S.I. No. 248/1978 - Marketing of Non-Eec Fertilisers Regulations, 1978

Type designation	Data on method of production	Data on method of production	Minimum content of nutrients (percentage by weight)	Minimum content of nutrients (percentage by weight)	Minimum content of nutrients (percentage by weight)	Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents (if any) to be declared	Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents (if any) to be declared	Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents (if any) to be declared	Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents (if any) to be declared	Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents (if any) to be declared	Data for identification of the fertilisers; other requirements
(1)	(2)	(2)	(3)	(3)	(3)	(4)	(4)	(4)	(4)	(4)	(5)
						N	P	P	P	K
Fertiliser containing Organic Material NPK Compound	Product obtained chemically, naturally or by blending	Product obtained chemically, naturally or by blending	20%* (N+P+K)	3% N 2·2% P 4·15% K	3% N 2·2% P 4·15% K	(1) Total nitrogen (2) Ureic nitrogen (3) Cyana mide nitrogen (forms to be declared only if they exceed one per cent)	Phosphorus (P) soluble in water Phorphorus (P) soluble in mineral acids only	Phosphorus (P) soluble in water Phorphorus (P) soluble in mineral acids only	Phosphorus (P) soluble in water Phorphorus (P) soluble in mineral acids only	Water soluble potassium
*20% (N+P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N, P and K by multiplication. 1, 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*20% (N+P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N, P and K by multiplication. 1, 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*20% (N+P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N, P and K by multiplication. 1, 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*20% (N+P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N, P and K by multiplication. 1, 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*20% (N+P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N, P and K by multiplication. 1, 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*20% (N+P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N, P and K by multiplication. 1, 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*20% (N+P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N, P and K by multiplication. 1, 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*20% (N+P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N, P and K by multiplication. 1, 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*20% (N+P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N, P and K by multiplication. 1, 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*20% (N+P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N, P and K by multiplication. 1, 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*20% (N+P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N, P and K by multiplication. 1, 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*20% (N+P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N, P and K by multiplication. 1, 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.
Fertiliser containing Organic Material NP Compound	Fertiliser containing Organic Material NP Compound	Product obtained chemically, naturally or by blending	18%* (N+P)	18%* (N+P)	3% N 2·18% P	(1) Total nitrogen (2) Ureic nitrogen (3) Cyanamide nitrogen (Forms to be declared only if they exceed one per cent)	(1) Total nitrogen (2) Ureic nitrogen (3) Cyanamide nitrogen (Forms to be declared only if they exceed one per cent)	Phosphorus (P) soluble in water Phosphorus (P) soluble in mineral acids only
*18% (N+P) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and P by 1 and 2·29 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*18% (N+P) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and P by 1 and 2·29 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*18% (N+P) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and P by 1 and 2·29 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*18% (N+P) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and P by 1 and 2·29 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*18% (N+P) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and P by 1 and 2·29 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*18% (N+P) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and P by 1 and 2·29 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*18% (N+P) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and P by 1 and 2·29 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*18% (N+P) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and P by 1 and 2·29 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*18% (N+P) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and P by 1 and 2·29 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*18% (N+P) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and P by 1 and 2·29 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*18% (N+P) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and P by 1 and 2·29 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.	*18% (N+P) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and P by 1 and 2·29 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication.
Fertilisers containing Organic Material NK Compound	Fertilisers containing Organic Material NK Compound	Product obtained chemically, naturally or by blending	18%* (N+K)	18%* (N+K)	3% N 4·15% K	(1) Total nitrogen (2) Ureic nitrogen (3) Cyanamide nitrogen (forms to be declared only if they exceed one per cent)	(1) Total nitrogen (2) Ureic nitrogen (3) Cyanamide nitrogen (forms to be declared only if they exceed one per cent)		Water soluble potassium	Water soluble potassium
*18% (N+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and K by 1 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (N+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and K by 1 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (N+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and K by 1 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (N+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and K by 1 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (N+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and K by 1 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (N+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and K by 1 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (N+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and K by 1 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (N+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and K by 1 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (N+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and K by 1 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (N+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and K by 1 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (N+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and K by 1 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (N+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents N and K by 1 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication
Fertilisers containing Organic Material PK Compound	Fertilisers containing Organic Material PK Compound	Product obtained chemically, naturally or by blending	18%* (P+K)	18%* (P+K)	2·18% P 4·15% K			Phosphorus (P) soluble in water Phosphorus (P) soluble in mineral acids only	Water soluble potassium	Water soluble potassium
*18% (P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents P and K by 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents P and K by 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents P and K by 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents P and K by 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents P and K by 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents P and K by 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents P and K by 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents P and K by 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents P and K by 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents P and K by 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents P and K by 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication	*18% (P+K) to be calculated by multiplying the nutrient contents P and K by 2·29 and 1·2 respectively and adding the results of such multiplication
Fertilisers containing Organic Material Blood Meal	Fertilisers containing Organic Material Blood Meal	Product obtained chemically, naturally or by blending	12% N	12% N		Total Nitrogen	Total Nitrogen

D. LOW NUTRIENT FERTILISERS

Type designation	Data on method of production	Minimum content of nutrients (percentage by weight)	Minimum content of nutrients (percentage by weight)	Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents (if any) to be declared	Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents (if any) to be declared	Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents (if any) to be declared	Data for identification of the fertilisers; other requirements
(1)	(2)	(3)	(3)	(4)	(4)	(4)	(5)
				N	P	K
Low Nutrient Fertiliser NPK Compound	Product obtained chemically, naturally or by blending			1. Total nitrogen	Phosphorus (P) soluble in water	Water soluble potassium
				(2) Ureic nitrogen (3) Cyanamide nitrogen (Forms to be declared only if they exceed one per cent)	Phosphorus (P) soluble in mineral acids only
Low Nutrient Fertiliser NP Compound	Product obtained chemically, naturally or by blending			(1) Total nitrogen (2) Ureic nitrogen	Phosphorus (P) soluble in water Phosphorus (P) soluble in mineral acids only
				(3) Cyanamide nitrogen (Forms to be declared only if they exceed one per cent)
Low Nutrient Fertiliser NK Compound	Product obtained chemically, naturally or by blending			(1) Total nitrogen (2) Ureic nitrogen (3) Cyanamide nitrogen (Forms to be declared only if they exceed one per cent)		Water soluble potassium
Low Nutrient Fertiliser PK Compound	Product obtained chemically, naturally or by blending				Phosphorus (P) soluble in water Phosphorus (P) soluble in mineral acids only	Water soluble potassium
Low nutrient Fertiliser Urea Type	Product obtained chemically, or by blending			(1) Total nitrogen (2) Ureic nitrogen

PART II. PARTICULARS REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPHS (e) AND (h) OF REGULATION 2 (2)

( a ) The designation of the type of fertiliser, in accordance with Part I of this Schedule and the numbers indicating the nutrient content which, for compound fertilisers, should be in the order laid down by the said designation.

( b ) (i) The declared content in respect of each nutrient N, P, or K, or in case no such nutrient is contained in the fertiliser, a statement to that effect; and the declared content expressed as forms and/or solubilities where those are specified in the said Part I.

• (ii) The nutrient content for straight and compound fertilisers must be given as a percentage by weight, as whole numbers or, where necessary, to one decimal place and for compound fertilisers in the following order: N., P. and K.

• (iii) The forms and solubilities of the nutrients must also be expressed as a percentage by weight of fertiliser, except when the said Part I explicitly provides that the nutrient content shall be otherwise expressed.

• (iv) Nutrients must be indicated both in words and by the appropriate chemical symbols (e.g. nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), sodium (Na), cobalt (Co).

( c ) Guaranteed net or gross weight. Also, if the gross weight is given, the tare weight must be indicated beside it.

( d ) The name or trade name or trade mark and the address of the manufacturer of the fertiliser.

( a ) The labels or markings printed on the package and giving the particulars mentioned in paragraph 1 of this Part must be placed in a conspicuous position. Attached labels must be held in place by whatever system is used for closing the package. If this system consists of a lead or other type of seal, the seal must bear the name or mark of the person referred to in pursuance of paragraph 1 (d) of this Part.

( b ) The markings referred to in paragraph 1 of this Part must be and must remain indelible and clearly legible.

( c ) Where accompanying documents containing the identification markings are used they must accompany the goods and be accessible for inspection purposes.

PART III. TOLERANCES.

( a ) The tolerances given in this Part are the permitted deviation of the measured value of a nutrient from its declared value.

( b ) They are intended to accommodate variations in manufacturing, sampling and analysis.

( c ) No tolerances are allowed in respect of the minimum and maximum contents specified in Annex 1 of the Commission Directive.

( d ) Where no maximum is given there are no restrictions on an excess of nutrient above the declared amount.

( e ) The tolerance allowed in respect of the declared nutrient contents in the various types of fertiliser are as follows:

A. Straight Fertilisers

		absolute value in percentage by weight expressed as N, P, K, Mg, Cl.
I. Nitrogenous fertilisers	I. Nitrogenous fertilisers
calcium nitrate .. .. .. .. .. ..	calcium nitrate .. .. .. .. .. ..	0·4
calcium-magnesium nitrate .. .. .. .. ..	calcium-magnesium nitrate .. .. .. .. ..	0·4
sodium nitrate .. .. .. .. .. ..	sodium nitrate .. .. .. .. .. ..	0·4
chile nitrate .. .. .. .. .. .. ..	chile nitrate .. .. .. .. .. .. ..	0·4
calcium cyanamide .. .. .. .. .. ..	calcium cyanamide .. .. .. .. .. ..	1·0
nitrogenous calcium cyanamide .. .. .. ..	nitrogenous calcium cyanamide .. .. .. ..	1·0
ammonium sulphate .. .. .. .. .. ..	ammonium sulphate .. .. .. .. .. ..	0·3
Ammonium nitrate or calcium ammonium nitrate:	Ammonium nitrate or calcium ammonium nitrate:
—up to and including 32% .. .. .. .. ..	—up to and including 32% .. .. .. .. ..	0·8
—more than 32% .. .. .. .. .. ..	—more than 32% .. .. .. .. .. ..	0·6
ammonium sulphate-nitrate .. .. .. .. ..	ammonium sulphate-nitrate .. .. .. .. ..	0·8
magnesium sulphonitrate .. .. .. .. ..	magnesium sulphonitrate .. .. .. .. ..	0·8
magnesium ammonium nitrate .. .. .. .. ..	magnesium ammonium nitrate .. .. .. .. ..	0·8
urea .. .. .. .. .. .. ..	urea .. .. .. .. .. .. ..	0·4
II. Phosphatic fertilisers:	II. Phosphatic fertilisers:
Thomas slag:	Thomas slag:
—declaration expressed as a range of 2% by weight	—declaration expressed as a range of 2% by weight	0
—declaration expressed as a single number ..	—declaration expressed as a single number ..	0·44
Other phosphatic fertilisers:	Other phosphatic fertilisers:
P solubility in:	(Reference number of fertiliser in Part I of this Schedule)
—mineral acid ..	(18, 21, 22)	0·35
—formic acid ..	(7)	0·35
—neutral ammonium citrate	(15, 16, 17)	0·35
—alkaline ammonium citrate	(19, 20, 21)	0·35
—water .. ..	(15, 16, 18)	0·40
	(17)	0·57
III. Potassic fertilisers:	III. Potassic fertilisers:
kainit .. .. .. .. .. .. ..	kainit .. .. .. .. .. .. ..	1·25
enriched kainit salt .. .. .. .. .. ..	enriched kainit salt .. .. .. .. .. ..	0·83
muriate of potash	muriate of potash
—up to and including 45% .. .. .. .. ..	—up to and including 45% .. .. .. .. ..	0·83
—more than 45% .. .. .. .. .. ..	—more than 45% .. .. .. .. .. ..	0·415
potassium chloride containing:	potassium chloride containing:
magnesium salt .. .. .. .. .. ..	magnesium salt .. .. .. .. .. ..	1·25
sulphate of potash .. .. .. .. .. ..	sulphate of potash .. .. .. .. .. ..	0·415
sulphate of potash containing:	sulphate of potash containing:
magnesium salt .. .. .. .. .. ..	magnesium salt .. .. .. .. .. ..	1·25
Other components	Other components
magnesium .. .. .. .. .. .. ..	magnesium .. .. .. .. .. .. ..	0·54
chlorine .. .. .. .. .. .. ..	chlorine .. .. .. .. .. .. ..	0·2

B. Compound Fertilisers

I. Nutrient elements
—N .. .. .. .. .. ..	1·1
—P .. .. .. .. .. ..	0·48
—K .. .. .. .. .. ..	0·91
II. Total negative deviations from the declared value
—binary fertilisers
—NP, N + 2·29P .. .. .. ..	1·5
—NK N + 1·2K .. .. .. .. ..	1·5
—PK 2·29P + 1·2K .. .. .. ..	1·5
ternary fertilisers
—N + 2·29P + 1·2K .. .. .. ..	1·9

( f ) The tolerance allowed in respect of the declared content for the various forms of nitrogen is one-tenth of the overall content of the nutrient concerned with a maximum of 2% by weight, provided that the overall content of that nutrient remains within the limits specified in Part 1 of this Schedule and the tolerances specified in paragraph (e) of this Part.

The tolerance allowed in respect of the declared solubilities of phosphorus is one-tenth of the overall content of the nutrient with a maximum of 0•87% by weight, provided that the overall content of the nutrient remains within the limits specified in Part I of this Schedule and the tolerances specified in paragraph (e) above.

( g ) Where the presence of nutrients other than those provided for in paragraph (e) of this Part is declared, the tolerance allowed in respect of each declared nutrient shall be one half of the amount declared.

PART IV. DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT

A representative portion of the sample shall be weighed, with precautions against loss of moisture. It shall then be dried in a ventilated oven maintained at a temperature between 100°C and 105°C until 2 successive weighings after cooling in a desiccator, at intervals of not less than 3 hours in the oven, show an increment of loss of not more than 0·2 per cent of the original weight. The loss in weight, calculated as a percentage of the original weight, shall be taken to be the moisture content.

PART V. DETERMINATION OF NEUTRALISING VALUE.

A representative portion of the sample shall be dried in an oven maintained at a temperature between 100°C and 105°C until 2 successive weighings after cooling in a desiccator at intervals of not less than 3 hours in the oven, show an increment of loss of not more than 0·1 per cent of the original weight. The material shall then be ground (if necessary) to a degree of fineness which permits the whole amount to pass through a sieve with a mesh of 150µm, and shall be placed in an air-tight container. A quantity of the material about 1 gram in weight, weighed to an accurancy of 1 milligram shall be transferred to an Erlenmeyer flask of about 250 millilitre capacity and 50 millilitres of 0·5 N hydrochloric acid shall be added. A small funnel shall be placed in the neck of the flask. The contents shall be heated, maintained at a gentle boiling for 5 minutes then cooled. The residual acid shall be determined by titration against 0·25 N sodium hydroxide using phenolphthalein as an indicator. The weight of calcium carbonate equivalent to the weight of hydrochloric acid which has been neutralised by the material shall be calculated and shall be expressed as a percentage of the weight of the material. This result shall be taken to be the neutralising value.

PART VI. DETERMINATION OF FINENESS.

A quantity of the dried material, approximately 100 grams in weight, weighed to an accuracy of 0·1 gram, shall be sifted through a sieve with a mesh of 3·35 mm. Soft lumps may be broken down with the fingers but shall not be rubbed on the sieve. Any residue remaining on the sieve shall be weighed to an accuracy of 0·1 gram and the difference between its weight the weight of the dried material taken for the test shall be expressed as a percentage of the latter weight and shall be taken to indicate the extent to which the material passed through the sieve.

The material which passed through the 3·35 mm sieve shall be transferred to a sieve with a mesh of 150 µm and shall be sifted continuously for 10 minutes, with occasional tapping of the sides of the sieve. The material which has then passed through the 150 µm sieve shall be weighed to an accuracy of 0·1 gram and the result shall be expressed as a percentage of the weight of the dried material taken for the test and shall be taken to indicate the percentage of the material which passed through the 150 µm sieve.

PART VII. MARKETING OF NON-EEC FERTILISERS REGULATIONS, 1978

Reference No. ............................
Certificate of result of analysis of a liming material
Sample of ............................................................ ............. marked ............................................................ ... received by the Analyst on............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................ from............................................................ ............................................................ ......................................... which was taken at the premises of............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................. ............................................................ ............................................................ ................................................ on ........................................................... 19 .
This is to certify that the above-mentioned sample, which was duly labelled and sealed, in accordance with the above Regulations has been analysed by ............................................................ ............................................................ ................................................ under the direction of the State Chemist/Assistant State Chemist*, and that the result of the analysis is as follows:

	per cent
Neutralising value expressed in terms of calcium carbonate .............................	............................................
Fineness:
(1) Amount found to pass through a 3·35 mm sieve	............................................
(2) Amount found to pass through a 150 µm sieve	............................................
(3) Moisture .....................	............................................

*The particulars declared are correct, subject to the prescribed limits of error.

**The particulars declared are incorrect in the following respects:

This certificate is given under section 3 (5)/8 (4) (c) of the Fertilisers, Feeding Stuffs and Mineral Mixtures Act, 1955, as applied by the above Regulations.

Date ............................................................ ..............	Signed ............................................................ ......
	State Chemist/Assistant State Chemist

*Delete as appropriate.

PART VIII. MARKETING OF NON-EEC FERTILISERS REGULATIONS, 1978.

Certificate of Result of Analysis of a Fertiliser other than a liming material
Sample of ............................................................ . marked ............................................................ ..............
received by the Analyst on ..................................... from ............................................................ ............
which was taken at the premises of............................................................ ...............................................
..........................................................., 19 .

This is to certify that the above mentioned sample which was duly fastened and sealed, in accordance with the above Regulations has been analysed by ............................................................ ... under the direction of the State Chemist/ the Assistant State Chemist and that the result of the analysis is as follows:

	Per cent
Total Nitrogen (N) .. .. .. .. ..	......................................
Ammoniacal Nitrogen (N) .. .. .. .. ..	......................................
Nitric Nitrogen (N) .. .. .. .. ..	......................................
Ureic Nitrogen (N) .. .. .. .. ..	......................................
Cyanamide Nitrogen (N) .. .. .. .. ..	......................................
Phosphorus (P) soluble in neutral Ammonium Citrate and in water	......................................
Phosphorus (P) soluble in water .. .. .. ..	......................................
Phosphorus (P) soluble in neutral ammonium citrate ..	......................................
Phosphorus (P) soluble in mineral acids only .. .. ..	......................................
Phosphorus (P) soluble in Alkaline Ammonium Citrate. Petermann) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..	......................................
Phosphorus (P) soluble in 2% citric acid .. .. ..	......................................
Phosphorus soluble in alkaline ammonium citrate (Joulie) ..	......................................
Phosphorus soluble in alkaline ammonium citrate (Joulie) as a percentage of the declared phosphorus content .. ..	......................................
Phosphorus soluble in 2% formic acid .. .. ..	......................................
Phosphorus soluble in 2% formic acid as a percentage of the declared phosphorus content .. .. .. ..	......................................
Potassium (K) soluble in water .. .. .. ..	......................................
Water soluble Magnesium (Mg) salts expressed as Magnesium ..	......................................
Total Magnesium (Mg) .. .. .. .. ..	......................................
Chlorine (Cl) .. .. .. .. .. ..	......................................
Other Nutrients .. .. .. .. .. ..	......................................
Amount found to pass through a 0.160 mm sieve .. ..	......................................
Amount found to pass through a 0.063 mm sieve .. ..	......................................

On comparison of the results of the analysis with the particulars accompanying the sample it appears that the particulars furnished—

*are correct, subject to the prescribed tolerance limits

*are not correct subject to the prescribed tolerance limits, in the following respects:

This Certificate is given under section 3(5)/8(4)(c) of the Fertilisers, Feeding Stuffs and Mineral Mixtures Act, 1955, as applied by the above Regulations.

Date ............................................................ ....	Signed ..........................................................
	State Chemist/Assistant State Chemist

*Delete as appropriate.

PART IX METHOD OF DETERMINING AMOUNT OF SODIUM REFERRED TO IN REGULATION 11

To determine the content of sodium in fertilisers.

All fertilisers listed in Part 1 of the Schedule to these Regulations which contain sodium.

The sample is brought into solution after the destruction of the organic matter, if any. The sodium content of the solution is determined by flame photometry in the presence of Caesium chloride and aluminium nitrate. The addition of these substances largely eliminates interference from disturbing elements.

Water means distilled or deionised water.

4.1 Hydrochloric acid, d:1.12

4.2 Calcium chloride, for analysis.

4.3 Aluminum nitrate, Al (No3)3.9H20, for analysis.

4.4 Sodium chloride, anhydrous, for analysis.

4.5 Loading agent: dissolve in water 50g of a caesium chloride and 250g of aluminium nitrate, make up to 1 litre with water and mix. Store in plastic bottles.

4.6 Standard solution of sodium: dissolve in water 2.542g of sodium chloride, add 5 ml of hydrochloric acid (4.1), make up to 1 litre with water and mix. Store in plastic bottles. 1 ml of this solution contains 1.00 mg of sodium.

5.1 Platinum, silica or porcelain crucibles for ashing, provided if necessary with lids.

5.2 Electric muffle-furnace with thermostat.

5.3 Flame photometer.

See Method 1 of Annex II to the Commission Directive.

7.1 ( a ) In the absence of organic matter

Weigh to the nearest mg 1-10 g of sample depending on its sodium content. Place in a 500 ml volumetric flask and add 250-300 ml water. Proceed as in 7.2.

7.1 ( b ) In the presence of organic matter

Weigh to the nearest mg 10 g of sample and place in a crucible (5.1) and ash at 450° for 3 hours. Cool, and transfer the ash quantitatively to a 500 ml volumetric flask using 250-300 ml water. Proceed as in 7.2.

7.2 Dissolution and determination

Add 50 ml of hydrochloric acid (4.1). When all release of carbon dixoide has ceased, heat the solution and keep at a temperature of about 90°C for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. After cooling to room temperature, make up to the mark with water, shake and filter. Transfer to a 100 ml volumetric flask and aliquot part of the filtrate containing a maximum of 1.0 mg of sodium, add 10.0 ml of loading agent (4.5), make up to the mark with water and mix. In the case of higher levels of sodium, dilute the solution to be analysed in suitable proportions before adding the loading agent. Measure by flame photometry at a wavelength of 589 nm. Calculate the result by means of a calibration curve.

The table below is given as a guide for a sample of 10g.

	Assumed sodium content of the sample (%Na)	Dilution factor	Aliquot part in ml of the solution
	Up to 0.1 ..	—	50
	0.1 to 0.5 ..	—	10
	0.5 to 1.0 ..	—	5
	1.0 to 5.0 ..	1 : 10	10
	5.0 to 10.0 ..	1 : 10	5
	10.0 to 20.0 ..	1 : 20	5

7.3 Calibration curve

Place exactly 10 ml of the standard solution (4.6) in a 250 ml graduated flask, make up to the mark with water and mix. Place in 100 ml graduated flasks exactly 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 ml of this solution, corresponding respectively to amounts of sodium of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mg. Complete the series with a blank flask containing no standard solution. Add 10 ml of loading agent (4.5) to each flask, make up to the mark with water and mix. Carry out the measurements as indicated in 7.2. The calibration curve is generally linear up to a sodium concentration of 1 mg in 100 ml of solution.

Express the result as a percentage of the sample.

For products containing more than 4% of sodium, it is preferable to ash the substance for 2 hours in a crucible with a lid. After cooling, add water, bring the ash into suspension by means of a platinum wire, dry and ash again for 2 hours in the crucible with a lid.

PART X. METHOD OF DETERMINING AMOUNT OF PHOSPHORUS SOLUBLE IN MINERAL ACIDS REFERRED TO IN REGULATION 11

To determine the content of phosphorus soluble in mineral acids.

All fertilisers listed in Part 1 of the schedule to these Regulations which contain phosphorus.

The organic matter, if any, is destroyed and the phosphorus is extracted with a mixture of nitric and sulphuric acids.

Water means distilled or deionised water.

4.1 Sulphuric acid (d20 = 1.84).

4.2 Nitric acid (d20 = 1.42).

4.3 Calcium carbonate, for analysis.

5.1 Kjeldahl flask capacity about 500 ml.

5.2 Silica or porcelain ashing crucible.

5.3 Muffle furnace set at 550°C ± 10°C.

See Method 1 of Annex II to the Commission Directive.

7.1 ( a ) In the absence of organic matter.

Weigh, to the nearest 0.001 g, 2.5 g of the prepared sample and place it in a dry Kjeldahl flask (5.1) and proceed as in 7.2.

7.1 ( b ) In the presence of organic matter.

Weigh to the nearest 0.001 g, 2.5 g of the prepared sample into an ashing crucible (5.2). Mix with 1g of calcium carbonate (4.3)and ash in a muffle (5.3) until a white or grey ash is obtained (a small quantity of carbon causes no interference). Transfer the ash to the Kjeldahl flask (5.1) and proceed as in 7.2.

7.2 Extraction.

Add 15 ml of water and stir so as to suspend the substance. Add 20 ml of nitric acid (4.2) and carefully add 30 ml of sulphuric acid (4.1 ).

When the initial violent reaction has ceased, slowly bring the contents of the flask to boiling and boil for 30 minutes. Allow to cool and then carefully add with mixing above 150 ml of water. Continue boiling for 15 minutes.

Cool completely and transfer the liquid quantitatively to a 500 ml graduated flask. Make up to volume, mix and filter through a dry pleated filter, free from phosphates, discarding the first portion of the filtrate.

7.3 Determination.

The determination of the phosphorus will be carried out by Method 3.2 of the Commission Directive on an aliquot part of the solution thus obtained.

PART XI. METHOD OF DETERMINING AMOUNT OF COBALT REFERRED TO IN REGULATION 11.

To determine the content of cobalt in fertilisers.

All fertilisers listed in Part I of the schedule to these Regulations which contain cobalt.

The sample is brought into solution after destruction of the organic matter, if any. The cobalt is determined spectrophotometrically after the formation of a coloured complex with 2-nitroso-1-naphthol.

Water means distilled or deionised water.

4.1 ( a ) Ammonium cobaltous sulphate, (NHPT:7>^4) 2(Co(SO^4) 6H20, (stock cobalt solution)—Dissolve 0 670 g ammonium cobaltous sulphate for analysis in water and dilute to 100 ml at 20°C.

4.1 ( b ) Ammonium cobaltous sulphate (standard cobalt solution)—Dilute 1 ml stock solution (4.1 (a)) to 1,000 ml with water at 20°C immediately before use. 1 ml = 1 g cobalt.

4.2 Hydrochloric acid, 50 per cent v/v—Dilute 50 ml concentrated hydrochloric acid (d = 1.18) with water to 100 ml.

4.3 Hydrochloric acid, 2N.

4.4 Hydrogen peroxide solution, 3 per cent w/v (10 volumes).

4.5 Nitric acid, 30 per cent v/v—Dilute 30 ml concentrated nitric acid (d = 1.42) with water to 100 ml.

4.6 2-Nitroso-1-naphthol reagent—Dissolve 1 g 2-nitroso-l-naphthol in 100 ml glacial acetic acid, and add 1 g activated carbon. Shake the solution before use, and filter the required amount.

4.7 Sodium citrate solution—Dissolve 40 g sodium citrate (for analysis) in water and dilute to 100 ml.

4.8 Sodium hydroxide 2N.

4.9 Sodium sulphate, anhydrous, for analysis.

4.10 Toluene, redistilled.

5.1 Silica basin.

5.2 Muffle furnace.

5.3 PH Meter.

5.4 Spectrophotometer with 10 mm cells.

See method 1 of Annex II to the Commission Directive.

7.1 ( a ) In the absence of organic matter.

Weigh to the nearest mg about 5 g of the sample and transfer into a beaker, add 10 ml 50 per cent v/v hydrochloric acid (4.2) and evaporate to dryness on a water bath. Extract the soluble salts with three successive 10 ml portions of boiling 2 N hydrochloric acid (4.3) decanting the solution each time through the same Whatman No. 541 (or equivalent) filter paper into a 50 ml volumetric flask. Dilute the combined extracts to the mark with water washing the filter paper in the process.

7.1 ( b ) In the presence of organic matter.

Weigh to the nearest mg about 5 g of the sample, and transfer into a silica basin, cover with a silica clock glass, and place in a cool muffle furnace. Raise the temperature to 45010°C and allow to ash overnight; a slow movement of air through the furnace during the initial stages of ashing is desirable. When all the organic matter has been destroyed, cool, add 10 ml 50 per cent v/v hydrochloric acid (4.2) and evaporate to dryness on a water bath. Extract the soluble salts from the residue with two successive 10 ml portions of boiling 2 N hydrochloric acid (4·3) decanting the solution each time through the same Whatman No. 541 (or equivalent) filter paper into a 50 ml volumetric flask. Then add 5 ml 50 per cent v/v hydrochloric acid (4·2) and about 5 ml 30 per cent v/v nitric acid (4·5) to the residue in the basin, and take the mixture to dryness on a hot-plate at low heat. Finally add a further 10 ml of boiling 2 N hydrochloric acid (4·3) to the residue and filter the solution through the same paper into the flask. Dilute the combined extracts to the mark with distilled water, washing the filter paper in the process.

7.2 Determination.

Transfer a suitable aliquot of the solution prepared in accordance with 7.1 (a) and 7.1 (b) to a beaker, add 15 ml sodium citrate solution (4.7) and dilute to approximately 50 ml with water. Adjust the pH to between 3 and 4 by the addition of 2 N hydrochloric acid (4.3) and 2 N sodium hydroxide (4.8), using pH test paper (a precipitate of ferric hydroxide may form, but this can be dissolved by heating the solution), and cool to room temperature. Add 10 ml 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide solution (4.4) and, after 5 minutes, 1 ml of 2-nitroso-1-naphthol reagent (4.6), heat to about 90°C, and then allow to stand for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Transfer the solution to a separating funnel, add exactly 10 ml toluene (4.10), shake vigorously for 2 minutes, and discard the lower aqueous phase. To the toluene extract add 20 ml 2 N hydrochloric acid (4.3), shake for 1 minute, and run off and discard the lower aqueous phase. Add 20 ml 2 N sodium hydroxide (4.8) shake for 1 minute, and again run off and discard the lower aqueous phase. Repeat the treatment of the toluene extract with a further 20 ml 2 N sodium hydroxide (4.8). Finally run off the toluene solution through a little anhydrous sodium sulphate and cotton wool plus into a glass-stoppered tube.

Carry out a blank determination by repeating the procedure, omitting only the sample.

Measure the extinctions of the test and blank solutions at a wavelength of 367 nm, using a 1 cm cell and toluene in the comparison cell. Read the number of micrograms of cobalt equivalent to the observed extinctions of the test and blank solutions from a previously prepared calibration graph. Determine the amount of cobalt in the sample from the difference between the test and blank solutions.

7.3 Calibration graph

Measure amounts of standard cobalt solution corresponding to 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 g of cobalt (4.1 (b)) into a series of beakers and proceed as described in 7.2 above commencing at "add 15 ml sodium citrate solution . . .". Measure the extinctions of the solutions, and construct a graph relating the extinctions to the number of micrograms of cobalt.

Express the result as a percentage of the sample.

PART XII. METHOD OF DETERMINING AMOUNT OF BORON REFERRED TO IN REGULATION 11.

To determine the content of boron in fertilisers.

All fertilisers listed in Part I of the schedule to these Regulations which contain boron.

The boron is brought into solution and the boron is determined spectrophotometrically after the formation of a complex with azomethine-H.

Water means distilled or deionised water.

4.1 Glacial acetic acid.

4.2 Buffer Masking Agent: dissolve 250 g ammonium acetate, 25 g of ethylene diamine-tetra-acetic acid, tetra sodium salt, and 10 g of nitrilotriacetic acid disodium salt in 400 ml water and slowly add 125 ml of acetic acid.

4.3 Azomethine-H; dissolve 0·9 g of azomethine-H and 2 g ascorbic acid in 10 ml water, with gentle heating on a water bath and make up to 100 ml with water.

4.4 ( a ) Boron stock solution; (100 g Boron per ml) dissolve 0·5716 g boric acid in water and make up to 1 litre.

4.4 ( b ) Standard solution (10 g Boron per ml). Take 10 ml of stock solution (4.4 (a)) and dilute to 100 ml.

4.4 ( c ) Working standard solution (1 g Boron per ml). Take 10 ml of standard solution (4.4 (b)) and dilute to 100 ml.

5.1 Shaker.

5.2 Spectrophotometer with 10 mm cells.

See method 1 of Annex II to the Commission Directive.

7.1 Determination.

Weigh to the nearest mg 1·0 g of sample (for samples containing less than 0·2% B, take a larger portion) and place in a 1 litre volumetric flask. Add approximately 300 ml of water, cover with a clock glass and boil for 15 minutes. Cool, transfer the contents to a 1 litre volumetric flask, make up to the mark with water and filter descarding the first 20 mls of the filtrate.

Take an aliquot (not exceeding 4 ml and containing about 1 g of Boron) and place in a test tube. Adjust the volume to 4·0 ml with water and add 1·0 ml of buffer masking agent (4·2) followed by 1·0 ml of azomethine-H (4.3). Mix contents immediately and then stand for one hour. Measure the optical density of the resulting solution in 10 mm cells in a spectrophotometer at 430 nm using water in the reference cell. Determine the quantity of boron present in the sample by reference to a calibration curve.

7.2 Calibration Curve.

Place 0·00, 0·25, 0·5, 1·0, 2·0, 4·0 mls of working standard solution in a series of tubes and adjust the volume to 4·0 ml with water. Add 1·0 ml of Buffer Masking Agent (4·2) followed by 1·0 ml of azomethine-H (4.3). Mix contents immediately and stand for 1 hour. Measure the optical density in a spectrophotometer at 430 nm using water in the reference cell. Plot the calibration curve with the optical density values as ordinates and the corresponding quantities of boron as abscissae making allowances for the blank value.

Express the results as a percentage of the sample.

GIVEN under my Official Seal, this 1st day of September, 1978.

JAMES GIBBONS,

Minister for Agriculture.

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

The Regulations cover all fertilisers other than those designated "EEC fertiliser".

They:—

— lay down similar quality, packaging and labelling standards for straight and compound NPK solid fertilisers not designated "EEC fertiliser" to those laid down in the European Communities (Marketing of Fertilisers) Regulations, 1978 ( S.I. No. 13 of 1978 ) for "EEC fertilisers";

— also provide for quality, packaging and labelling standards for:

( a ) liquid fertilisers,

( b ) fertilisers containing any of the nutrients boron, cobalt, phosphorus soluble in mineral acids or sodium,

( c ) fertilisers containing organic materials,

( d ) liming materials including ground limestone;

— lay down official methods of sampling and analysis for these fertilisers;

— revoke the Fertilisers, Feeding Stuffs and Mineral Mixtures Regulations, 1957 ( S.I. No. 264 of 1957 ) insofar as they relate to fertilisers.