The invention relates to a method for the open-loop or closed-loop control of a dosing element (17) of a pneumatic distribution machine, comprising a transfer chamber (14) arranged behind the dosing element (17, 5) for transferring dosed distribution material into a conveyor line (6), a fan (4) for supplying the conveyor line (6) with an air flow, and distribution elements arranged behind the conveyor line (6). In addition, calibration tests are carried out, wherein the dosing element (17, 5) supplied with a determined type of distribution material is actuated with a predetermined operating parameter over a predetermined sampling period and the amount of distribution material dosed during the calibration test is gravimetrically detected, whereby a functional relationship between the operating parameter and the actual mass flow dosed with the dosing element is calculated from the amount of distribution material obtained in the above-mentioned manner in relation to the sampling time and the operating parameter