What is ISO 23611‑3 - Enchytraeids sampling and extraction about?
ISO 23611‑3 is the third part of the ISO 23611 multi-series on soil quality that focuses on soil invertebrates. ISO 23611‑3 specifies a method for the sampling, handling, and extraction of enchytraeids from terrestrial field soils as a prerequisite for using these animals as bioindicators (e.g., to assess the quality of a soil as a habitat for organisms).
Basic information on the ecology of enchytraeids and their use as bioindicators in the terrestrial environment is included in the Bibliography. ISO 23611‑3 applies to all terrestrial biotopes in which enchytraeids occur. The sampling design of field studies, in general, is given in ISO 18400-101. These details can vary according to the climatic/ regional conditions of the site to be sampled and an overview on the determination of effects of pollutants on enchytraeids in field situations is given.
Note: ISO 23611‑3 is not applicable for very wet or flooded soils and might be difficult to use under extreme climatic or geographical conditions (e.g., in high mountains).
Who is ISO 23611‑3 - Enchytraeids sampling and extraction for?
ISO 23611‑3 on enchytraeids sampling and extraction is useful for:
- Ecologists and conservationists
- Soil testing laboratories
- Landowners
- Biologists
Why should you use ISO 23611‑3 - Enchytraeids sampling and extraction?
ISO 23611‑3 provides methods that are developed for taxonomical and ecological studies, investigating the role of enchytraeids in various soil ecosystems. Enchytraeids are important soil invertebrates in temperate regions (mainly in acidic soils). Enchytraeids influence soil functions like litter decomposition and nutrient cycling.
ISO 23611‑3 has been developed to address a growing need for the standardization of terrestrial zoological field methods. Such methods, mainly cover the sampling, extraction, and handling of soil invertebrates and are needed for the following purposes:
- Biological classification of soils including soil quality assessment
- Terrestrial bioindication and long-term monitoring
- Evaluation of the effects of chemicals on soil animals
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN ISO 23611‑3:2019 supersedes ISO 23611-3:2007, which is withdrawn. BS EN ISO 23611‑3:2019 includes a change with respect to ISO 23611-3:2007 which is:
- Addition of examples of enchytraeid monitoring programmes (including presentation of their results) as an informative annex
