Soil quality — Sampling — Part 205: Guidance on the procedure for investigation of natural, near-natural and cultivated sites

This document provides guidance on the sampling of soils of

— natural and near-natural sites,

— natural arboreal areas including forests and woods,

— areas used for agriculture (arable and pasture sites),

— areas used for horticulture (including domestic gardens, allotments), and

— areas used for special crop-cultivation, orchards, vineyards, commercial plantations and forests, etc.

It is applicable to

— soil investigations and evaluations in the field, and

— collection of samples for chemical, geochemical, physical, and biological characterization of soil and soil materials in the laboratory.

This document sets out appropriate strategies for the design of sampling programmes, field procedures and subsequent treatment of samples for transport and storage prior to sample pretreatment (e.g. drying, milling). It is intended to be used in conjunction with the other parts of the ISO 18400 series. Attention is, in particular, drawn to the requirements concerning collection, handling and storage of soil for assessment of biological functions in ISO 18400-206.

NOTE 1 Groundwater and surface water can be adversely impacted by agricultural and related activities, such as nitrates a