The spreader pattern test demands a large amount of time, both in the collection of data and in the analysis of the results. The standards establish the necessity of devices to avoid particle bouncing. The limitation of its use, however, is the dificulty of handling it. In this context, a test was done with the objective of evaluating the need of this device, besides the influence of different types of coverings, trying to define a better methodology for this test. The study was done in field, when applying lime and urea. The collecting containers used in the test were made by vacuum molding polyethylene plates of 4 mm thickness. They follow the dimensions established by the standard ISO 5690/1. From the results it is possible to state that the physical nature of the product influences the bouncing of particles and larger particles have more possibility of bouncing. With plastic containers, for lime, it is not necessary to use devices to avoid bouncing. For urea, the use of some covering device is necessary.
spreader; particle bouncing; pattern tests
