EN ISO 14240-1:2011
(Main)Soil quality - Determination of soil microbial biomass - Part 1: Substrate-induced respiration method (ISO 14240-1:1997)
Soil quality - Determination of soil microbial biomass - Part 1: Substrate-induced respiration method (ISO 14240-1:1997)
Contains a method for the determination of the active aerobic, heterotrophic microbial biomass in aerated agricultural and mineral soils.
Bodenbeschaffenheit - Bestimmung der mikrobiellen Biomasse von Böden - Teil 1: Substrat-induziertes Respirationsverfahren (ISO 14240-1:1997)
Dieser Teil von ISO 14240 legt ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung der aktiven aeroben, heterotrophen mikrobiellen Biomasse in landwirtschaftlich genutzten Böden und in Mineralböden fest.
Dieser Teil von ISO 14240 ist nicht auf die Bestimmung der Wirkung von Chemikalien auf die Biomasse anwendbar.
Qualité du sol - Détermination de la biomasse microbienne du sol - Partie 1 : Méthode par respiration induite par le substrat (ISO 14240-1:1997)
La présente partie de l'ISO 14240 prescrit une méthode pour l'estimation de la biomasse microbienne aérobie hétérotrophe active dans les sols agricoles et minéraux aérés. La détermination des effets des produits chimiques sur la biomasse n'entre pas dans le domaine d'application de la présente partie de l'ISO 14240.
Kakovost tal - Določevanje talne mikrobne biomase - 1. del: Metoda respiracije, inducirane s substratom (ISO 14240-1:1997)
Ta del IS0 14240 določa metodo za ocenjevanje aktivne aerobne, heterotrofne mikrobne biomase v zračenih kmetijskih in mineralnih tleh. Ugotavljanje učinkov kemikalij na biomaso ne spada v obseg uporabe tega dela IS0 14240.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 21-Jun-2011
- Withdrawal Date
- 30-Dec-2011
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 444 - Environmental characterization
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 444/WG 4 - Biological characterization
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 22-Jun-2011
- Due Date
- 03-Jun-2012
- Completion Date
- 22-Jun-2011
Relations
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Overview
EN ISO 14240-1:2011 specifies a standardized method for evaluating soil microbial biomass using the substrate-induced respiration (SIR) method. This European Standard, identical to ISO 14240-1:1997, is developed by CEN to support the determination of active aerobic, heterotrophic microbial populations in aerated agricultural and mineral soils. The method provides reliable means to quantify living microbial activity, critical for assessing soil quality, fertility, and biological properties.
Measuring soil microbial biomass by substrate-induced respiration offers key insights into soil health, nutrient cycling, and the soil’s capacity for organic matter degradation. The standard ensures consistent application across laboratories and research studies, facilitating data comparability in agricultural, environmental, and soil science applications.
Key Topics
- Microbial Biomass Assessment: Focuses on quantifying living microbial cells in soil samples by measuring the initial rate of CO₂ evolution following substrate addition.
- Substrate-Induced Respiration: Describes the process of adding glucose to soil samples to induce microbial activity, leading to the release of carbon dioxide, an indicator of microbial biomass.
- Soil Quality Monitoring: Provides a benchmark for soil microbial activity, crucial for evaluating soil fertility, sustainability, and ongoing land management practices.
- Standardized Laboratory Procedures: Recommends guidance on sample handling, incubation conditions, and measurement methods, including temperature, humidity, and glucose concentration optimization.
Applications
The substrate-induced respiration method outlined in EN ISO 14240-1:2011 is applicable in various fields where soil quality assessment is required:
- Agricultural Soil Management
- Evaluating the effectiveness of fertilization, crop rotation, and soil amendments
- Monitoring the impact of farming practices on microbial health and nutrient availability
- Environmental Monitoring
- Assessing the biological impact of land restoration projects and reclamation efforts
- Tracking soil recovery and health in contaminated or remediated sites
- Research and Development
- Supporting scientific studies in microbial ecology, soil biology, and nutrient cycling
- Facilitating comparative studies between regions, soil types, and management strategies
- Regulatory Compliance
- Demonstrating adherence to environmental and agricultural standards for soil quality
- Standardizing measurement protocols in laboratory testing and reporting
Related Standards
EN ISO 14240-1:2011 is part of a suite of international standards focused on the biological properties of soils. Complementary and referenced standards include:
- ISO 10381-6 - Soil quality - Sampling - Guidance on the collection, handling, and storage of soils for laboratory assessment of aerobic microbial processes.
- ISO 10390 - Soil quality - Determination of pH.
- ISO 11277 - Soil quality - Determination of particle size distribution by sieving and sedimentation.
- ISO 11465 - Soil quality - Determination of dry matter and water content on a mass basis - Gravimetric method.
- ISO 10694 - Soil quality - Determination of organic and total carbon after dry combustion.
- EN ISO 14240-2 - Soil quality - Determination of soil microbial biomass - Part 2: Fumigation-extraction method.
These standards, in conjunction, enable comprehensive soil quality assessment by covering sampling protocols, physical and chemical analysis, and complementary biological testing methodologies. Their consistent use supports reliable soil monitoring and facilitates sustainable land and ecosystem management.
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN ISO 14240-1:2011 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Soil quality - Determination of soil microbial biomass - Part 1: Substrate-induced respiration method (ISO 14240-1:1997)". This standard covers: Contains a method for the determination of the active aerobic, heterotrophic microbial biomass in aerated agricultural and mineral soils.
Contains a method for the determination of the active aerobic, heterotrophic microbial biomass in aerated agricultural and mineral soils.
EN ISO 14240-1:2011 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.080.30 - Biological properties of soils. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN ISO 14240-1:2011 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 10390:1994, ISO 11277:2009, EN ISP 10613-3:1996, EN 14814:2016, EN 14399-4:2005. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN ISO 14240-1:2011 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2011
.DNRYRVWWDO'RORþHYDQMHWDOQHPLNUREQHELRPDVHGHO0HWRGDUHVSLUDFLMH
LQGXFLUDQHVVXEVWUDWRP,62
Soil quality - Determination of soil microbial biomass - Part 1: Substrate-induced
respiration method (ISO 14240-1:1997)
Bodenbeschaffenheit - Bestimmung der mikrobiellen Biomasse von Böden - Teil 1:
Substrat-induziertes Respirationsverfahren (ISO 14240-1:1997)
Qualité du sol - Détermination de la biomasse microbienne du sol - Partie 1 : Méthode
par respiration induite par le substrat (ISO 14240-1:1997)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 14240-1:2011
ICS:
13.080.30 Biološke lastnosti tal Biological properties of soils
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN ISO 14240-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
June 2011
ICS 13.080.30
English Version
Soil quality - Determination of soil microbial biomass - Part 1:
Substrate-induced respiration method (ISO 14240-1:1997)
Qualité du sol - Détermination de la biomasse microbienne Bodenbeschaffenheit - Bestimmung der mikrobiellen
du sol - Partie 1 : Méthode par respiration induite par le Biomasse von Böden - Teil 1: Substrat-induziertes
substrat (ISO 14240-1:1997) Respirationsverfahren (ISO 14240-1:1997)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 3 June 2011.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same
status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2011 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 14240-1:2011: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
Foreword .3
Foreword
The text of ISO 14240-1:1997 has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 190 “Soil quality” of the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and has been taken over as EN ISO 14240-1:2011 by
Technical Committee CEN/TC 345 “Characterization of soils” the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by December 2011, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn
at the latest by December 2011.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 14240-1:1997 has been approved by CEN as a EN ISO 14240-1:2011 without any
modification.
INTERNATIONAL IS0
STANDARD 14240-l
First edition
1997-01-l 5
Soil quality - Determination of soil
microbial biomass -
Part II:
Substrate-induced respiration method
Qua/it6 du sol - Dktermination de la biomasse microbienne du sol -
Partie I: AMhode par respiration induite par substrat
Reference number
IS0 14240-I :I 997(E)
IS0 14240-I :1997(E)
Foreword
IS0 (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (IS0
member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through IS0 technical
committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has
the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. IS0 collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
International Standard IS0 14240-l was prepared by Technical Committee ISOmC 190, Soil quality, Subcommittee
SC 4, Biological methods.
IS0 14240 consists of the following parts, under the general title Soil quaMy - Determination of soil microbial
biomass:
Part I: Substrate-induced respiration method
Part 2: Fumigation-extraction method
0 IS0 1997
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced
or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and
microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
International Organization for Standardization
Case postale 56 l CH-1211 Geneve 20 l Switzerland
Internet central @ iso.ch
x.400 c=ch; a=400net; p=iso; o=isocs; s=central
Printed in Switzerland
ii
0 IS0
IS0 14240-l :1997(E)
Introduction
Soil consists of both living and nonliving components which exist in a complex and heterogeneous environment. Soil
microflora is responsible for the degradation of organic matter, stability of aggregates and most nutrient cycling
which occurs in soils. The purpose of determining the microbial biomass of soils is to allow assessment of the
continued maintenance of soil fertility, the potential ability to degrade organic materials, and the effects
...




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