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Platform scale for fertiliser bags: can spilled DAP damage the frame?
Quick answer
Yes, it can. One DAP maker’s safety data sheet says DAP can be corrosive to iron and mild steel, aluminium, zinc and copper [4]. A stainless steel platform protects only the surface the bags sit on, so on a platform scale for fertiliser check what the frame is made of and sweep up spilled granules promptly [4, 5, 6].
On 11 November 2026 the Union Cabinet approved the nutrient-based subsidy rates for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers for Rabi 2026-27. The rates apply from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, with a tentative outlay of about ₹62,370.02 crore [1, 2]. The Press Information Bureau backgrounder on these rates, dated 12 November 2026, said special provisions would continue to keep DAP at a fixed price of ₹1,350 a bag [1]. On 10 March 2026 the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said the DAP retail price had been kept at ₹1,350 for a 50 kg bag for Rabi 2025-26 [3, 7], or ₹27 a kilogram.
Can spilled DAP fertiliser corrode the frame of a platform scale?
It can if the frame is iron or mild steel, according to section 10 of one DAP maker’s safety data sheet, revision 7 of April 2022 [4]. The sheet does not name stainless steel. It also tells handlers to keep DAP out of the open air as far as possible so that it does not absorb moisture, and it asks for storage buildings that are dry and well ventilated [4]. Granules that fall off the edge of the platform can land on the frame.
Is a stainless steel platform enough for fertiliser bags?
A stainless platform covers the top, and you should still ask what is under it. The HSCo PLSSWR has a stainless steel platform on a mild steel frame [5]. The HSCo PLSSPRCWR has a stainless steel platform, frame and pillar [6]. Both come in 100, 150, 250, 300 and 500 kg [5, 6].
Look at the electronics too. The PLSSWR has a waterproof PCB and a waterproof, anti-rodent cap over the load cell, and HSCo can build it to IP65, IP66, IP67 or IP68 as your site needs [5].
What should you check before buying a platform scale for fertiliser?
- Ask what the frame is made of. A stainless steel platform on a mild steel frame [5] needs spilled granules swept off the frame promptly [4]. The PLSSPRCWR has a stainless frame and pillar as well [6].
- Ask how the load cell and the PCB are protected. On the PLSSWR page these are a waterproof PCB and a waterproof load cell cap [5].
- Ask for an IP rating that suits your floor. The PLSSWR and the PLSSPRCWR can both be built to IP65, IP66, IP67 or IP68 [5, 6].
- Pick a capacity above your heaviest load. One 50 kg DAP bag [3] is well within the 100 kg model’s capacity, but check that the bag sits fully on its 350 × 350 mm platform [5]. Two bags weigh 100 kg and three weigh 150 kg, plus any pallet or crate. A 250 kg model gives headroom for that, if the bags fit its 500 × 500 mm platform [5].
- Check the stamping. The PLSSWR is Legal Metrology stamped [5]. Our post on government stamping explains what the stamp means.
Do DAP granules on the platform change the weight reading?
They can. Granules left on the platform are weighed with the next bag unless the scale was zeroed with them on it, by the zero function or the auto zero tracking the PLSSWR has [5]. If they later fall off, the zero may be wrong for the next bag unless the scale is re-zeroed or auto zero tracking corrects it. The product page states no limit for auto zero tracking [5]. Brush the platform, check the empty scale reads zero, then weigh.
Value of the error = error in kg × ₹27 a kg × number of bags
| Error on each 50 kg bag | Value on 1 bag | Value on 100 bags |
|---|---|---|
| 50 g | ₹1.35 | ₹135 |
| 100 g | ₹2.70 | ₹270 |
| 250 g | ₹6.75 | ₹675 |
| 500 g | ₹13.50 | ₹1,350 |
A 500 g error on each of 100 bags adds up to the price of one full bag. The PLSSWR reads in 10 g or 50 g steps, by capacity [5].
The safety data sheet asks for spilled fertiliser to be cleaned up promptly, and for equipment to be cleaned carefully before it is handed in for repair or inspection [4]. On a scale, sweep spills off the platform and the frame when they happen. The sheet asks for dry, well ventilated storage [4], so keep the scale on a dry floor.
Which HSCo scale fits a fertiliser godown?
Both scales below have stainless platforms and the same five capacities, and they differ in the frame. Neither product page rates the scale against DAP itself [5, 6].
PLSSWR Water Resist Platform Scale – 100 to 500 kg, SS Platform: 250 kg gives headroom for three DAP bags if they fit its platform. Stainless steel platform on a mild steel frame, waterproof PCB and a waterproof, anti-rodent load cell cap; 100 to 500 kg, reads 10 g or 50 g by capacity [5]. For a dry godown where spills are swept promptly.
More scales for farms and grain stores are on our weighing scales for agriculture page. Tell us how many bags you weigh a day and what your floor is like: call +91-7045922250 or write to hsc@hindustanscale.com.
Frequently asked questions
What DAP price was announced for Rabi 2026-27?
The Press Information Bureau backgrounder on Rabi 2026-27 rates, dated 12 November 2026, said special provisions would continue to keep DAP at a fixed price of ₹1,350 a bag [1]. On 10 March 2026 the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said the DAP retail price had been kept at ₹1,350 for a 50 kg bag [3, 7]. That is ₹27 a kilogram.
Does DAP fertiliser corrode mild steel?
One DAP maker’s safety data sheet, revision 7 of April 2022, says DAP can be corrosive to iron and mild steels, aluminium, zinc and copper [4]. The same sheet says DAP should be kept out of the open air as far as possible so that it does not absorb moisture [4]. Sweep DAP granules off any mild steel part of a platform scale.
Which platform scale capacity suits 50 kg fertiliser bags?
A 100 kg platform scale has the capacity for one 50 kg fertiliser bag [3]. Three 50 kg fertiliser bags weigh 150 kg, so a 250 kg platform scale gives headroom if the bags fit its platform. The HSCo PLSSWR platform scale comes in 100, 150, 250, 300 and 500 kg and reads in 10 g or 50 g steps, depending on the capacity [5].
Can a platform scale with a stainless steel platform be washed?
Wash a platform scale with a stainless steel platform only in the way its maker approves for the whole scale, including its load cell, electronics and cables. The HSCo PLSSWR has a waterproof PCB and sealed parts for washdown and humid areas, and a waterproof cap over the load cell [5]. The HSCo PLSSPRCWR is full stainless steel and sealed for wet areas [6].
Sources
- Press Information Bureau, “Nutrient-Based Subsidy Rates for Rabi 2026-27” (pib.gov.in, 12 November 2026). PIB Delhi backgrounder
- Press Information Bureau, “Cabinet approves Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Rabi 2026-27 (from 01.10.2026 to 31.03.2027) on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers” (pib.gov.in, 11 November 2026). Release ID 2334972
- DD News, “Centre keeps DAP price at ₹1,350 per bag for Rabi 2025-26” (ddnews.gov.in, 10 March 2026).
- Agropolychim, “Extended safety data sheet: Diammonium phosphate (DAP), Rev.7, April 2022” (agropolychim.bg). Address: https://agropolychim.bg/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/DAP_eSDS_EN_2022.pdf (not an allowed link). Rev.7 dated April 2022, no day printed. Sections 6, 7, 10.
- Hindustan Scale Company, “PLSSWR Water Resist Platform Scale – 100 to 500 kg, SS Platform” (hindustanscale.com). Product page
- Hindustan Scale Company, “PLSSPRCWR Stainless Steel Waterproof Platform Scale with Price Computing – 100 to 500 kg” (hindustanscale.com). Product page
- Press Information Bureau, “Government Stabilizes Fertilizer Prices for Rabi 2025-26; DAP Capped at ₹1350 Despite Global Volatility” (pib.gov.in, 10 March 2026). Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Department of Fertilizers