January 2026 Agriculture Standards: New Fertilizer and Growing Media Testing Methods

The January 2026 publication period brings critical updates to the agriculture sector with the release of two major international standards. Developed by ISO and CEN, these standards introduce advanced methods for the analysis of high nitrogen ammonium nitrate fertilizers and the characterization of pre-shaped growing media. Professionals across the field of agriculture, from compliance officers to quality managers, will recognize the importance of these updates in promoting product safety, performance, and regulatory alignment.

Overview / Introduction

Agriculture is an industry driven by innovation, safety, and productivity requirements. As global needs expand and regulations tighten, international standards play a vital role in ensuring the consistency, quality, and safety of fertilizers and growing media. By setting forth clear testing methodologies and product specifications, these standards help professionals align with best practices, minimize risks, and ensure reliable crop production.

In this article, you will discover:

• The latest technical requirements for ammonium nitrate fertilizer testing
• New approaches for measuring stable growing media properties
• How these standards influence compliance, procurement, and operational efficiency
• Actionable best practices to facilitate seamless implementation

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 5313:2026 - High Nitrogen Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizers: Oil Retention Testing

High nitrogen content, straight ammonium nitrate fertilizers — Determination of oil retention

ISO 5313:2026 details a rigorous, standardized procedure for measuring the gas oil retention characteristics of solid, high nitrogen content, straight ammonium nitrate fertilizers. The method applies to fertilizers that are prilled or granular and do not contain materials soluble in gas oil. By quantifying oil retention, the standard supports the identification of fertilizers' fire risk, storage stability, and compliance with transport regulations.

Scope and Methodology:

• Applies specifically to straight ammonium nitrate fertilizers with high nitrogen content.
• Excludes products containing gas-oil-soluble additives or manufactured as liquids.
• Method involves preparing a test sample, exposing it to gas oil, and measuring retained oil via standardized calculations.

Key requirements include:

• Thorough preparation and sampling to ensure representative test material
• Use of prescribed reagents, apparatus, and test procedures to uphold accuracy
• Calculation and reporting of repeatability and reproducibility for reliable results

Target stakeholders include fertilizer manufacturers, quality labs, safety inspectors, regulatory bodies, and procurement professionals handling bulk fertilizers.

Practical Implications:

• Consistent oil retention measurement is critical to assessing safety for storage and transport.
• Supports compliance with global regulations regarding hazardous materials.
• Enables benchmarking and quality assurance in fertilizer production and supply chains.

Notable changes: As a second edition, ISO 5313:2026 provides editorial updates and technical clarifications, further aligning with current industry best practices and ISO structure requirements.

Key highlights:

• Standardized approach for oil retention assessment in fertilizers
• Focus on safety, storage stability, and regulatory compliance
• Enhanced repeatability and reproducibility in testing

Access the full standard:View ISO 5313:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN 15761:2026 - Testing Dimensions and Bulk Density of Pre-shaped Growing Media

Pre-shaped growing media - Determination of the dimensions and bulk density

EN 15761:2026 delivers a standardized method for measuring the length, width, height, volume, and bulk density of pre-shaped growing media. These media are commonly used in horticulture for propagation and cultivation, including mineral wool, polyurethane blocks, and stabilized organic slabs where structural stability is maintained. Crucially, this method excludes plugs and products requiring hydration that change dimensions with water content.

Scope and Methodology:

• Applies to stable, regular-shaped growing media ready for direct use.
• Excludes plugs and deformable, water-stressed products (e.g., coir or peat slabs).
• Procedure involves precise sample preparation, dimensional measurement using calibrated instruments, and calculation of volume and bulk density.

The method is integral for:

• Quality assurance in growing media production
• Labelling and specification for commercial horticulture
• Ensuring homogeneous media for plant growth and nutrient management

Key requirements and updates (compared to the 2009 edition):

• Editorial revisions and alignment with the latest terminology (linked to CEN/TS 17732)
• Exclusion of measurement protocols for plugs, now covered in separate documentation
• Addition of dimensional measuring instruments and revised sampling approaches
• Clarity for various shapes (blocks, slabs, conical forms, and cylinders)

Industries Impacted:

• Horticultural suppliers and producers of pre-shaped media
• Commercial growers, greenhouse operators, and agronomists
• Testing laboratories and standards compliance auditors

Practical Implications:

• Uniform measurement ensures reliable crop and substrate management
• Bulk density data underpins accurate chemical analysis and batch processing
• Supports transparent labelling and traceability through supply chains

Key highlights:

• Standardized bulk density and dimension measurements for growing media
• Improved precision and consistency in horticultural substrate assessment
• Updated references and terminology for compliance with EU guidelines

Access the full standard:View EN 15761:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The introduction of ISO 5313:2026 and EN 15761:2026 is poised to influence multiple operational touchpoints across the agriculture sector:

Business and Operational Effects

• Reduced risk: Accurate oil retention testing in fertilizers minimizes hazards related to fire or explosion during storage and transport.
• Quality consistency: Standardized measurement protocols for growing media enforce product uniformity, enhancing plant growth and predictability.
• Regulatory alignment: Both standards facilitate evidence-based compliance with national and international regulations.

Compliance Timeline and Considerations

• Organizations should review procurement and quality assurance processes to ensure all relevant products meet the new standards as soon as possible.
• It is advisable to update existing procedures, retrain staff, and align testing equipment to the revised requirements within 6-12 months of publication.
• Certification or supplier qualification may be expected by customers and regulators to demonstrate compliance.

Benefits of Adoption

• Enhanced market access through globally-recognized, harmonized agricultural specifications
• Improved product safety, reducing liability and recall risks
• Greater confidence in supply chain partners through consistent quality benchmarks

Risks of Non-Compliance

• Regulatory penalties, supply chain disruptions, and loss of certifications
• Increased potential for safety incidents or product failures
• Reputational impacts in domestic and export markets

Technical Insights

Although each standard targets a specific agricultural material, several best practices and technical challenges overlap:

Common Technical Requirements

• Sampling consistency: Representative sample preparation is fundamental for both oil retention and bulk density testing.
• Accurate instrumentation: Whether measuring oil content or physical dimensions, using calibrated, validated equipment is crucial.
• Reporting and traceability: Both standards require comprehensive documentation of results, calibration records, and testing methods for audit and compliance.

Implementation Best Practices

1. Assess current protocols: Map existing QA/QC processes against new requirements, identifying gaps.
2. Update SOPs: Revise standard operating procedures to ensure adherence to new testing methodologies, reagents, and apparatus.
3. Train personnel: Provide advanced training for laboratory staff and production managers to ensure correct execution and result interpretation.
4. Integrate digital tools: Utilize laboratory information management systems (LIMS) to streamline result recording and reporting.

Testing and Certification Considerations

• For fertilizer producers, certification to ISO 5313:2026 may become a procurement prerequisite.
• Growing media suppliers should anticipate increased verification of bulk density and dimension parameters by buyers.

Conclusion / Next Steps

The January 2026 agriculture standards release marks a significant step forward in operational excellence, product safety, and sustainable growth. Whether you are a fertilizer manufacturer, horticultural supplier, or food production quality manager, these updated standards from ISO and CEN provide robust frameworks for risk mitigation, regulatory assurance, and competitive differentiation.

Key takeaways:

• ISO 5313:2026 introduces an advanced protocol for oil retention testing in high-nitrogen fertilizers — a safety and quality cornerstone.
• EN 15761:2026 refines dimensional and density measurement for growing media — driving product homogeneity and success for growers.

Recommended actions:

• Download and review the full text of each standard from iTeh Standards.
• Audit current processes for compliance readiness, emphasizing staff training and equipment calibration.
• Engage with supply chain partners to align on new documentation and certification expectations.

Staying informed and proactive is critical. Explore the latest standards, prioritize compliance, and leverage these updates to reinforce your commitment to quality and sustainable agricultural practices.