PNS/BAFS 183:2016

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL
STANDARD

ORGANIC SOIL AMENDMENTS

BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES STANDARDS

BPI Compound, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Philippines
Phone: (632) 456-6552, 455-2856
Telefax: (632) 455-2858, 456-6552, 455-2856
E-mail address: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Website: www.bafs.da.gov.ph, www.organic.da.gov.ph
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

Contents Page
Foreword
1 Scope -- 1
-
2 Reference -- 1
-
3 Definition of terms -- 1
-
4 Product description -- 1
-
4.1 Organic fertilizer -- 1
-
4.2 Compost / soil conditioner -- 2
-
4.3 Microbial inoculant -- 2
-
4.4 Organic plant supplement -- 2
-
5 Minimum requirements -- 2
-
6 Sampling methods -- 4
-
6.1 Sampling for laboratory analysis -- 4
-
6.2 Laboratory sampling (sample preparation for laboratory -- 5
analysis) -
7 Labeling -- 5
-
Annex
A List of Permitted Raw Materials for the Production of Organic Soil -- 7
Amendments -
B Minimum Requirements for Microbial Inoculants -- 10
-
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

Foreword

The Philippine National Standard (PNS) for Organic Fertilizer was established and
adopted in 2008 with substantial inputs from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority and
advice from the Technical Working Group (TWG) created through Special Order 565
Series of 2004. It was revised in 2013 to reflect the results of the studies and advances
related to organic fertilizers, compost / soil conditioner, microbial inoculants, and
organic plant supplements.

In 2015, a call for the revision of the PNS/BAFPS 40:2013 was made in order to account
for recent scientific and technological data from local and international studies on the
specifications for organic fertilizer and compost / soil conditioner. During the course of
the revision, the TWG considered changing the title of the PNS/BAFPS 40:2013 from
“Organic Fertilizer” to “Organic Soil Amendments”. Technically, soil amendments are
defined as materials which improve the physical condition of the soil. However, for the
purpose of this Standard, soil amendments include all the products within the scope of
the Standard, i.e. organic fertilizers, compost / soil conditioner, microbial inoculants, and
organic plant supplements. Thus, the revised PNS/BAFPS 40:2013 adopted the title
PNS/BAFS 183:2016 Organic Soil Amendments.

This Standard cancels and replaces PNS/BAFPS 40:2013.

 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

1 Scope

This Standard applies to organic fertilizers, compost / soil conditioner, microbial

inoculants, and organic plant supplements.

2 References

The titles of the standard publications referred to in this Standard are listed on the inside
back cover.

3 Definition of terms

For the purpose of this Standard, the following definitions apply:

3.1 batch
organic fertilizer / compost / soil conditioner that is produced from the same type of
organic materials, at the same time and location, by the same manufacturer/producer,
or made during the same cycle or period of manufacture.

3.2 label
a display of the written, printed, or graphic information on the immediate container of
any product. Information on the label provides the sellers and the buyers with the safe
and effective use of the product for which it is registered.

Label must be of such design and material that does not deteriorate easily, become
illegible, or get separated from the container under the rigors of transport, storage, and
use. It should withstand extreme weather conditions.

3.3 organic soil amendment

includes all the products within the scope of the Standard, i.e. organic fertilizers,
compost/soil conditioner, microbial inoculants, and organic plant supplements.

3.4 pathogens
organisms (microorganisms and infective parasites) that can cause negative effects on
human health.

3.5 raw materials

naturally occurring materials used in the production of organic soil amendments. Raw
materials that were mined or naturally extracted should comply with the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regulations. The list of permitted raw
materials for the production of organic soil amendments are listed in Annex A.

3.6 synthetic
a substance that is formulated or manufactured by a chemical process or by a process
that chemically changes a substance extracted from naturally occurring plant, animal, or
mineral sources, except for those substances created by naturally occurring biological
processes.

4 Product description

1
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

4.1 Organic Fertilizer - any product in solid or liquid form, of plant (except by-
products from petroleum industries) or animal origin, that has undergone substantial
decomposition that can supply available nutrients to plants with a total Nitrogen (N),
Phosphorus (P2O5), and Potassium (K2O) of five to ten percent (5-10%). This may be
enriched by microbial inoculants and naturally occurring minerals but no chemical or
inorganic fertilizer material has been used in the production or added to the finished
product to affect the nutrient content.

4.2 Compost / Soil Conditioner - any product in solid or liquid form, of plant (except
by-products from petroleum industries) or animal origin, that has undergone substantial
decomposition that can supply available nutrients to plants with a total Nitrogen (N),
Phosphorus (P2O5), and Potassium (K2O) of 2.5 to less than five percent (2.5-5%). This
may be enriched by microbial inoculants and naturally occurring minerals but no
chemical or inorganic fertilizer material has been used in the production or added to the
finished product to affect the nutrient content. Compost and soil conditioner are used
interchangeably in this Standard.

4.3 Microbial Inoculant - biologically active products containing optimum

population of one or a combination of active strains of bacteria, actinomycetes, algae, and
fungi that are useful in different biological activities, such as, but not limited to: N2-
fixation, decomposition of organic residues, and enhancement of nutrient availability.

4.4 Organic Plant Supplement - any compound of organic origin in liquid or solid
form which in low concentration promotes or modifies physiological processes in plants.
Total N-P2O5-K2O is not lower than 0.5% and not more than 5% (0.5-<5%) and may
contain beneficial microorganisms and micronutrients. These plant supplements include,
but are not limited to: FPJ (Fermented Plant Juice), FFJ (Fermented Fruit Juice), FAA (Fish
Amino Acid), FE (Fish Emulsion), Seaweed Extracts, Vermi Tea, Compost Tea, and the like.

5 Minimum requirements

Table 5.1. Specifications for Solid Organic Fertilizer and Compost / Soil Conditioner
Properties Organic Fertilizer Compost/Soil Conditioner
Total N-P2O5-K2O 5-10% 2.5-<5%
C:N 10:1 – 20:1 10:1 – 20:1
Organic Matter ≥ 20% ≥ 20%
Actual Moisture 10-35%* 10-35%
Content
Color brown to black brown to black
Consistency friable friable
Odor no foul odor no foul odor
*NOTE: For pelletized fertilizer, moisture content should be ≤10%.

Table 5.2. Specifications for Liquid Organic Fertilizer

Properties Organic Fertilizer
Total N-P2O5-K2O 5-10%

5.1 For organic plant food supplement products such as humin, seaweed extract,

2
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

fermented products, blood meal, and bone meal, any claim should be verifiable, while
products with at least 3% total (soluble) N will be subjected to other confirmatory test.
Table 5.3. Minimum Requirements for Organic Plant Supplements
Total N-
Main ingredient P2O5- Other Requirements
K2O
Animal origin (bone meal, Products that contain high concentrations of
5-10%
blood meal) nitrogen should also include P2O5 and K2O.
Fish Amino Acid (FAA), All claims for contents of macro and
0.5-<5%
Fish Emulsion (FE) micronutrients, microorganisms, and plant
Plant based [Fermented growth hormones should be verifiable.
Plant Juice (FPJ),
0.5-<5% Heavy metal content should be within
Fermented Fruit Juice
(FFJ)] allowable levels as stated in Table 5.4 of this
Seaweed extracts 0.5-<5% PNS.
Vermi-tea, compost tea 0.5-<5%
Humin and humic acids 0.5-<5%
Wood vinegar 0.5-2.5%
Biochar 0.5-2.5%

5.2 For products with microbial inoculants, the Genus should be verifiable and be
stated in the label.

5.3 For microbial inoculants, please refer to Annex B.

Table 5.4. Allowable Level of Pathogens for Solid and Liquid Organic Fertilizers,
Compost / Soil Conditioner, and Organic Plant Supplements
Pathogens Allowable Level
Fecal Streptococci <5 x 102 cfu/g
Total coliforms <5 x 102 cfu/g
Salmonella Absent in 25 g

Table 5.5. Maximum Allowable Level of Heavy Metals for Solid and Liquid Organic
Fertilizers, Compost / Soil Conditioner, and Organic Plant Supplements
Heavy Metals Maximum Allowable Level (mg/kg dry wt.) (PPM dry
wt.)
Arsenic (As) 20
Lead (Pb) 50
Chromium (Cr) 150
Mercury (Hg) 2
Cadmium (Cd) 5
5.4 Absence of foreign materials

Plastics, aluminum, wrappers, stones, and other materials must be totally removed from
the product.

6 Sampling methods

3
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

6.1 Sampling for laboratory analysis

All finished products should be subjected to lot sampling for laboratory analysis using
the following procedure:

For composite sampling of solid products:

1. Present to the inspector the production documents containing the number of bags
per batch number and bag number.

2. The inspector will randomly select the bag number.

3. The selected bags will be emptied into a clean area. All contents of the selected bags
(maximum of 5 bags) will be thoroughly mixed.

4. Submit five kilograms (5 kg) of the composite sample to the laboratory.

5. Information relative to the sample taken must be accurate and complete to allow
traceability of the sample back to the lot from which it was sampled.

Table 6.1 Required Number of Samples for Solid Products

Number of bags* per batch Bags to be sampled
<50 2
51 to 100 3
101 to 300 8
301 to 500 15
501 to 1000 20
More than 1000 Multiples of 20
*NOTE: 1 bag = 50 kg

NOTE: If the samples analyzed do not conform to the standards, the inspecting Certifying
Body (CB) should review the production process which may include bulk sampling.

For composite sampling of liquid products:

1. Present to the inspector the production documents containing the number of

containers per batch number and container number.

2. The inspector will randomly select the container number and subject the selected
containers for analysis.
3. Information relative to the sample taken must be accurate and complete to allow
traceability of the sample back to the lot from which it was sampled.

Table 6.2 Required Number of Samples for Liquid Products

Number of containers* per batch Containers to be sampled
<50 1
51 to 100 2
101 to 300 3

4
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

301 to 500 4
More than 500 5
*NOTE: 1 container should be at least 1 L

6.2 Laboratory Sampling (Sample preparation for laboratory analysis)

a. For samples with uniform fineness

Place sample on a clean piece of paper and mix thoroughly. Reduce sample to a quantity
sufficient for analysis by quartering. Mix and store in air-tight container.

b. For Organic Liquid Fertilizers

For liquid fertilizers without suspended particles, stir the sample until it is thoroughly
mixed before taking a sample.

For liquid fertilizers with suspended particles, take a sample while mixing the material
in order to obtain a representative sample.

7 Labeling

Figure 1. Sample 4-panel layout for labeling bottles and cartons

TRADE NAME Product Information
DESCRIPTIVE STATEMENT DIRECTION FOR USE *Raw materials used

Storage & Frequency Nutrient Content

Disposal of Nitrogen (N) %: __
Rate application Time of
Crops Phosphorous (P2O5) %: __
(Optional) (based on application
growth Potassium (K2O) %: __
ART WORK stage)
Prohibition Product Description and
type:

*Claims
Registered by the Bureau of Warranty *Compatibility with Bio-
Agriculture and Fisheries Standards pesticides
Pursuant to RA 10068
BAFS Registration No. ______ Lot/Batch No. _____
Figure 2. Sample layout for labeling bags and sachets Expiry Date: _____
Valid until: (month and year)

Net Content: ______

NAME OF
WARNING/PRECAUTIONS:
MANUFACTURER/
ORGANIC MARK DISTRIBUTOR & ADDRESS
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
LOGO OF OCB Contact Number:
Accreditation No. of OCB

5
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

Figure 2. Sample layout for labeling bags and sachets

BRAND NAME
(with logo) Logo of OCB
ORGANIC MARK
Artwork Accreditation No. of OCB

Nutrient Content: DIRECTION FOR USE

Nitrogen (N) %: ______

Phosphorous (P2O5) %: ______ Frequency of
Potassium (K2O) %: ______ Rate application Time of
Crops
(Optional) (based on growth application
C:N Ratio: ______ stage)
Moisture Content: ______

Trace and secondary nutrients (ppm for each

nutrient, if any)

*Claims
*Compatibility with Bio-pesticides WARNING/PRECAUTIONS:

Name and Address of Local KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

Manufacturer/Importer/Distributor

BAFS (Category of Product) Registration

No. _____ Batch number:
Valid until: (month and year) Lot number/code:
Date of manufacture or importation (if applicable):

6
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

Annex A
List of Permitted Raw Materials for the Production of Organic Soil Amendments
Substances Description, Remarks
Compositional Requirements
i. Plant and Animal Origin
Animal manure (including dried), slurry, The use of factory farm manure is only
urine, compost permitted if it undergoes full
decomposition (e.g.
composting/fermentation) and needs
recognition from the competent authority.
However, the use of pig and poultry
(raised in battery cages) manure shall be
subjected to the competent authority’s
regulation.
Guano Rate of extraction is subject to DENR
regulations
Blood meal, bone, and other meal Preferably origin of materials should be
brought in from other sources and disease-free
without preservatives
Hoof and horn meal, feather meal, wool,
fur, hair, dairy products
Fish and fish products Without synthetic additives
Biodegradable processing by-products, By-products should not come from GM
plant or animal origin, e.g. by-products of sources
food, feed, oilseed, brewery, distillery, or
textile processing (Not treated with synthetic additives)

Without synthetic additives and residues

Crop residues / by-products (from oil,
palm, coconut and cocoa (including
empty fruit bunch, coir, husks), palm oil
mill effluent (pome), cocoa peat, empty
cocoa pods, straw, peanut hulls, sugar
cane trash, straw, mud press, etc.)
Green manure / leguminous crops
Azolla
Wood, bark, sawdust, wood shavings, Should not be treated by synthetic
wood ash, wood charcoal chemical
Calcium lignosulfate Recognized by the competent authority
Seaweed and seaweed products and by- Subject to BFAR regulations
products, algae
Peat Should not be extracted or treated using
inorganic chemicals; permitted for seed,
potting module composts.
Plant preparations and extracts

7
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

Compost made from ingredients listed in

this appendix, spent mushroom waste,
humus from worms and insects and
vermiculture substrate
Kitchen waste
Segregated biodegradable market waste Has undergone proper segregation, and
does not contain hazardous materials
Naturally occurring biological organisms
e.g. worms
ii. Mineral Origin
Basic slag Recognized by the competent authority
Calcareous and magnesium amendments Recognized by the competent authority
Limestone (dolomite, calcite), marl, Recognized by the competent authority
chalk, lime
Calcium chloride
Chloride of lime Only from natural sources/origin
Gypsum (calcium sulphate) Only from natural sources/origin
Magnesium rock, kieserite and Epsom Only from natural sources/origin
salt (magnesium sulfate)
Rock potash, mined potassium salts (e.g. Less than 60% chlorine
kainite, sylvinite)
Patenkali (sulphate of potash) Obtained by physical procedures but not
enriched by chemical processes to
increase its solution
Sulfur Allowed if from natural source
Rock phosphate Cadmium should not exceed 90mg/kg
P2O5

May contain elevated levels of trace

elements. Detailed chemical analysis is
necessary.

Their widespread extraction can also

deplete the natural deposits and may
cause negative environmental impact.
Rate of extraction is subject to DENR
regulations.
Pulverized rock, stone meal May contain elevated levels of trace
elements. Detailed chemical analysis is
necessary.

Their widespread extraction can also

deplete the natural deposits and may
cause negative environmental impact.
Rate of extraction is subject to DENR
regulations.

8
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

Clay (e.g. bentonite, perlite, vermiculite,

zeolite)
Sodium chloride Only mined salt
Trace elements (e.g. boron, copper, iron,
manganese, molybdenum, zinc)
Stillage and stillage extract Ammonium stillage excluded
Aluminum calcium phosphate Cadmium should not exceed 90mg/kg
P2O5
iii. Microbiological
Biodegradable processing by-products of
microbial origin, e.g. by-products of
brewery or distillery processing
Microbial preparations (i.e. Trichoderma,
Rhizobia, Mychorrizae, others) of non-
GMO origin
iv. others
Biodynamic and Agnihotra preparations

9
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

Annex B

Minimum Requirements for Microbial Inoculants

Table B.1 Minimum requirements for Rhizobia

Base Solid or Liquid
Viable Cell Count
Solid Minimum 108 cfu/g
Liquid Minimum 108 cfu/ml
Contaminants No contaminants at 10-5 dilution
pH 6.0-7.5
Particle size (solid inoculants) All materials should pass through a sieve
mesh no. 80 (0.177 mm opening size)
Moisture content by weight (solid 30-40%
inoculants)
Distinguishing characteristic(s) Should show effective nodulation on all
legume species listed in the packet using
plant infection technique under
genotobiotic condition
NOTE: Claims on odor – removal on odor should be verifiable

Table B.2 Minimum requirements for Azospirillum

Base Solid
Viable Cell Count Minimum 10 cfu/g
8

Contaminants No contaminants at 10-5 dilution

pH 6.0-7.5
Particle size All materials should pass through a sieve
mesh no. 80 (0.177 mm opening size)
Moisture content by weight 30-40%
Distinguishing characteristic(s) Formation of white pellicle in semi-solid
nitrogen-free media

Table B.3 Minimum requirements for Phosphate Solubilizer (Bacteria)

Base Solid
Viable Cell Count Minimum 108 cfu/g
Contaminants No contaminants at 10-5 dilution
pH 6.0-7.5
Particle size All materials should pass through a sieve
mesh no. 80 (0.177 mm opening size)
Moisture content by weight 30-40%
Distinguishing characteristic(s) Minimum 5 mm solubilization zone in
prescribed media

Table B.4 Minimum requirements for Phosphate Solubilizer (Fungi)

Base Solid
Spore Count Minimum 10 cfu/g
5

10
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

Contaminants No contaminants at 10-5 dilution

pH 4.5-6.0
Particle size 1.1 mm
Moisture content by weight 30-40%
Distinguishing characteristic(s) Minimum 5 mm solubilization zone in
prescribed media

Table B.5 Minimum requirements for Endophytic Bacteria

Base Solid
Viable Cell Count Minimum 10 cfu/g
6

Contaminants No contaminants at 10-5 dilution

pH 6.0-7.0
Particle size 0.1 to 0.8 microns
Moisture content by weight 30-40%

Table B.6 Minimum requirements for Decomposer and Microbial Inoculant

(Trichoderma)
Base Solid
Viable Spore Count Minimum 10 cfu of Trichoderma/g
8

Contaminants No contaminants at 10-5 dilution

pH 5.0-6.5
Particle size 98% of materials should pass through a 2
mm diameter sieve
Moisture content by weight 10-15%

Table B.7 Minimum requirements for Mycorrhizae (VAM)

Base Solid
Most probable number (MPN)
Solid inoculant 10 spores/g
Root inoculant 2,300 Infective Propagules (IP)/g
Contamination level Nematode-free
pH 4.5-5.5
Particle size 0.13-1.1 mm
Moisture content by weight Minimum 10%

Table B.8 Minimum requirements for Ectomycorrhizae

Base Solid (Tablet/Powder)
Spore Count Minimum 108 cfu/g

Table B.9 Minimum requirements for Azotobacter

Base Solid
Viable Cell Count Minimum 10 cfu/g
8

Contaminants No contaminants at 10-5 dilution

pH 6.0-7.0
Particle size 95% of materials should pass through a 2
mm diameter sieve

11
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

Moisture content by weight 25-30%

Distinguishing characteristic(s) Watery colonies on Burks medium

NOTE: For multistrain inoculants or inoculants containing a consortium of

microorganisms, claims should be verifiable.

12
 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

References

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this
document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

ASEAN Standard for Organic Agriculture.

PNS/BAFPS 40:2013 – Organic Fertilizer.

PNS 85:1984/AMD 01:1992 – Fertilizers – Solid Fertilizer – Method of Sampling.

PNS 95:1987 – Packaging – Bags for Solid Fertilizers – Specification.

PNS 1033:1993 – Fertilizers – Marking – Presentation and Declaration.

Ang-Lopez M. 2001. Quality and Maturation of Vermicompost Derived from Different

Feedstocks. MSc. Thesis. Nova Scotia Agricultural College/ Dalhousie University. Nova
Scotia, Canada.

Avery, DT. 2002. The Hidden Dangers in Organic Food. Center for Global Food
Issues - California Organic Fertilizers, Inc. www.organicag.com

Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing

Guidelines or “Bluebook”.

FFTC International Workshop. 1997. Quality Control of Organic Fertilizers (Compost).

Suweon, Korea. June23-28, 1997.

Lazcano C, M. Gómez-Brandón, J. Domínguez. Comparison of the effectiveness of

composting and vermicomposting for the biological stabilization of cattle manure.
Chemosphere 72 (2008) 1013 – 1019.

Lemunier, M, C. Francou, S. Rousseaux, S. Houot, P. Dantigny, P. Piveteau, and J. Guzzo.

2005. Long-term survival of pathogenic and sanitation indicator bacteria in experimental
biowaste composts. Appl. Environ. Microbiol.71(10): 5779-5786

Russell, S and L. Best. 2006. Setting the standards for compost. BioCycle. Journal of
Composting and Organics Recycling. United Kingdom.

USDA. USDA National Organic Program Standards for Organic Agriculture.

13
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS 183:2016
Organic Soil Amendments

Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards
Philippine National Standard for Organic Soil Amendments

Chair
Ms. Karen Kristine A. Roscom
OIC-Executive Director
Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards

Members

Ms. Julieta B. Lansangan Ms. Karen S. Bautista

Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Bureau of Soils and Water Management

Dr. Pearl B. Sanchez Dr. Erlinda S. Paterno

University of the Philippines Los Baños University of the Philippines Los Baños

Dr. Blesilda M. Calub Dr. Gina V. Pannga

University of the Philippines Los Baños University of the Philippines Los Baños

Dr. Virginia C. Cuevas Dr. Veronica P. Migo

University of the Philippines Los Baños University of the Philippines Los Baños

Dr. Nenita E. Dela Cruz Dr. Eduardo P. Paningbatan, Jr.

Central Luzon State University University of the Philippines Los Baños

Ms. Leilani Ramona K. Limpin Dr. Jose G. Balaoing

Organic Certification Center of the Cordillera Organic Agriculture Research
Philippines and Development Center

Dr. Nora B. Inciong

Professional Regulation Commission

Technical Secretariat

Ms. Lara V. Navarro

Mr. Mark F. Matubang / Mr. Gerald E. Cammagay / Mr. Charlie T. Palilio
Ms. Farlash D. Pancho
Ms. Francesca Louise P. Garcia
Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards