Fertilizers - Determination of bulk density (loose)

The method is applicable to solid, but not powder fertilizers, dry only. It is not suitable for fertilizers which contain a large proportion of particles exceeding 5 mm in diameter. Its principle is pouring the fertilizer from a specified funnel into a specified measuring cylinder of known volume and weighing the contents of the cylinder. If the fertilizer has absorbed moisture during transport or storage, it is necessary to dry it in an environmental chamber.

Engrais — Détermination de la masse volumique sans tassement

General Information

Status
Not Published
Current Stage
5020 - FDIS ballot initiated: 2 months. Proof sent to secretariat
Start Date
08-Dec-2025
Completion Date
08-Dec-2025

Relations

Effective Date
16-Aug-2025

Overview - ISO/FDIS 3944: Fertilizers - Determination of bulk density (loose)

ISO/FDIS 3944 specifies a reproducible laboratory method to determine the bulk density (loose) of solid, non‑powder fertilizers (dry only). The method measures mass per unit volume after the material is tipped freely into a defined container. It is not suitable for fertilizers containing a large proportion of particles exceeding 5 mm in diameter. Where fertilizers have absorbed moisture during transport or storage, samples must be dried in a controlled environment before testing.

Key topics and technical requirements

  • Scope: Applies to solid (non‑powder) dry fertilizers; excludes materials with many particles >5 mm.
  • Principle: Pour fertilizer from a specified funnel into a measuring cylinder of known volume and weigh the filled cylinder.
  • Apparatus:
    • Balance readable to 1 g.
    • Removable measuring cylinder (capacity known to nearest 1 cm3).
    • Firmly mounted funnel with a slide; spatula or scraper (~120 × 20 mm).
    • Surfaces in contact with the fertilizer must be corrosion‑resistant (glass, plastics, etc.).
  • Procedure:
    • Prepare test sample according to ISO 7742 and ISO 14820-2.
    • Pour fertilizer into closed funnel; open slide so discharge into the cylinder takes 6–12 s.
    • If flow is restricted, keep outlet clear with a rod (3–4 mm diameter).
    • Level off overflow with spatula; avoid vibrating the cylinder.
    • Perform two determinations in rapid succession on separate portions.
  • Calculation: Bulk density ρ = m / V (m in grams; V in cm3). Report the arithmetic mean of two determinations if repeatability is met.
  • Repeatability: Difference between two results by the same operator on the same apparatus shall not exceed 0.01 g/cm3.
  • Test report must include sample identification, reference to ISO 3944, results and expression method, unusual observations, and any deviations.

Applications and users

  • Useful for fertilizer manufacturers, quality control laboratories, packers, warehouse planners, transport/logistics teams, and regulators.
  • Practical uses:
    • Calculate required packaging volume and design bulk storage.
    • Estimate shipping and handling volumes for inventory planning.
    • Support quality assurance and specification compliance for product batches.
    • Provide consistent data for trade, customs, and regulatory reporting.

Related standards

  • ISO 7742 - Solid fertilizers: reduction of samples.
  • ISO 14820-2 - Sampling and sample preparation for fertilizers and liming materials (Part 2).

Keywords: ISO 3944, bulk density loose, fertilizer bulk density, measuring cylinder, funnel, sample preparation, repeatability, fertilizer testing.

Draft

ISO/FDIS 3944 - Fertilizers — Determination of bulk density (loose) Released:11/24/2025

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4 pages
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Draft

REDLINE ISO/FDIS 3944 - Fertilizers — Determination of bulk density (loose) Released:11/24/2025

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Frequently Asked Questions

ISO/FDIS 3944 is a draft published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Fertilizers - Determination of bulk density (loose)". This standard covers: The method is applicable to solid, but not powder fertilizers, dry only. It is not suitable for fertilizers which contain a large proportion of particles exceeding 5 mm in diameter. Its principle is pouring the fertilizer from a specified funnel into a specified measuring cylinder of known volume and weighing the contents of the cylinder. If the fertilizer has absorbed moisture during transport or storage, it is necessary to dry it in an environmental chamber.

The method is applicable to solid, but not powder fertilizers, dry only. It is not suitable for fertilizers which contain a large proportion of particles exceeding 5 mm in diameter. Its principle is pouring the fertilizer from a specified funnel into a specified measuring cylinder of known volume and weighing the contents of the cylinder. If the fertilizer has absorbed moisture during transport or storage, it is necessary to dry it in an environmental chamber.

ISO/FDIS 3944 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 65.080 - Fertilizers. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ISO/FDIS 3944 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 3944:1992. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

You can purchase ISO/FDIS 3944 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of ISO standards.

Standards Content (Sample)


FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 134
Fertilizers — Determination of bulk
Secretariat: INSO
density (loose)
Voting begins on:
Engrais — Détermination de la masse volumique sans tassement
Voting terminates on:
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
Reference number
FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 134
Fertilizers — Determination of bulk
Secretariat: INSO
density (loose)
Voting begins on:
Engrais — Détermination de la masse volumique sans tassement
Voting terminates on:
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
© ISO 2025
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Apparatus . 1
6 Preparation of test sample . 2
7 Procedure . 2
8 Expression of results . 2
8.1 Method of calculation .2
8.2 Repeatability .2
9 Test report . 3

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database av
...


Third edition
1992-07
ISO/TC 134
Secretariat: INSO
Date: 1992-07-092019-05-252025-11-24
Fertilizers — Determination of bulk density (loose)
Engrais — Détermination de la masse volumique sans tassement
FDIS stage
© ISO 19922025
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
E-mail: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
© ISO 19922025 – All rights reserved
ii
Contents
Foreword . iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Apparatus . 2
6 Preparation of test sample . 2
7 Procedure . 2
8 Expression of results . 2
8.1 Method of calculation . 2
8.2 Repeatability . 3
9 Test report . 3

© ISO 19922025 – All rights reserved
iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO'sISO’s adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 134, Fertilizers and, soil conditioners, WG 1
Fertilizers and beneficial substances.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 3944:1992),) of which has been technically
revised.
it constitutes a minor revision. The main changes are as follows:
— Updating of the Foreword
— — Substitution ofnormative reference to ISO 8358 in Clause 6by was changed to ISO 14820-2 in 2
References and 7 Preparation of test sample.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
© ISO 19922025 – All rights reserved
iv
Introduction
The bulk densities (loose and tapped) of a fertilizer provide information relative to the required size of
packaging materials, store-houses, stock-rooms, etc. Generally, the bulk density (tap
...

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