Fertilizers. Determination of chelating agents in fertilizers by chromatography - Determination of [S,S]-EDDS by ion pair chromatography

What is BS EN 13368-3-Determining [S,S]-EDDS in fertilizers about? 

BS EN 13368-3 is the third part of a multi-series standard that serves technical specifications for determining [S,S]-EDDS in fertilizers, enhancing the chemical stability of fertilizers and increasing plant uptake of micronutrients. 

BS EN 13368-3 specifies a method for the chromatographic determination of the chelating agent [S,S]-EDDS in fertilizers. The method allows the identification and the determination of the total concentration of the water-soluble fraction of this chelating agent. 

BS EN 13368-3 method applies to EC fertilizers containing chelates of one or more of the following micronutrients: cobalt, copper, iron, manganese and zinc, covered by Regulation (EC) No 2003/2003. It applies to a mass fraction of the metal chelate of at least 0.35 %. 

Note: The substance EDDS exists in several different stereo-isomeric forms. [S,S] (with CAS Number 20846–91–7), [R,R] and [R,S] optical isomers are possible. [S,S] and [R,R] are mirror images with equal chemical characteristics. However, only the [S,S] isomer is biodegradable 

Who is BS EN 13368-3-Determining [S,S]-EDDS in fertilizers for? 

BS EN 13368-3 on determining [S,S]-EDDS in fertilizers applies to: 

• Manufacturers of fertilizers 
• Dealers and importers of fertilizers 
• Testing labs for fertilizers 
• Safety assurance services 
• Regulatory bodies 

Why should you use BS EN 13368-3-Determining [S,S]-EDDS in fertilizers? 

A chelating agent is a chemical molecule that combines with metal ions to generate stable water-soluble metal complexes. Chelating agents keep metals soluble in the soil and allow them to be taken up by plants. Although the two components are separated in the roots, they can be transferred to the leaves. 

BS EN 13368-3 provides users guidance on principle, interferences, reagents, apparatus, sampling, sample preparation, procedure, expression of results, precision, and test report to enhance the chemical stability in fertilizers. 

BS EN 13368-3 provides users guidance on the chromatography method to determine chelating agents in fertilizers. BS EN 13368-3 also provides users with a step-by-step procedure for the technique enabling users to do the process correctly. 

With obedience and compliance of BS EN 13368-3, users can determine chelating agents in fertilizers, enhancing micronutrient bioavailability to promote plant growth and improve crop yields.