1 Scope
This document specifies methods for the reduction and preparation of samples of fertilizers, liming materials and inhibitors, in liquid
and solid form, and sets out the requirements for sample preparation reports. It also
specifies methods for the preparation of test samples and test portions from laboratory samples of product for subsequent chemical or physical analysis. It does not cover the preparation
of samples for certain physical tests which require test portions of more than 2 kg.
NOTE 1 The term product is used throughout the body of this document and is understood to include fertilizers, liming materials and inhibitors unless otherwise indicated.
NOTE 2 In relation to the procedures set out in this part of the standard series, any special procedures specific to a particular test method will be set out in that method standard.
This document is applicable to the fertilizing products blends where a blend is a
mix of at least two of the following components: fertilizers, liming materials, soil
improvers, growing media, inhibitors and plant biostimulants and where the following
category organic fertilizers, organo-mineral fertilizers, inorganic fertilizers, liming
materials or inhibitors is the highest % in the fertilizing product blend by mass
or volume, or in the case of liquid form by dry mass. If the category (organic fertilizers,
organo-mineral fertilizers, inorganic fertilizers, liming materials or inhibitors)
is not the highest % in the fertilizing product blend, the European Standard for the
highest % of the fertilizing product blend applies. In case a fertilizing product
blend is composed of components in equal quantity, the user decides which standard
to apply. Special care is needed to ensure that the fertilizing product blend is and
stays homogeneous and well mixed when sampled.