ISO 5311:2026
(Main)Fertilizers — Determination of bulk density (tapped)
Fertilizers — Determination of bulk density (tapped)
This document specifies two methods for the determination of the bulk density (tapped) of solid fertilizers: the machine-tapping method (method 1); the hand-tapping method (method 2). These methods are applicable to dry fertilizers only. Neither method is suitable for materials which contain a large proportion of particles exceeding 5 mm in diameter. Method 2 is applicable only to spherical granules and to prills. It is not applicable to sharp-edged grains. NOTE Because of the differences in tapping technique, the two methods will not necessarily give the same value for the bulk density (tapped).
Engrais — Détermination de la masse volumique après tassement
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 19-Feb-2026
- Technical Committee
- ISO/TC 134 - Fertilizers, soil conditioners and beneficial substances
- Drafting Committee
- ISO/TC 134/WG 1 - Fertilizers
- Current Stage
- 6060 - International Standard published
- Start Date
- 20-Feb-2026
- Due Date
- 12-Feb-2027
- Completion Date
- 20-Feb-2026
Relations
- Effective Date
- 16-Aug-2025
Overview
ISO 5311:2026 is an international standard developed by ISO for the determination of bulk density (tapped) of solid fertilizers. This standard outlines two accepted laboratory methods: the machine-tapping method and the hand-tapping method. It is specifically intended for use with dry fertilizer samples containing a limited proportion of particles less than 5 mm in diameter. Understanding bulk density is vital for proper fertilizer packaging, storage, handling, and transport.
The document was prepared by ISO Technical Committee 134 (Fertilizers, soil conditioners and beneficial substances) and supersedes ISO 5311:1992, providing updated normative references and clarifications.
Key Topics
- Bulk Density (Tapped): Refers to the mass per unit volume of a material after it has been compacted under controlled conditions, typically by tapping in a specified manner. It is commonly expressed in grams per cubic centimetre (g/cm³).
- Applicable Fertilizer Types: The standard applies to dry fertilizers. The hand-tapping method is specifically suitable for spherical granules and prills but not for sharp-edged grains or materials with a large proportion of oversized particles.
- Tapping Methods:
- Machine-Tapping Method: Uses a mechanical tapping device to compact fertilizer within a measuring cylinder.
- Hand-Tapping Method: Involves manual tapping using a rod to achieve compaction in the measuring cylinder.
- Sample Preparation: Ensures test specimens are representative and appropriately dried to remove any absorbed moisture before testing.
- Repeatability & Reporting: Emphasizes consistent results between determinations and clear documentation of methodologies and any deviations.
Applications
ISO 5311:2026 provides significant practical benefits across the fertilizer industry:
- Packaging Design: Accurate tapped bulk density measurements help manufacturers determine the optimal size and strength of packaging materials, minimizing waste and cost.
- Storage Planning: Knowing the bulk density allows better allocation of warehouse space and efficient design of storage facilities for bulk fertilizers.
- Transport Logistics: Reliable bulk density data are essential for calculating vehicle loading capacities and optimizing transportation, which increases safety and reduces shipping expenses.
- Quality Control: Laboratories and production facilities use these methods for routine product characterization to ensure consistency and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Research and Development: R&D teams utilize bulk density results for formulating new fertilizer products and evaluating their flow and handling characteristics.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meeting standardized bulk density measurement protocols ensures conformance with international regulations, facilitating trade and certification in the global market.
Related Standards
ISO 5311:2026 references complementary standards within the field of fertilizer analysis:
- ISO 3944: Fertilizers - Determination of bulk density (loose)
- ISO 7742: Solid fertilizers - Reduction of samples
- ISO 14820-2: Fertilizers and liming materials - Sampling and sample preparation - Part 2: Sample preparation
These related documents should be used alongside ISO 5311:2026 for comprehensive bulk density assessment and holistic quality control in fertilizer production and analysis.
For more information on the ISO 5311:2026 standard and its correct implementation, visit the ISO website or consult your national standards body. Adherence to these procedures ensures accurate, repeatable, and internationally recognized results for fertilizer bulk density (tapped) measurements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ISO 5311:2026 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Fertilizers — Determination of bulk density (tapped)". This standard covers: This document specifies two methods for the determination of the bulk density (tapped) of solid fertilizers: the machine-tapping method (method 1); the hand-tapping method (method 2). These methods are applicable to dry fertilizers only. Neither method is suitable for materials which contain a large proportion of particles exceeding 5 mm in diameter. Method 2 is applicable only to spherical granules and to prills. It is not applicable to sharp-edged grains. NOTE Because of the differences in tapping technique, the two methods will not necessarily give the same value for the bulk density (tapped).
This document specifies two methods for the determination of the bulk density (tapped) of solid fertilizers: the machine-tapping method (method 1); the hand-tapping method (method 2). These methods are applicable to dry fertilizers only. Neither method is suitable for materials which contain a large proportion of particles exceeding 5 mm in diameter. Method 2 is applicable only to spherical granules and to prills. It is not applicable to sharp-edged grains. NOTE Because of the differences in tapping technique, the two methods will not necessarily give the same value for the bulk density (tapped).
ISO 5311:2026 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.
ISO 5311:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 5311:1992. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ISO 5311:2026 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)
International
Standard
ISO 5311
Fourth edition
Fertilizers — Determination of bulk
2026-02
density (tapped)
Engrais — Détermination de la masse volumique après tassement
Reference number
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
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or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
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Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Preparation of test sample . 1
5 Method 1 — Machine-tapping method . 2
5.1 Principle .2
5.2 Apparatus .2
5.3 Procedure .2
6 Method 2 — Hand-tapping method . 2
6.1 Principle .2
6.2 Apparatus .2
6.3 Procedure .3
7 Expression of results . 3
7.1 Method of calculation and formula .3
7.2 Repeatability .3
8 Test report . 3
iii
Foreword
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in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
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patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
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related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO ’s adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 134, Fertilizers, soil conditioners and beneficial
substances.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 5311:1992), of which it constitutes a minor
revision. The changes are as follows:
— the normative reference to ISO 8358 in Clause 4 was changed to ISO 14820-2.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
Introduction
The bulk densities (loose and tapped) of a fertilizer provide information relative to the required size
of packaging materials, store-houses, stock-rooms, etc. Generally, the bulk density (tapped) is up t
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