BS EN 13406:2002

What is BS EN 13406 - Spreading precision in slurry tankers and spreading devices about? 

BS EN 13406 is a standard that serves technical specifications for spreading precision in slurry tankers and spreading devices, enabling cost-effectiveness and reduction in resource waste in agricultural applications. 

BS EN 13406 specifies test methods and requirements for the design and construction of slurry tankers for broadcasting and band spreading of slurry in agriculture and horticulture with the intention of minimising the environmental damage. 

BS EN 13406 specifies requirements for the transverse and longitudinal spreading characteristics such as working widths, characteristic application rate, characteristic flow and the stretch within the tolerance zone. 

Note 1: The application of BS EN 13406 alone will not be sufficient to deal with all the environmental aspects. Other aspects such as ammonia emission, odour reduction etc. should be considered. 

Note 2: Personal safety aspects have not been considered in BS EN 13406. These aspects are covered in EN 707. 

Who is BS EN 13406 - Spreading precision in slurry tankers and spreading devices for? 

BS EN 13406 on Spreading precision in slurry tankers and spreading devices applies to: 

• Manufacturers of slurry tankers and spreading devices 
• Dealers and suppliers of slurry tankers and spreading devices 
• Testing houses and labs for slurry tankers 
• Safety assurance services 

Why should you use BS EN 13406 - Spreading precision in slurry tankers and spreading devices? 

In many dairy farms, slurry, a mixture of animal waste, hay and water, is stored in a special tank converted into fertilizer for plants over time. Slurry tanks require low labour requirements, spread nutrients further and provide an environment that enhances the fertilizer potency. Slurry tankers have spreading devices installed on them that distribute slurry over field surfaces. 

BS EN 13406 provides users guidance on test conditions, including slurry tanker, spreading device, slurry, filling of slurry, test site, ambient conditions, broadcasting spreading devices, band spreading devices accuracy and more, enabling spreading precision for the reduction of crop contamination and risk of crop scorch. 

BS EN 13406 provides users guidance on methods and requirements aim at evaluating the slurry tankers and the spreading devices regarding the user's ability, when they use the machine according to the manufacturer instruction handbook, to: 

• Control the application rate 
• Attain an even distribution of the slurry 
• Reduce the load on the external environment, for example by not unintentionally spreading slurry outside the target area 

By adoption of BS EN 13406, users can develop and assess spreading precision mechanism in slurry tankers, enabling efficiency, effectiveness and minimization of environmental damage in agricultural applications.