In 2013, the Fujian Provincial Administration for Industry and Commerce conducted a special inspection on chemical fertilizers available in the market. The results showed that the overall quality of fertilizers was generally good, with a passing rate of 92%. However, approximately 8% of the products had various issues, indicating some concerns regarding quality control.
During the inspection, 50 fertilizer samples were collected from 25 agricultural material wholesale and retail outlets in Fuzhou and Quanzhou. These samples included four types of fertilizers—compound fertilizer, compound superphosphate, single superphosphate, and organic fertilizer—as well as calcium magnesium phosphate. The test involved 42 manufacturers across 30 cities in eight provinces, including Fujian, Shandong, Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Hunan, and Hubei. Out of these, 46 samples passed the tests, resulting in a 92% pass rate.
One of the main issues found in substandard compound fertilizers was an insufficient potassium content. Potassium plays a crucial role in ensuring full grain development in cereal crops. Similarly, phosphorus is essential for root development and seed formation. In the case of organic fertilizers, the primary problems were low organic matter content and incorrect or unclear labeling on the packaging.
Based on the findings of this spot check, the Fujian Provincial Consumer Council has issued several recommendations to farmers when purchasing chemical fertilizers:
1. **Check the Packaging**: Ensure that the packaging is clear and properly labeled. High-concentration fertilizers should be sealed in polyethylene bags to prevent moisture absorption. The bag should clearly state the product name, ingredients, total nutrients, available phosphorus and potassium, chlorine content, moisture level, production license number, and other relevant details. For imported products, the contract number and importing company’s name should also be included.
2. **Don’t Be Misled by Large Text**: Some products use large fonts to highlight brand names or misleading terms like "Russia" or "imported," while smaller text may reveal important details such as "used" or "raw materials." Others may emphasize "potassium" while hiding the presence of "chlorine" on the label, which can confuse buyers.
3. **Smell the Fertilizer**: Different fertilizers have distinct odors. For example, ammonium bicarbonate has a strong ammonia smell, urea is usually odorless, and compound fertilizers often have a slightly sour smell. Superphosphate typically has a mild acidic scent without any pungent odor.
4. **Avoid Cheap Fakes**: Don't be tempted by low prices at the expense of quality. Buying fake or poor-quality fertilizers can lead to crop damage and financial loss.
5. **Keep Receipts and Report Issues**: Since fertilizer quality issues may not be immediately noticeable, it's important to keep your purchase receipts. If you encounter any problems, report them promptly to local agricultural authorities, technical supervision departments, industry and commerce agencies, or the Consumer Council.
By following these guidelines, farmers can make more informed decisions and reduce the risk of purchasing substandard fertilizers.
Chemical Industry Mass Flow Meter
Sealand is a professional supplier of Chemical Mass Flow Meter, Chemical Mass Flowmeter, Chemical Flowmeter, Chemical Flow Meter, Chemical Coriolis Meter, ATEX, IECEx & CE approved.
The meter can work with a pulse receiver(Count). The connection is as follows. The
resistance value is up to the cable length & the max. input pulse frequency of receiver.
Current 10mA is suitable for most receivers; however, you can reduce the resistance value
when the cable is long. The max. current could be 50mA. Please use the fixed frequency
output function to check if the cable length & resistance value is suitable.
Please check following items before operation, and operate according to relevant rules.
a) If the meter is damaged during shipment and installation;
b) If the voltage is same as marked on nameplate;
c) If the fuse is correct;
d) If the meter is grounded properly.
e) If the Meter SN on the nameplate of sensor and transmitter are the same.
If everything is fine, please open all valves, make the pipeline full of liquid and then power on
the meter for warm-up for 20min before operation. Finally, conduct zero calibration after first
start, and shall do it again if the meter is moved to another site.
Preparation for zero calibration:
a) Power on the meter for approximately 20min for warm-up;
b) Run the process fluid through the sensor until the sensor temperature reaches the normal
process operating temperature.
c) Close the shutoff valve downstream from the sensor.
d) Ensure that the sensor is filled with fluid and the process flow has completely stopped.
Chemical Mass Flow Meter, Chemical Mass Flowmeter, Chemical Flowmeter, Chemical Flow Meter, Chemical Coriolis Meter
Zhejiang Sealand Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.sealandflowmeter.com