Spreadmark is a voluntary quality assurance scheme administered by Federated Farmers through the Fertiliser Quality Council to ensure that fertiliser is accurately applied.

There are three components to Spreadmark:

• Testing of the spreading equipment to ensure it meets prescribed standards.
• Operator registration which covers the above and overall management of the spreading operation
• Training to ensure the driver / pilot has the skills and knowledge to ensure that fertiliser is applied accurately and in accordance with the The Code of Practice for Fertiliser Use.

​Groundspreading spreadmark

Machine testing
There are two machine variables that affect how accurately and evenly fertilisers are applied by ground spreading equipment.

• The accuracy of the application rate.
• The transverse (at right angles to the direction of travel) variation in the application rate.

Spreadmark defines how these variables are to be measured and sets tolerance levels. For example, the transverse coefficient of variation (CV) must be less than 15% for N fertilisers and 25% for non-N fertilisers.

A recent study on fertiliser spreading patterns and their effect on farm production concluded that up to 50% of fertiliser is spread unevenly. This is resulting in estimated production losses of $5 to $30/ha on pasture, and $30 to $300/ha on high value crops, such as grass seed, wheat and onions. This does not take into account losses resulting from other effects of uneven spread such as variations in maturity of seed and hay crops, luxury uptake and leaching.

A machine cannot carry the Spreadmark logo unless it is Spreadmark certified and complies with these specifications.

Operator training
Groundspread operators can obtain a Spreadmark Certificate if they complete a defined training course to the satisfaction of Spreadmark. The course is designed to improve operator skills and knowledge and comprises seven units:

• The Spreadmark Code of Practice.
• The driver and the spreader; the public face of the industry.
• The driver and regulations.
• Communication skills.
• Environmental awareness.
• Fertiliser knowledge.
• Spreader skills.

Aerial spreadmark

There are two components to Aerial Spreadmark:

• Testing of the spreading equipment to ensure it meets prescribed standards.• Pilot training to ensure the pilot has the skills and knowledge to ensure that fertiliser is applied accurately and in accordance with the Fertiliser Code of Practice.

Testing
Operators will hold a current Approved Aerial Pattern Test Certificate for all fertiliser spreading equipment. A machine cannot carry the Aerial Spreadmark logo unless it is Aerial Spreadmark registered and complies with these specifications.

Operator training
Aerial spreading operators can obtain a Aerial Spreadmark Certification if they complete a defined training course to the satisfaction of Aerial Spreadmark. The course is designed to improve operator skills and knowledge and comprises seven units:

• The Aerial Spreadmark Code of Practice.
• The pilot and the spreader.
• The pilot and regulations.
• Communication skills.
• Environmental awareness.
• Fertiliser knowledge.
• Spreader skills.

Please visit the Fertiliser Quality Council website for further information on the Spreadmark codes of practice.