Generic Performance Tests for the Fertilizer Sample Preparation Laboratory

Good sample preparation is an essential first step to almost all laboratory analytical procedures. The procedures presented are intended to stimulate interest in generic methods for performance testing of various steps in fertilizer sample preparation, including initial reduction of unground sample, grinding, and mixing. Sample reduction quality is measured by 2 types of procedures, the first using 2 sizes of glass beads for a more theoretical approach, and the second using 2 common fertilizer materials for a more empirical method. Grinding performance is measured by recovery and carryover methods, followed by particle size and uniformity estimates of the ground material. Mixing after grinding is tested by measuring time-to-blend of a segregated mixture.