CEN/TS 17733:2022

Overview

CEN/TS 17733:2022 is a technical specification developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) focusing on soil improvers and growing media. This document establishes standardized methods for sampling and sample preparation to enable accurate determination of the quality and quantity of soil improvers and growing media products. It supports compliance with the EU fertilizing products regulation (EU 2019/1009), particularly addressing product function categories (PFC) 3, 4, and 7, where PFC 3 and PFC 4 are of prime relevance.

By providing clear referencing to established sampling and preparation methods, this specification aims to harmonize testing procedures across Europe, ensuring consistency, reliability, and transparency in quality control and regulatory compliance of these agricultural inputs.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  Applicable to EU fertilizing products classified within PFC 3 (soil improvers) and PFC 4 (growing media), with inclusion of PFC 7 products when their main function falls under PFC 3 or 4 according to Regulation (EU) 2019/1009.

• Sampling Methods
  Sampling procedures must ensure that samples are representative of bulk products to provide accurate and reliable quality assessment. The document references EN 12579:2013 for solid materials sampling, which details precise protocols for collecting solid soil improvers and growing media samples.

• Sample Preparation
  Standardized preparation of samples before laboratory testing is critical. EN 13040:2007 is referenced for routine preparation methods, ensuring consistent procedures are used before chemical and physical tests. This standard, however, excludes materials such as mineral wool and foam slabs.

• Normative References
  The document integrates other established standards including:

  • EN 12579:2013 for sampling solid materials
  • EN 13040:2007 for chemical and physical sample preparation
  • CEN/TS 17732:2022 for terminology related to soil improvers and growing media

• Regulatory Alignment
  The specification aligns with the EU Regulation 2019/1009, ensuring all products tested meet current market and safety regulations in the European environment.

Applications

CEN/TS 17733:2022 is indispensable for:

• Quality Control Laboratories
  Ensuring reliable and uniform sampling and preparation practices for laboratory analysis, supporting accurate assessment of EU fertilizing products.

• Manufacturers and Suppliers
  Assisting manufacturers in meeting EU market requirements by standardizing internal testing procedures for soil improvers and growing media products.

• Regulatory Authorities and Inspectors
  Providing a reference framework for compliance checks and market surveillance activities related to fertilizing products under EU regulations.

• Agricultural and Horticultural Sectors
  Enhancing product reliability and trust by verifying the composition and effectiveness of soil improvers and growing media used in agriculture, landscaping, and gardening.

• Research and Development Organizations
  Facilitating comparable and repeatable sampling methods to support innovation and testing of new soil improvement and growing media products.

Related Standards

To support comprehensive sampling and testing protocols, CEN/TS 17733:2022 references and complements the following standards and regulations:

• EN 12579:2013 – Soil improvers and growing media - Sampling methods for solid materials.
• EN 13040:2007 – Soil improvers and growing media - Sample preparation for chemical and physical tests including moisture and bulk density determinations.
• CEN/TS 17732:2022 – Terminology related to soil improvers and growing media for consistent technical language.
• EN 1482-1:2007 – Fertilizers and liming materials - Sampling and sample preparation for liquid products.
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 – The EU regulatory framework governing fertilizing products and their classification into product function categories (PFC).

By adopting CEN/TS 17733:2022, the soil improvement and horticulture sectors benefit from standardized, reliable methods for sampling and preparation, supporting quality assurance and regulatory conformity across the European market. This facilitates sustainable agricultural practices and ensures consumer confidence in fertilizing products.