SIST-TS CEN/TS 17728:2022

Overview

SIST-TS CEN/TS 17728:2022 is a European Technical Specification developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that defines standardized methods for determining key specific parameters of organic soil improvers. The document primarily addresses the measurement of pH and electrical conductivity in solid EU fertilizing products classified under product function categories (PFC) 3(A) and 7, with the core application related to PFC 3(A) as per Regulation (EU) 2019/1009. This specification ensures consistent and reliable testing to support product quality, safety, and compliance within the EU fertilizing products market.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application

  • Applies to solid organic soil improvers marketed within the EU.
  • Relevant to fertilizing products with the main function under PFC 3(A), including those also classified as PFC 7 when the primary role is PFC 3(A).

• Parameters Determined

  • pH: A critical indicator of soil improver acidity or alkalinity affecting soil health and nutrient availability.
  • Electrical Conductivity (EC): Measures the product's salinity level, impacting plant growth and soil structure.

• Standardized Testing Methods

  • pH is determined using the method described in EN 13037:2011.
  • Electrical conductivity is determined following the method set out in EN 13038:2011.

• Sampling and Sample Preparation

  • Sampling procedures and sample preparation align with CEN/TS 17733:2022, ensuring representative and consistent analysis.

• Terminology

  • Terms and definitions adhere to CEN/TS 17732:2022, promoting uniform language across soil improver industry stakeholders.

• Regulatory Compliance

  • Supports compliance with Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, which governs the safety, labeling, and market availability of EU fertilizing products.

Applications

• Quality Control for Organic Soil Improvers

  • Enables manufacturers and testing labs to assess key chemical characteristics to ensure product consistency and suitability for agricultural use.

• Agricultural and Horticultural Use

  • Proper pH and electrical conductivity measurements inform farmers and agronomists, facilitating effective soil amendment choices to optimize crop growth.

• Regulatory Assurance

  • Helps producers demonstrate compliance with EU legislation, facilitating market access across member states.

• Soil Health Management

  • Monitoring electrical conductivity and pH values helps prevent negative impacts such as soil salinization or pH imbalances, fostering sustainable soil management practices.

• Certification and Labeling

  • Supports certification bodies in verifying declared parameters on soil improver products, enhancing consumer trust.

Related Standards

• CEN/TS 17732:2022 – Terminology for soil improvers and growing media, crucial for consistent definitions.
• CEN/TS 17733:2022 – Specifies sampling and sample preparation methods, ensuring representative testing samples.
• EN 13037:2011 – Details the method for determining pH in soil improvers and growing media.
• EN 13038:2011 – Outlines the determination of electrical conductivity in soil improvers.

Practical Value

By adopting SIST-TS CEN/TS 17728:2022, stakeholders in the organic soil improver sector ensure uniformity in analyzing critical parameters. This harmonization supports the agricultural industry, fertilizer manufacturers, laboratories, and regulatory bodies by providing a reliable framework to evaluate and monitor product quality. The standard promotes soil health, environmental safety, and market transparency, key factors in sustainable agriculture and the circular economy within the European context.

Keywords: Organic soil improvers, pH determination, electrical conductivity, EU fertilizing products, SIST-TS CEN/TS 17728:2022, soil amendment standards, Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, soil improver testing methods, fertilizing product quality, agricultural soil health.