BS EN 15961 is a standard that serves technical specifications for the extraction of water-soluble calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulfur in fertilizers, enabling assessment of fertilizers for improved plant growth in agricultural applications.
BS EN 15961 specifies a method for the extraction of water-soluble calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulfur (in the form of sulfates), so that the same extract can be used for the determination of each nutrient required.
BS EN 15961 method is solely applicable to fertilizers listed in Regulation (EC) 2003/2003, Annex I [2]), for which a declaration of the water-soluble calcium, magnesium, sodium, and sulfur (in the form of sulfates) is provided for in this Regulation.
BS EN 15961 on the extraction of water-soluble calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulfur in fertilizers applies to:
In fertilizers, calcium increases ammonium and phosphorus absorption, which stimulates photosynthesis. Magnesium deficiency causes poor and stunted plant growth. Sodium in fertilizers helps improve forage palatability. Sulphur in fertilizers is essential for the formation of plant proteins and amino acids in plants.
BS EN 15961 provides users guidance on principle, sampling, reagents, apparatus, procedure, test portion, preparation of the solution and test report ensuring accurate determination of nutrients in fertilizers.
BS EN 15961 provides users guidance on the method for the extraction of water-soluble calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulfur in fertilizers. BS EN 15961 also provides users with a step-by-step procedure for the method, enabling users to do the technique correctly.
The adoption of BS EN 15961 allows users to develop and assess nutrients in fertilizers, ensuring the nutritional value and plant growth for increased crop yields.
BS EN 15961:2017 supersedes BS EN 15961:2011, which is now withdrawn.
Changes in BS EN 15961:2017 include -
EN 15961:2017