Overview
ISO 5690-1:1985 - "Equipment for distributing fertilizers - Test methods - Part 1: Full width fertilizer distributors" defines standardized laboratory and optional field test procedures for full‑width solid fertilizer distributors. This second edition (1985) replaces the 1982 edition and clarifies test programs and reporting. The standard excludes equipment designed for microgranular pesticide/herbicide distribution and complements Part 2 (line distributors).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and selection: Applies to full‑width solid fertilizer distributors; distributor tested must match the manufacturer's written specifications and user instructions.
- Fertilizer types & application rates: Tests use powdered, granular and prilled/crystalline fertilizers with defined representative application rates (e.g., powdered ≈600 kg/ha; granular ≈406 kg/ha; prilled ≈150 kg/ha). Physical properties (particle size, loose bulk density, moisture, angle of repose) are determined (Annex A).
- Test environment & setup:
- Even, hard horizontal surface; indoor or outdoor testing.
- Wind limits: mandatory tests ≤ 2 m/s (optional tests ≤ 7 m/s).
- Collecting containers: typically 1000 × 250 × ≥150 mm for full‑width tests, with interlocking inserts or protective netting to prevent ricochet.
- PTO speed per ISO 500 and manufacturer guidance.
- Mandatory test program:
- Transverse evenness (distribution across working width): containers in multiple rows, calculation of coefficient of variation (ISO 3534 statistics).
- Longitudinal evenness (along travel direction): rows of containers, graphs per row, forward speed index and bump/tilt effects.
- Rate tests: flow adjustment curves (control lever vs flow), effect of hopper fill level, working width determination by histogram analysis.
- Dynamic tests: bump simulation (obstacle) and tilt to simulate transverse imbalance; forward speed evaluations (typical speeds 8 km/h or 15 km/h).
- Results & reporting: Test report format example provided in Annex C; mandatory recording of settings, run counts, fertilizer properties and statistical results.
Applications and users
ISO 5690-1 is used by:
- Manufacturers for design validation, performance claims and user guidance.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies to harmonize performance testing and produce comparable reports.
- Agricultural engineers, OEMs and procurement teams to specify distributor acceptance criteria, ensure evenness and accurate application rates, and support quality assurance.
- R&D teams optimizing spreader mechanisms and calibration.
Practical benefits include standardized evaluation of distribution evenness, repeatable rate testing procedures, and clear reporting templates to support compliance and product improvement.
Related standards