prEN 17760

Overview

prEN 17760:2026, published by CEN, specifies a standardized method for determining the particle size distribution of ammonium nitrate fertilizers with high nitrogen content. By measuring the fraction of material passing through mesh sieves of 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm, this European Standard provides clear guidance for consistent quality assessment in production and supply chains. This standard supports industry-wide quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and harmonized practices in the fertilizers sector.

Key keywords: particle size determination, ammonium nitrate fertilizers, high nitrogen content, inorganic fertilizers, sieve analysis, European Standard, prEN 17760.

Key Topics

• Scope: Applies exclusively to high nitrogen ammonium nitrate fertilizers. It is not suitable for fertilizer blends or products other than those specified.
• Sieve Sizes: Utilizes mesh sieves of 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm to analyze the mass fractions.
• Method Summary: The fertilizer sample is sieved by hand or mechanical shaker through a set order of sieves. Masses are carefully recorded to determine the proportion of particles in each size fraction.
• Sampling & Preparation: Adherence to standard sample preparation procedures is emphasized to ensure representative and reliable results.
• Reporting: Requires detailed reporting to support traceability and repeatability of analytical results.

Applications

Consistent Quality Control
Producers, suppliers, and laboratories use prEN 17760:2026 to routinely assess and control the particle size distribution in high nitrogen ammonium nitrate fertilizers. Ensuring proper granule size is essential for:

• Efficient fertilizer application and spreading on agricultural fields
• Minimizing caking, dust formation, and product degradation during transport and storage
• Meeting legal and regulatory requirements for fertilizer quality and safety

Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory bodies may reference this standard for monitoring market conformity and enforcing fertilizer product quality laws.

Trade and Procurement
Provides a harmonized reference for contractual agreements, enabling buyers and sellers to specify particle size requirements with confidence.

Research and Development
Supports the development of new fertilizer formulations and improvements in product performance through reproducible and comparable analytical data.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality assurance and compliance, prEN 17760:2026 should be used in conjunction with other key standards, including:

• EN 1482-2: Fertilizers, liming materials and inhibitors – Sampling and sample preparation – Part 2: General sample preparation provisions
  Ensures proper sample handling before particle size analysis.

• EN 12944-1: Fertilizers, liming materials and inhibitors - Vocabulary - Part 1: General terms
  Provides standardized terminology for clear communication.

• EN 12944-2: Fertilizers, liming materials and inhibitors - Vocabulary - Part 2: Terms relating to fertilizers
  Focuses on fertilizer-specific language relevant to this and related standards.

• EN 1482-1 (Bibliography): General sampling provisions to support representative sampling procedures.

Conclusion

Adopting prEN 17760:2026 ensures the accurate and consistent determination of particle size in ammonium nitrate fertilizers with high nitrogen content. This supports product quality, legal compliance, and efficient fertilizer application, making the standard essential for industry professionals, regulators, and quality assurance laboratories across the European and international fertilizer sectors.