scope:

This part of ISO 23611 specifies a method for sampling, extracting and preserving macro-invertebrates from soils including the litter zone as a prerequisite for using these animals as bio-indicators (e. g. to assess the quality of a soil as a habitat for organisms) and is based upon a guidance that has been developed under the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Program (TSBF method) [1]. The main premises of this method are to have rapid assessment (completing the sampling of a plot in one or two days with only basic equipment and a small number of field assistants), to be able to address all the taxonomic groups of soil macro-invertebrates at the same time and in the same place. The TSBF method has evolved and some modifications have been introduced in order to use it in temperate regions. Basic information on the ecology of macro-invertebrates and their use can be found in the references listed in the Bibliography. 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, e. g. tree trunks, plants or lichens. Sampling design is specified in ISO 23611-6. NOTE When sampling soil invertebrates, it is highly recommended to characterise the site physico-chemically. Especially pH, particle size distribution, C/N ratio, organic carbon content and water holding capacity should be measured by using International Standards (ISO 10390, ISO 10694, ISO 11274, ISO 11277, ISO 11461, ISO 11465).