GOST 21560.1-82 PDF

Full title and description

GOST 21560.1-82 — Mineral fertilizers. Method for determination of granulometric composition (particle size distribution). The standard specifies procedures, apparatus and sampling rules for determining the particle-size (fractional) composition of bulk mineral fertilizers by sieving/classification methods.

Abstract

This standard defines the laboratory method to establish granulometric (fractional) composition of mineral fertilizers used in production quality control and regulatory testing. It covers sample preparation, sieving/classifier equipment, test sequence and reporting of results. The method is intended to ensure consistent measurement of particle-size distribution for granulated fertilizers.

General information

• Status: Active / in force (interstate standard adopted and maintained since introduction; limitations on validity were later removed).
• Publication date: Introduced 01 January 1983 (approved 31 May 1982). Edition with amendments published November 2003 (includes Amendments N1, N2).
• Publisher: Approved by the State Committee for Standards of the USSR (Gosstandart) and later supported by the Interstate Council / national standards bodies of CIS states.
• ICS / categories: ICS 65.080 (Fertilizers).
• Edition / version: GOST 21560.1-82 (original 1982/1983); consolidated edition published November 2003 with Amendments N1 and N2.
• Number of pages: approximately 3 pages (short method standard).

Scope

The standard applies to granulated and crystalline mineral fertilizers and specifies a laboratory sieving/classification procedure to determine the distribution of particles across specified size fractions. It is intended for use in factory and independent testing laboratories to verify compliance with product specifications, labeling and regulatory requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and reference documents for sampling and preparatory handling of fertilizer samples.
• Required apparatus: standard sieve sets or a sieve-type classifier (e.g., RKF-2U-type classifiers referenced in practice), weighing balances and drying equipment.
• Sample selection and preparation rules (representative sampling, drying/conditioning if specified).
• Sieving/classification procedure: sequence, sieving time/energies and fraction definitions used to calculate mass percentages per fraction.
• Calculation and presentation of results: reporting mass fraction (%) by size class and treatment of fines/oversize material.
• Cross-references to related test methods for strength, abrasion and other quality characteristics (other parts of the GOST 21560 series).

Typical use and users

Primary users include fertilizer manufacturers (production QC), inspection and certification laboratories, agricultural service laboratories, regulatory bodies monitoring fertilizer quality, and research institutions studying granule properties. The method is used when verifying product compliance with declared granulometry requirements for handling, spreading and agronomic performance.

Related standards

GOST 21560 series (other parts covering sampling, strength and abrasion of granules, etc.), for example GOST 21560.0, GOST 21560.2-82 (static strength of granules) and related fertilizer testing standards such as GOST 20851 (methods for nitrogen determination) and GOST 24290 (abrasion/strength tests). These documents are typically cross-referenced in national/regional fertilizer quality frameworks.

Keywords

GOST 21560.1-82; mineral fertilizers; granulometric composition; particle-size distribution; sieve analysis; sieving classifier; RKF-2U; quality control; fertilizer testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: GOST 21560.1-82 is a laboratory standard that prescribes the method for determining the granulometric (particle-size) composition of mineral fertilizers.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sampling/preparation rules, required apparatus (sieves or sieve-type classifiers), the sieving/classification procedure, calculation of mass fractions and reporting of particle-size distribution for granulated fertilizers.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Fertilizer producers, QC and certification laboratories, agricultural laboratories, regulators and researchers concerned with fertilizer quality and handling.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard was introduced in 1983 (approved in 1982) and has later amendments and a consolidated edition (noted in 2003). Registries indicate the standard remains in force as an interstate/national normative document; always check national standards databases for the current legal status in a specific country.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the GOST 21560 series of standards on mineral fertilizers and their test methods (other parts address sampling, strength, abrasion, and related test procedures).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Mineral fertilizers, particle size distribution, granulometry, sieve analysis, RKF-2U, quality control, GOST 21560.1-82.