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This International Standard specifies a method for microwave assisted dissolution of soil samples for determination of total element contents of Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Se, Sb, Sr, Tl, V, Zn using an acid mixture of nitric acid (HNO3), hydrofluoric acid (HF) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). This method is applicable to all types of soil and soil material. The main application field of this method is geological and pedological survey. The acid mixture is suitable for total dissolution of trace and major element contents in soil, but some refractory compounds such as SiO2, TiO2, Spinel, Al2O3 or other compounds may remain as a residue. In such a case, the use of alkaline fusion, following ISO 14869-2 is recommended to assess total element content. Solutions produced by the microwave method are suitable for analysis for example by using atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS, HGAAS, CVAAS, GFAAS), inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). NOTE Due to the presence of chloride in the digestion solution limitations for the application of analytical techniques can occur.