Overview
EN ISO 23611-5:2024 - "Soil quality - Sampling of soil invertebrates - Part 5: Sampling and extraction of soil macro-invertebrates" is a CEN-endorsed ISO method that specifies procedures for sampling, extracting and preserving soil macro-invertebrates, including organisms in the litter zone. The method is designed for rapid, reproducible field assessment of macro-fauna across most soil types (excluding extreme conditions such as hard, frozen or flooded soils, and non-soil matrices like tree trunks or lichens).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Targets soil macro-invertebrates (excluding the earthworm-specific procedures covered in ISO 23611-1). Applicable to temperate and tropical regions with adaptations described in the standard.
- Field procedures: Standardized steps for collecting macro-invertebrates from both litter and mineral soil horizons; aims for rapid assessment (sampling a plot in one or two days with basic equipment and limited personnel).
- Laboratory procedures: Instructions for treatment of collected samples, specimen preservation and biomass determination.
- Apparatus and reagents: Lists and describes the basic equipment and reagents required for reliable sampling and extraction.
- Data handling and reporting: Guidance on assessment of results and required content for the test report to ensure comparability between sites.
- Informative annexes: New in the 2024 edition - Annex B details sampling with pitfall traps and Annex C provides a monitoring example using pitfall traps; Annex A gives background information.
- Limitations: Not intended for extreme climatic conditions or non-soil substrates.
Practical applications
- Environmental monitoring and long‑term biodiversity studies using soil macro-fauna as bio-indicators of soil health and quality.
- Ecological research on decomposition, soil aggregation and bioturbation, and food-web dynamics.
- Land‑use impact studies (forestry, agriculture, restoration) and pollution assessment comparing polluted vs. reference sites.
- Baseline surveys and monitoring programs conducted by environmental consultants, soil scientists, ecologists, research institutions and regulatory agencies.
Who should use this standard
- Soil scientists and ecologists conducting field surveys and biodiversity assessments
- Environmental monitoring practitioners and consultants
- Agricultural and forestry researchers assessing soil biological quality
- Regulatory bodies and laboratories standardizing soil biological sampling protocols
Related standards
- ISO 23611-1 - earthworm sampling (complements Part 5)
- ISO 23611-6 - sampling design for soil invertebrate studies
- Other parts of the ISO 23611 series for comprehensive soil quality biological characterization
Keywords: EN ISO 23611-5:2024, soil quality, sampling soil invertebrates, sampling and extraction, macro-invertebrates, soil macro‑fauna, litter zone, pitfall traps, soil monitoring, bio-indicators.
