BS EN 15960 is a standard that serves technical specifications for the extraction of total calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulfur in fertilizers, enabling the declaration of these nutrients for compliance with regulations.
BS EN 15960 specifies a method for the extraction of total calcium, total magnesium and total sodium and for the extraction of total sulfur present in the form of sulfates, so that the same extract may be used for the determination of each nutrient required.
BS EN 15960 method is applicable to fertilizers listed in Regulation (EC) 2003/2003, Annex I [2], for which a declaration of total calcium, total magnesium, total sodium, and total sulfur in the form of sulfates is provided for in this Regulation.
BS EN 15960 on the extraction of total calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulfur in fertilizers applies to:
Calcium increases ammonium, potassium and phosphorus absorption. Magnesium assists in the formation of chlorophyll and of enzyme activators. Sodium helps to improve the formation of chlorophyll and of enzyme activators. Sulphur plays a vital role in plant metabolism.
BS EN 15960 provides users guidance on a method for the extraction of total calcium, magnesium and sodium and for the extraction of total sulfur present in the form of sulfates. BS EN 15960 also provides users with a step-by-step procedure for the method, enabling users to do the method correctly.
BS EN 15960 provides users guidance on principle, sampling, reagents, apparatus, procedure, and test report, enabling the determination of nutrient availability and utilization in fertilizers and agricultural applications.
With obedience and compliance of BS EN 15960, users can extract total calcium, magnesium and sodium in form of sulfates from fertilizers, enabling the declaration of calcium, magnesium and sulfur for compliance with regulations.
BS EN 15960:2011 supersedes DD CEN/TS 15960:2009, which is now withdrawn. Changes in BS EN 15960:2011 include -
EN 15960:2011