Overview
ISO 5690-2:1984 - Equipment for distributing fertilizers - Test methods - Part 2: Fertilizer distributors in lines defines a standardized, reproducible test method for fertilizer distributors in lines, including units attached to a basic machine. The standard excludes equipment designed for distributing microgranular pesticides or herbicides. Its purpose is to harmonize performance evaluation so results (flow rate, metering accuracy, distribution evenness) are comparable across laboratories and products.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and exclusions: Applies to line (band) fertilizer distributors, including those twinned to tractors or basic machines; excludes microgranular pesticide/herbicide applicators.
- Test types: Prescribes static tests (stationary drive wheel simulation) and mobile tests (machine in motion) to evaluate real-world performance.
- Primary test program: Annex A lists mandatory tests covering effects of hopper level, flow rate, slope, bumps and operating speeds.
- Measured parameters:
- Evenness of flow rate and accuracy of metering (longitudinal and transverse distribution).
- Flow rate expressed as mass or volume per unit time; application rate per unit length or area.
- Determination of fertilizer physical properties (particle size, bulk density, water content, angle of repose) required in Annex B.
- Test setup details:
- Collectors: containers typically 500 × 500 mm with at least 150 mm depth; optional interlocking inserts to subdivide into cells for finer analysis.
- Measurement protocol: e.g., five weight readings per test lasting 30 s each; methods for static drive-wheel speed calculation and mobile forward speeds (e.g., 1.50 m/s, 2.50 m/s).
- Optional tests and reporting: Annex C describes optional additional evaluations (e.g., ground distribution), Annex D gives an example test report format. Test reports must document ambient humidity, fertilizer properties, machine configuration, and deviations from manufacturer specs.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 5690-2 is intended for:
- Manufacturers of fertilizer distributors to validate design and provide certified performance data.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies performing type approval, quality control and conformity testing.
- Agricultural engineers, equipment purchasers and researchers who need reliable comparative data on metering accuracy, flow stability and sensitivity to hopper fill, speed, slope or bumps.
- Tractor and implement test programs when distributors are evaluated in combination with a basic machine.
Related standards
- ISO 5690-1 (full width fertilizer distributors)
- ISO 3944 (fertilizers - bulk density)
- ISO 565 (test sieves)
- ISO 3339 (classification/terminology for tractors and agricultural machinery)
- ISO 3534 (statistics vocabulary)
Keywords: ISO 5690-2, fertilizer distributors, test methods, metering accuracy, flow rate, hopper level, agricultural machinery, distribution evenness.