
- Fertiliser spreadersNSTS test, with your own fertiliser
- SprayersKnapsacks to self-propelled
- Slug pelletersRequired by law
- Amenity testsPedestrian and small spreaders for golf, sports pitches, racecourses, schools and turf
- TrialsSpreading trials and product development, for manufacturers and importers
Farm tests: all four machines, and how often each one is due
Sources
- legislation.gov.uk, The Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 (the UK’s “SUD” rules), regulation 12, 2012.
- SCS, Testing requirements by assurance scheme: a summary of the scheme standards (fertiliser spreaders, slug pellets, granular applicators, sprayers), October 2026.
- Red Tractor, Combinable Crops and Sugar Beet Standards, version 5.1, EC.7 and EC.10, February 2025.
- Red Tractor, Fresh Produce Standards, version 5.1, EC.7, February 2025.
- NSTS, Granular applicator test requirements, accessed 2026.
- Scottish Quality Crops, The SQC Standards, 1.11, 2.17 to 2.19, October 2026.
- Quality Meat Scotland, Cattle and Sheep Assurance Scheme Standards, in force from 1 January 2026.
- NSTS, Look up your test details, accessed 2026.