BS EN 17720:2024 Plant Biostimulants - Determination of Enterococci

Introducing the BS EN 17720:2024, a comprehensive standard that sets the benchmark for the determination of enterococci in plant biostimulants. This essential document is a must-have for professionals in the agricultural and environmental sectors, providing a detailed methodology to ensure the safety and efficacy of plant biostimulants.

Overview

The BS EN 17720:2024 standard is a pivotal resource for anyone involved in the production, testing, or regulation of plant biostimulants. Released on November 29, 2024, this standard is the latest in a series of guidelines aimed at enhancing the quality and safety of agricultural products. With a total of 24 pages, it offers a thorough exploration of the methods used to detect and quantify enterococci, a group of bacteria that can impact the quality of biostimulants.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN 17720:2024
• Pages: 24
• Release Date: November 29, 2024
• ISBN: 978 0 539 24193 8
• Status: Standard

Why This Standard is Important

Plant biostimulants are increasingly used to enhance plant growth, improve nutrient uptake, and increase resistance to abiotic stress. However, ensuring their safety and effectiveness is crucial. The presence of enterococci, which are indicators of fecal contamination, can compromise the quality of these products. The BS EN 17720:2024 standard provides a reliable method for detecting these bacteria, helping manufacturers maintain high standards of quality and safety.

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is indispensable for:

• Manufacturers of Plant Biostimulants: Ensure your products meet the highest safety standards.
• Quality Control Laboratories: Implement robust testing procedures to detect enterococci.
• Regulatory Bodies: Establish guidelines and regulations based on the latest industry standards.
• Agricultural Consultants: Provide informed advice to clients on product safety and compliance.

Benefits of Compliance

Adhering to the BS EN 17720:2024 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Product Safety: Protect consumers and the environment by ensuring biostimulants are free from harmful bacteria.
• Improved Marketability: Gain a competitive edge by demonstrating compliance with recognized standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meet national and international regulations, avoiding potential legal issues.
• Increased Consumer Confidence: Build trust with customers by providing safe and effective products.

Detailed Content

The BS EN 17720:2024 standard covers a range of topics essential for the accurate determination of enterococci in plant biostimulants, including:

• Sampling Methods: Guidelines for collecting representative samples for testing.
• Analytical Techniques: Detailed procedures for the detection and quantification of enterococci.
• Quality Control: Recommendations for ensuring the reliability and accuracy of test results.
• Interpretation of Results: Guidance on evaluating and reporting findings.

Conclusion

The BS EN 17720:2024 standard is an invaluable tool for anyone involved in the production, testing, or regulation of plant biostimulants. By providing a clear and comprehensive methodology for the determination of enterococci, it helps ensure the safety and quality of these important agricultural products. Stay ahead in the industry by adopting this standard and demonstrating your commitment to excellence.

BS EN 17720:2024

This standard BS EN 17720:2024 Plant biostimulants. Determination of enterococci is classified in these ICS categories:

• 65.080 Fertilizers

This document specifies a method for the enumeration of enterococci in microbial and non-microbial plant biostimulants. This document specifies a colony-count technique on a selective medium (Slanetz-Bartley agar) with confirmation on Bile Esculin Azide agar. This document is applicable to all formulations of microbial and non-microbial plant biostimulants in liquid or solid form. This document is not applicable to other fertilizing products. This document is applicable to the blends of fertilizing products where a blend is a mix of at least two of the following component EU fertilising products categories: Fertilizers, Liming Materials, Soil Improvers, Growing Media, Plant Biostimulants, and where the following category Plant Biostimulants is the highest % in the blend by mass or volume, or in the case of liquid form by dry mass. If Plant Biostimulants is not the highest % in the blend, the European Standard for the highest % of the blend applies. In case a blend of fertilizing products is composed of components in equal quantity or in case the component EU fertilising products used for the blend have identical formulations , the user decides which standard to apply.