AOAC signed on February 23, 2009, a contract with The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) to modify, evaluate, and validate as many as 20 methods over 3 years. The Fertilizer Subgroup of the AOAC Agricultural Materials Community has already identified by consensus priority method needs.

Modification and validation of analytical methods to measure active ingredients, components, and contaminants in fertilizers are urgently needed by the community. The Fertilizer Subgroup indicated priority needs for an inductively coupled plasma method for phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) and potassium oxide (K₂O); a method for slow release nutrients; and a method for sieve analysis using size guide number and uniformity index (SGN/UI). In addition, the group identified a need for a method to measure trace and nutritive metals, which would be a modification of AOAC Official Method^SM 2006.03 (Arsenic, Cadmium, Cobalt, Chromium, Lead, Molybdenum, Nickel, and Selenium in Fertilizers). It is expected that work on these four high-priority areas will start this summer.

AOAC will engage key stakeholders to help move the work of the community forward. AOAC will review and evaluate methods submitted by TFI through the Official Methods^SM validation program. Methods undergoing successful collaborative studies and approved by the Official Methods Board will be granted Official First Action status. AOAC and TFI will also focus on modifying currently existing AOAC Official Methods^SM for fertilizers.

For full coverage, see the May/June issue of Inside Laboratory Management.

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