ASIATIC TEBONG ESTATE

FERTILISER SAMPLING AND

ANALYSIS

BONG KIM POH

05.02.08
Flow chart on Fert. Sampling
 Introduction
• Sampling must be carried out with estra
care
• No point in analysis of unrepresentative
samples even if analytical method,
procedure and apparatus may be of best
quality imaginable
 Objectives:
• Sampling :
to draw samples from a large bulk of
fertiliser
– Truly representative of the same property in the
bulk
 Obj.

• To perform laboratory analysis

• SIRIM method (MS417: Part 3 : 1994)
 Scope
• Collection of samples
• Dispatch to ARC
• Lab analysis
• Advice of tests results
• Interpretation
• Compensation/claims
System:
• 4.1 Collection of samples
– Immediately upon receipt , unloading
– Rapidly, avoid unnecessary exposure to the atmosphere
– Turned over 4 times
– SIRIM’s sampling method – Appendix 1
– Sampling probe – cleaned and dried
– Fully inserted in a diagonal manner
– Different fert? – clean and dried before sampling
– Mix in a pail to form a representative composite sample
– Weight of sample – about 250 – 300gm
– Divider
– Carried out under supervision of an estate executive
– Torn bags, poor external condition should not be
sampled
• 4.2 Retaining of Fert samples in event of
Joint sampling with Supplier

– Lorry/trailer : 3 bags
– Barge < 500mt : 10 bags
– Barge >500mt : 20 bags

Release these fertiliser only ofter results are

known or after joint sampling has been done
• EM to ensure duplicate sub-samples are
properly labeled, marked, dated and kept in
a safe place
• Retention of fert. Bags strictly observed
– Labeled, marked to identify their origin
• Supplier, lorry number and date
• 4.3 Packing and Dispatch
– sealed plastic bags 10” x 7” x .2 mm thick
– Second plastic bag, with a label tag inserted in it
– Tag : estate name, type of nutrient test required, and to
state the nitrogen based (source) in the
mixture/compound
– If joint samples, clearly state “ JOINT SAMPLE”
– Sealed samples properly packed in a thick box or
envelope with 3 copies of covering letter for despatch
to ARC.
– ARC to provide feeedback to estate – defects relating to
packaging, physical condition of samples and omission
of the required information.
• 4.3.1 Time frame for despatch
– West Malaysia : to reach ARC not exceeding 6
working days upon receipt of fert.
– Sabah/ Sarawak : to reach AROS not exceeding 6
working days ; to reach ARC not exceeding 4 working
days
– For ever sample ; estate maintain a book record to
monitor lorry number, supplier, date of sampling, date
of despatch, date of testing result
– ARC shall stamp on the cover note the date it was
received.
 Compensation/Claim by HRAD

• Decision of the test result shal be taken as

final
• All unsatisfactory results are to be brought
up to HRAD to the attention of the supplier
concerned for further arbitration and
possible claims
• Estate shall be informed