SIST EN 15428:2008

Soil improvers and growing media - Determination of particle size distribution

This document specifies a method of determination of particle size distribution in soil improvers and growing media.

Bodenverbesserungsmittel und Kultursubstrate - Bestimmung der Korngrößenverteilung

Amendements du sol et supports de culture - Détermination de la répartition granulométrique

Izboljševalci tal in rastni substrati - Določanje porazdelitve velikosti delcev

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 12-Feb-2008
• ICS: 65.080 - Fertilizers
• Technical Committee: KAT - Soil quality
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 28-Jan-2008
• Due Date: 03-Apr-2008
• Completion Date: 13-Feb-2008
• Directive: Slovenian Regulation2013-01-3557 - Uredba o predelavi biološko razgradljivih odpadkov in uporabi komposta ali digestata
• Ref Project: EN 15428:2007 - Soil improvers and growing media - Determination of particle size distribution

Relations

• Refers: SIST EN 13040:2008 - Soil improvers and growing media - Sample preparation for chemical and physical tests, determination of dry matter content, moisture content and laboratory compacted bulk density
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 12579:2024 - Soil improvers and growing media - Sampling
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: SIST CR 13456:2002 - Soil improvers and growing media - Labelling, specifications and product schedules
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 12503-2:2002 - Sports mats - Part 2: Pole vault and high jump mats, safety requirements
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST-TS CEN/TS 15534-2:2007 - Wood-plastics composites (WPC) - Part 2: Characterisation of WPC materials
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

SIST EN 15428:2008 specifies a standardized method for the determination of particle size distribution in soil improvers and growing media. Developed by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST) and harmonized with the European standard EN 15428:2007, this document ensures uniform testing processes across the industry for evaluating the granularity of materials used to enhance soil or serve as substrates for plant growth. Accurate measurement of particle size distribution is essential for assessing product performance, suitability for specific horticultural or agricultural uses, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key Topics

• Scope and Relevance: This standard applies to all soil improvers and growing media, providing a procedure for sampling, drying, sieving, and analyzing particle sizes to aid product characterization.
• Sieving Methodology: Utilizes a mechanical sieving machine and standardized test sieves according to ISO 565, ensuring reproducibility and comparability.
• Sample Preparation: Outlines preparation steps including sampling (EN 12579), air drying, and sample division to ensure consistent test conditions.
• Calculation and Reporting: Includes instructions for calculating particle size fractions and guidelines for reporting results as required by industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Quality Assurance: Addresses optimization and annual calibration of the sieving machine to maintain accuracy over time, as well as validation through interlaboratory trials.

Applications

The standardized determination of particle size distribution using SIST EN 15428:2008 has valuable applications in several key areas:

• Product Development: Manufacturers of soil improvers and growing media can assess and adjust their formulations, targeting specific particle size distributions to maximize water retention, aeration, and root development.
• Quality Control: Routine analysis in production facilities ensures products consistently meet industry specifications and customer expectations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Demonstrating conformity to national and European standards is often a legal or commercial requirement, supporting claims related to product functionality or environmental impact.
• Labelling and Marketing: Accurate particle size distribution data enables transparent product labelling, aiding buyers in selecting materials suited for particular horticultural situations, such as seed starting, potting mixes, or topsoil amendments.
• Research and Development: Academic and industry research depend on repeatable and comparable particle size data, facilitating innovation in soil substitute and amendment technologies.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to soil improvers and growing media analysis, the following standards are commonly referenced in conjunction with SIST EN 15428:2008:

• EN 12579: Soil improvers and growing media - Sampling
• EN 13040:2007: Soil improvers and growing media - Sample preparation for chemical and physical tests, determination of dry matter content, moisture content, and laboratory compacted bulk density
• CR 13456:1999: Soil improvers and growing media - Labelling, specifications, and product schedules
• ISO 565: Test sieves - Metal wire cloth, perforated metal plate, and electroformed sheet - Nominal sizes of openings

Practical Value

Implementing SIST EN 15428:2008 brings measurable benefits to laboratories, producers, and end-users of soil improvers and growing media:

• Consistency and Accuracy: reduces variability, enhances confidence in product claims, and fosters trust among supply chain stakeholders.
• Market Access: familiarizes producers with requirements for pan-European and international markets.
• Efficiency: standardizes laboratory procedures, improving throughput and facilitating interlaboratory comparisons.
• Sustainability: supports informed choices in material use, contributing to better environmental management and resource conservation.

By adhering to SIST EN 15428:2008, industry professionals can deliver reliable, high-quality soil improvers and growing media, supporting successful plant cultivation in both commercial and consumer applications.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Soil improvers and growing media - Determination of particle size distributionAmendements du sol et supports de culture - Détermination de la répartition granulométriqueBodenverbesserungsmittel und Kultursubstrate - Bestimmung der KorngrößenverteilungTa slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 15428:2007SIST EN 15428:2008en,fr,de65.080ICS:SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 15428:200801-marec-2008

EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 15428September 2007ICS 65.080 English VersionSoil improvers and growing media - Determination of particlesize distributionAmendements du sol et supports de culture -Détermination de la répartition granulométriqueBodenverbesserungsmittel und Kultursubstrate -Bestimmung der PartikelgrößenverteilungThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 28 July 2007.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as theofficial versions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2007 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 15428:2007: E

Optimization of the sieving machine.9 Annex B (informative)
Results of an interlaboratory trial to determine particle size.10 Bibliography.18

5 Apparatus 5.1
Sieving-shaking machine, vertical vibrating movement, with amplitude adjustment, and interval timer. Sieving time: 7 min in periods of 10 s shaking and 1 s rest with an amplitude in the range between 0,5 mm and 1,5 mm. 5.2
Test sieves, diameter 200 mm or 300 mm, rim height 55 mm, aperture sizes as listed in ISO 565, of stainless steel woven wire with square openings 31,5 mm, 16,0 mm, 8,0 mm, 4,0 mm, 2,0 mm, 1,0 mm, and reception tray, sieve lid. 5.3
Drying oven, forced air suction, adjustable to 40 °C ± 5 °C. NOTE Care should be taken to prevent loss of fine lightweight particles. 5.4
Three drying trays, rim height ca 50 mm ± 10 mm, minimum bottom area of 400 cm2, heat proof to 50 °C. 5.5
Balance with a weighing range at least 4 kg and an accuracy 0,1 g. 5.6
Apparatus for sample division, comprising any suitable equipment for combining and reducing the samples which preserves the characteristics of the product. Depending on the particle size, material and

6 Optimization of sieving machine Prior to its first use the shaking machine shall be optimized as described in Annex A. Optimization shall be repeated annually. 7 Test sample 7.1 General For the determination of the particle size distribution materials shall be sampled in accordance with EN 12579. This European Standard is applicable to samples supplied in a form in which they are used and is not necessarily applicable to or suitable for all types of growing medium or soil improver, for example material that is not able to flow when used or is sticky. Samples shall be analysed in a state ready to be used. Prepare the test sample in accordance with EN 13040:2007 up to Clause 7. 7.2 Determination of the sub-sample volume First determine the analytical sample size. For fine materials, use a smaller volume than for coarser materials to reduce the risk of blocking the sieves (see Table 1). Place the 8,0 mm mesh sieve (5.2) on the sieving machine with the reception tray under it. Reduce the sample to the size of the sub-sample using an apparatus for sample division (5.6). Transfer the appropriate sub-sample (750 ml for 300 mm sieve and 375 ml for 200 mm sieve) to the sieve and place the lid on the sieve. Secure to the sieving tower and switch on the sieving machine (5.1) for 1 min at the standard setting. For samples in which the moisture content is too high, first air dry the sample in a drying oven for 16 h (5.3). NOTE If the moisture content is too high, the sample will not pass through the sieve. After sieving, weigh the sieve (c), the reception tray with the sample (a), then dry-clean the sieve and reception tray and weigh them empty (d and b respectively).
Calculate the fraction according to 10.1. Table 1 — Sample volumes Sieve diameter Sub-sample portion
If 0 mm to 8 mm fraction ≤ 50 % w/w total Sub-sample portion
If 0 mm to 8 mm fraction > 50 % w/w total
200 mm 375 ml 125 ml 300 mm 750 ml 250 ml

8 Air drying Take three representative appropriate volumes (see Table 1) of the sample as received using an apparatus for sample division (5.6) and place them into 3 separate drying trays. Spread the sample over the surface of the tray as uniformly as possible and weigh. Place the trays in the drying oven (5.3) at 40 °C for at least 16 h and re-weigh. Calculate the moisture loss. After drying, the remaining moisture content in the sub-samples shall not exceed 15 % of the total weight. The moisture content shall be determined as described in EN 13040:2007. 9 Procedure Determine the particle size distribution within 24 h after drying. Store the sample in a dry atmosphere until sieving can be performed.
NOTE As samples absorb moisture, volume changes can occur. Assemble the sieves in order of aperture size, with the largest aperture at the top, on top of the reception tray on the sieving machine. Distribute all the dried sub-sample (Clause 8) equally on the upper sieve. Place the lid on the upper sieve and secure the sieves. Switch on the sieving machine for 7 min at the prescribed setting (Clause 6). Determine the weight fractions of each sieve and of the reception tray. Dry-clean the sieves and the reception tray. When the three sub-samples have been sieved and weighed, determine the empty weights of the sieves and the reception tray. Calculate the fraction distribution as described in 10.2. 10 Calculations and expression of results 10.1 Calculation of fraction distribution during sample pre-treatment Calculate the fraction distribution during sample pre-treatment as follows: The sieving fraction greater than 8 mm is given by
100% )()(-
mass)by
(% mm 8 fraction
Sieving×−+−>badcdc=
(1) The sieving fraction smaller than 8 mm is given by
100% )()( mass)by
(% mm 8-0fraction
Sieving×−+−−badcba=
(2) where a
is the weight of reception tray plus sample, expressed in g; b
is the weight of the empty reception tray, expressed in g; c
is the weight of the 8,0 mm sieve plus sample, expressed in g;

is the weight of the empty 8,0 mm sieve, expressed in g. 10.2 Calculation of fraction distribution of a sample The portion masses are expressed on the total mass of the sample.
weight%100
massraction ×∑xxxAAZZZF
(3) where x = 1.7
1 - sieve 31,5 mm
2 - sieve 16 mm
3 - sieve 8 mm
4 - sieve 4 mm
5 - sieve 2 mm
6 - sieve 1 mm
7 - reception tray
A1.7
= (weight sieve plus sample - weight empty sieve). For each fraction determine the average and round it to the nearest whole percent. Then determine the coefficient of variance of the three sub-samples according to the calculation below (example calculation of portion x). Do this for portions 2 to 6 and only for the three largest fractions. Disregard the portion of > 31,5 mm. If the coefficient of variance of a portion is greater than 20 % the sample should be considered as insufficiently homogenous. The analysis should be repeated in its entirety. nZZZG∑xx verageA
(4) where: n = number of replicates (3 or 4) 100
Variance of oefficient×−−∑x2xxxG1"/!n"G!ZZZVcC
(5) 11 Precision Typical performance characteristics for precision and accuracy are shown in Table B.1 to Table B.7. 12 Test report The test report shall include the following information: a) reference to the European Standard (EN 15428:2007);

Optimization of the sieving machine A.1 Test sample Homogeneous, peat type 1, < 16 mm, fraction 0 to 1 mm 10 to 40 %. A.2 Sample pre-treatment Take a sub-sample of the test sample (for 300 mm sieve take 500 ml, for 200 mm sieve take 250 ml) from which the particles greater than 16 mm have been sieved out manually; dry this sample for 24 h at 40 °C. Place sieves and reception tray on the sieving machine in such
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