EN 15360:2007

Overview

EN 15360:2007 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the selective determination of dicyandiamide (DCD) in fertilizers. DCD is commonly added to fertilizers as a nitrification inhibitor to enhance nitrogen use efficiency and reduce environmental impact. This method allows precise quantification of DCD alongside other nitrogen forms, supporting quality control and regulatory compliance in fertilizer production.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose
  The standard focuses on measuring DCD concentrations in fertilizers where DCD acts as a nitrification inhibiting agent. It ensures accuracy in detecting and quantifying DCD, which is critical for both product performance and environmental safety.

• Analytical Principle
  The method involves dissolving or suspending a fertilizer sample in water with ultrasonic assistance, then filtering and analyzing the solution by HPLC. A C18 reversed-phase column and UV detection at 220 nm are used for selective separation and identification of DCD.

• Sample Preparation and Reagents
  Sample preparation follows EN 1482-2 recommendations and includes proper homogenization, dissolution, and filtration. Key reagents comprise analytical-grade chemicals and water conforming to EN ISO 3696 standards, as well as prepared standard and internal standard solutions with methyl dicyandiamide.

• Precision and Accuracy
  The method’s precision was validated through a multi-laboratory trial reflecting repeatability and reproducibility under different conditions. It reliably measures DCD in concentrations from approximately 0.1 g to 100 g per 100 g of fertilizer material.

• Calculation Methodology
  Calculation of DCD content involves comparing peak areas of DCD and internal standard from sample and standard solutions. This quantitative approach provides reproducible and accurate results critical for quality assurance.

Applications

• Fertilizer Quality Control
  EN 15360:2007 enables manufacturers and testing laboratories to verify DCD levels in fertilizers, ensuring compliance with product specifications and regulatory requirements.

• Environmental Compliance
  Accurate DCD measurement supports environmental monitoring by controlling nitrification inhibition and reducing nitrogen loss via leaching or gaseous emissions.

• Research and Development
  Researchers developing new fertilizer formulations can use this method to analyze the efficacy and stability of DCD additives in various matrices.

• Regulatory Enforcement
  Regulatory bodies may adopt this standardized analytical method for official control and certification of fertilizers containing nitrification inhibitors.

Related Standards

• EN 1482-1 & EN 1482-2: Standards for fertilizer sampling and sample preparation, crucial for obtaining representative test samples analyzed under EN 15360.

• EN ISO 3696: Specifies water quality requirements for laboratory use, ensuring reagents and solvents meet strict purity criteria.

• ISO 5725-1: Defines principles for accuracy and precision in measurement methods; underpins the validation of EN 15360’s performance.

• Regulation (EC) No 2003/2003: European legislation governing fertiliser products, establishing legal frameworks for product composition that this standard helps to enforce.

Utilizing EN 15360:2007 ensures reliable and standardized measurement of dicyandiamide in fertilizers, instrumental for quality assurance, regulatory adherence, and environmental sustainability in nitrogen management. This method’s adoption across Europe guarantees consistent, reproducible results that underpin safe and efficient fertilizer use.