kSIST FprEN 17729:2026
(Main)Soil improvers - Methods for the determination of dry matter content, quantity, total copper and zinc content, water soluble chloride content, organic and total nitrogen content, total P2O5 (phosphorus pentoxide) and K2O (potassium oxide) content
- Abstract
This document specifies references to methods to be used for the determination of specific parameters in soil improvers, but does not contain the methods themselves. The specific parameters in this document are:
— dry matter content;
— quantity;
— total copper and zinc content;
— water soluble chloride content;
— organic and total nitrogen content;
— total P2O5 (phosphorus pentoxide) and K2O (potassium oxide) content.
This document is applicable to the fertilizing product blends where a blend is a mix of two or more fertilizing products belonging to the categories of fertilizers, liming material, soil improvers, growing media, inhibitors and plant biostimulants, and where soil improvers and/or growing media are the components with the highest percentage in the blend by mass or volume, or in the case of products in liquid form by dry mass. If the soil improvers and/or growing media are not the components with the highest percentage in the blend, the European Standard relevant to the component with the highest percentage in the blend applies. In case a blend is composed of fertilizing products mixed in equal quantities, the user of the standard decides which standard to apply.
NOTE A soil improver consists of a single bulky (volume-building) component or a mix of bulky (volume-building) components (for example peat, wood fibres, coconut coir, compost, expanded perlite).
- Status
- Not Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 01-Feb-2026
- Technical Committee
- KAT - Soil quality
- Current Stage
- 5020 - Formal vote (FV) (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 19-Oct-2026
- Due Date
- 07-Dec-2026
- Mandate
- M/XXX - M/XXX
kSIST FprEN 17729:2026 is a draft European Standard published by SIST for soil improvers and related fertilising product blends. It specifies which referenced test methods to use for determining dry matter, quantity, copper, zinc, chloride, nitrogen, and P2O5/K2O content in solid soil improvers, so laboratories and manufacturers can assess these parameters in a consistent way.
What does kSIST FprEN 17729:2026 specify?
kSIST FprEN 17729:2026 gives an overview of the methods to be used for determining selected parameters in soil improvers. It does not set out the test methods itself; instead, it points the reader to the relevant standards for sampling, sample preparation, and each determination.
The document applies to solid soil improvers and to certain fertilising product blends. In practice, that means the standard is only used where soil improvers and/or growing media are the main components of the blend, unless the product with the highest percentage is covered by another European Standard.
The document is organized into five clauses and one informative annex:
| Part | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Clause 1 | Scope and applicability |
| Clause 2 | Normative references |
| Clause 3 | Terms and definitions |
| Clause 4 | Sampling and sample preparation |
| Clause 5 | Determination of the listed parameters |
| Annex ZA | Relationship with Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 |
What are the key requirements of kSIST FprEN 17729:2026?
kSIST FprEN 17729:2026 works by linking each parameter to a specific referenced method. For users, the key point is that the document tells you what standard to follow for each test, and in some cases which clause of that standard applies.
Scope and applicability
The scope of kSIST FprEN 17729:2026 covers solid soil improvers and blends where soil improvers and/or growing media are the dominant components by mass or volume, or by dry mass for liquid products. If another fertilising product is the main component, the standard for that component applies instead. When components are mixed in equal quantities, the user chooses the applicable standard.
Sampling and sample preparation
Clause 4 requires sampling for quality and quantity control to follow EN 12579:2024. Sample preparation for chemical and physical tests follows prEN 13040-1:2025, Clauses 6 to 10. This matters because the analytical result depends on how the sample is taken and prepared before testing.
Determinations by reference method
Clause 5 links each measurement to a named method:
- Dry matter content - prEN 13040-1:2025, Clause 11
- Nitrogen content - either prEN 13654-1:2025, Clause 9, using the modified Kjeldahl method, or prEN 13654-2:2025, Clause 9, using the Dumas method
- Aqua regia soluble P2O5 and K2O content - prEN 18259:2025, Clause 9
- Copper and zinc content - prEN 18259:2025, Clause 9
- Quantity for materials up to 60 mm particle size - EN 12580:2022, Clause 8
- Quantity for materials greater than 60 mm particle size - EN 15238:2022, Clauses 8 to 10
- Chloride content - prEN 18252:2025, Clause 8
For users, this means the document is a routing standard: it tells the laboratory which procedure to use, rather than defining the full procedure here.
Conformity with EU fertilising product rules
Annex ZA links the clauses of this standard to the essential requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 for PFC 3 soil improvers. The annex shows which clauses support copper and zinc, quantity, chloride, dry matter, nitrogen, and phosphorous pentoxide and potassium oxide requirements. In practice, this is the part used when a product needs to show alignment with EU fertilising product legislation.
What terms does kSIST FprEN 17729:2026 define?
- Soil improver - A bulky component or a mix of bulky components such as peat, wood fibres, coconut coir, compost, or expanded perlite.
- Blend - A mix of two or more fertilising products from the listed product categories, with applicability depending on which component is predominant.
- PFC (Product Function Category) - The EU product function category framework used in Regulation (EU) 2019/1009; soil improvers are PFC 3.
- Dry matter content - The part of the product remaining after water is removed, used to describe the actual solid material in the sample.
- Quantity - The amount of product, measured according to the referenced standards, either by volume or mass depending on the material.
- Presumption of conformity - The legal effect described in Annex ZA, where compliance with the cited clauses can support conformity with the corresponding EU requirements.
Who uses kSIST FprEN 17729:2026?
kSIST FprEN 17729:2026 is used by producers of soil improvers and growing media, especially when products are placed on the market as EU fertilising products. It is also used by testing laboratories that sample, prepare, and analyse products for dry matter, nutrients, elements, chloride, and quantity.
Quality managers, conformity assessment bodies, and regulatory users use it to select the correct referenced methods and to link test results to the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/1009. It is relevant wherever PFC 3 soil improvers are assessed for quality, quantity, and safety-related chemical parameters.
What changed in kSIST FprEN 17729:2026 from the previous edition?
kSIST FprEN 17729:2026 supersedes CEN/TS 17729:2022. The foreword states these changes:
- the title was revised
- quantity requirements were added to the Introduction
- an applicability statement was added to the Scope
- Clause 2, Normative references, was updated
- Annex ZA was added
Which standards are used with kSIST FprEN 17729:2026?
- prEN 17732:2025 - Provides the terminology and definitions used for this document.
- EN 12579:2024 - Sets the sampling method for quality and quantity control.
- EN 12580:2022 - Gives the method for determining quantity for materials up to 60 mm particle size.
- prEN 13040-1:2025 - Provides sample preparation and the method for dry matter content.
- prEN 13654-1:2025 - Gives the modified Kjeldahl method for nitrogen.
- prEN 13654-2:2025 - Gives the Dumas method for nitrogen.
- EN 15238:2022 - Gives the method for quantity determination for materials greater than 60 mm.
- prEN 18252:2025 - Gives the chloride content method.
- prEN 18259:2025 - Gives the aqua regia soluble elements method used here for P2O5, K2O, copper, and zinc.
- prEN 13650:2025 - Listed in the bibliography as a digestion method for subsequent element determination.
What does the kSIST FprEN 17729:2026 document contain?
The document contains a scope, normative references, terms and definitions, and a short technical structure that assigns each required determination to a referenced method. It also contains the sampling and sample preparation steps that must be followed before analysis.
Annex ZA is the legal linkage section. It maps the clauses on copper, zinc, quantity, chloride, dry matter, nitrogen, and P2O5/K2O to the corresponding essential requirements in Regulation (EU) 2019/1009.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
kSIST FprEN 17729:2026 is a draft published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Soil improvers - Methods for the determination of dry matter content, quantity, total copper and zinc content, water soluble chloride content, organic and total nitrogen content, total P2O5 (phosphorus pentoxide) and K2O (potassium oxide) content". This standard covers: This document specifies references to methods to be used for the determination of specific parameters in soil improvers, but does not contain the methods themselves. The specific parameters in this document are: — dry matter content; — quantity; — total copper and zinc content; — water soluble chloride content; — organic and total nitrogen content; — total P2O5 (phosphorus pentoxide) and K2O (potassium oxide) content. This document is applicable to the fertilizing product blends where a blend is a mix of two or more fertilizing products belonging to the categories of fertilizers, liming material, soil improvers, growing media, inhibitors and plant biostimulants, and where soil improvers and/or growing media are the components with the highest percentage in the blend by mass or volume, or in the case of products in liquid form by dry mass. If the soil improvers and/or growing media are not the components with the highest percentage in the blend, the European Standard relevant to the component with the highest percentage in the blend applies. In case a blend is composed of fertilizing products mixed in equal quantities, the user of the standard decides which standard to apply. NOTE A soil improver consists of a single bulky (volume-building) component or a mix of bulky (volume-building) components (for example peat, wood fibres, coconut coir, compost, expanded perlite).
This document specifies references to methods to be used for the determination of specific parameters in soil improvers, but does not contain the methods themselves. The specific parameters in this document are: — dry matter content; — quantity; — total copper and zinc content; — water soluble chloride content; — organic and total nitrogen content; — total P2O5 (phosphorus pentoxide) and K2O (potassium oxide) content. This document is applicable to the fertilizing product blends where a blend is a mix of two or more fertilizing products belonging to the categories of fertilizers, liming material, soil improvers, growing media, inhibitors and plant biostimulants, and where soil improvers and/or growing media are the components with the highest percentage in the blend by mass or volume, or in the case of products in liquid form by dry mass. If the soil improvers and/or growing media are not the components with the highest percentage in the blend, the European Standard relevant to the component with the highest percentage in the blend applies. In case a blend is composed of fertilizing products mixed in equal quantities, the user of the standard decides which standard to apply. NOTE A soil improver consists of a single bulky (volume-building) component or a mix of bulky (volume-building) components (for example peat, wood fibres, coconut coir, compost, expanded perlite).
kSIST FprEN 17729:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 65.080 - Fertilizers. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
kSIST FprEN 17729:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST-TS CEN/TS 17729:2022. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
kSIST FprEN 17729:2026 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2003/2003, 2019/1009; Standardization Mandates: M/564, M/564 AMD 1, M/564 AMD 2, M/XXX. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
kSIST FprEN 17729:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 17729:2026
01-januar-2026
Izboljševalci tal in rastni substrati - Metode za določanje suhe snovi, količine,
bakra, cinka, klorida, dušika, P2O5 in K2O
Soil improvers - Methods for the determination of the dry matter, quantity, copper, zinc,
chloride, nitrogen, P2O5 and K2O content
Bodenverbesserungsmittel - Bestimmung spezifischer Parameter
Amendements du sol - Vue d'ensemble des méthodes pour la détermination de la
matière sèche, de la quantité, du cuivre, du zinc, des chlorures, de l'azote, et de la
teneure en P2O5 et K2O
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 17729
ICS:
65.080 Gnojila Fertilizers
oSIST prEN 17729:2026 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
oSIST prEN 17729:2026
oSIST prEN 17729:2026
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 17729
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
December 2025
ICS Will supersede CEN/TS 17729:2022
English Version
Soil improvers - Methods for the determination of the dry
matter, quantity, copper, zinc, chloride, nitrogen, P2O5 and
K2O content
Amendements du sol - Vue d'ensemble des méthodes Bodenverbesserungsmittel - Bestimmung spezifischer
pour la détermination de la matière sèche, de la Parameter
quantité, du cuivre, du zinc, des chlorures, de l'azote, et
de la teneure en P2O5 et K2O
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 223.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 17729:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
oSIST prEN 17729:2026
prEN 17729:2025 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Sampling and sample preparation . 6
4.1 Sampling . 6
4.2 Sample preparation for chemical and physical tests . 6
5 Determination . 6
5.1 Determination of the dry matter content . 6
5.2 Determination of the nitrogen content . 6
5.2.1 Modified Kjeldahl method . 6
5.2.2 Dumas method . 6
5.3 Determination of the aqua regia soluble P O and K O content . 6
2 5 2
5.4 Determination of the copper and zinc content . 6
5.5 Determination of quantity . 7
5.5.1 Determination of quantity for materials up a particle size up to 60 mm . 7
5.5.2 Determination of quantity (indicated by volume or mass) for materials up a particle
size greater than 60 mm . 7
5.6 Determination of the chloride content . 7
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship of this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 making available on the market of EU
fertilising products aimed to be covered . 8
Bibliography . 9
oSIST prEN 17729:2026
prEN 17729:2025 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 17729:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 223 “Soil
improvers and growing media”, the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN enquiry.
This document will supersede CEN/TS 17729:2022.
This document includes the following significant technical changes with respect to CEN/TS 17729:2022:
— The title has been revised;
— The quantity requirements have been added to the Introduction;
— An applicability statement has been included in the Scope;
— Clause 2, Normative references, has been updated;
— Annex ZA has been added.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
For the relationship with EU Legislation, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
oSIST prEN 17729:2026
prEN 17729:2025 (E)
Introduction
Different product functions warrant different product safety, quality and quantity requirements adapted
to their different intended uses. EU fertilizing products have therefore been divided into different product
function categories (PFCs), which are subject to specific safety, quality and quantity requirements, as
specified in the Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 [1].
Soil improvers have been classified as PFC 3. The specific safety, quality and quantity requirements in
relation to specific parameters are specified in this document, as well as normative references of the test
methods to be used to assess the compliance with the related requirement.
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