DIN EN ISO 23611-2:2011-09

This part of ISO 23611 specifies a method for sampling, extracting and preserving collembolans and mites from field soils as a prerequisite for using these animals as bio-indicators (for example, to assess the quality of a soil as a habitat for organisms). The sampling and extraction methods of this part of ISO 23611 are applicable to almost all types of soils. Exceptions may be soils from extreme climatic conditions (hard, frozen or flooded soils) and other matrices than soil, for example, tree trunks, plants or lichens. For the sampling design of field studies in general, see ISO 10381-1. This standard has been drawn up since there is a growing need for the standardization of sampling and extraction methods of soil micro-arthropods. These methods are needed for the following purposes: - biological classification of soils including soil quality assessment; - terrestrial bioindication and long-term monitoring. Data collected by standardized methods can be more accurately evaluated allowing more reliable comparisons between sites (for example, polluted versus non-polluted sites, changes in land-use practices). From the several micro-arthropod groups, Collembola and Acarina are the most studied in soil ecology. Their relevance for the soil system comes from their high abundance and diversity, and also from their role in key biological processes. Collembola and Oribatid mites act mainly as catalysts in organic matter decomposition, whereas predacious mites may act as webmasters in soil food webs. These characteristics, allied to a widespread taxonomic knowledge, allowed their use as study organisms in several research programmes dealing with the impacts of forest practices, or crop management practices. These features make them suitable organisms to be used as bio-indicators of changes in soil quality, especially due to land-use practices and pollution. The text of ISO 23611-2:2006 has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 190 "Soil quality" of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and been adopted as EN ISO 23611-2:2011 by Technical Committee CEN/TC 345 "Characterization of soils", the secretariat of which is held by NEN. The text of ISO 23611-2:2006 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 23611-2:2011 without any modifications. The committee responsible for this standard is NA 119-01-02-04 UA "Biologische Verfahren" ("Biological Methods") at DIN.