FprEN 13040-1

Soil improvers and growing media - Sample preparation - Part 1: Sample preparation for chemical and physical tests, determination of dry matter content, moisture content and laboratory bulk density

Publication date:   Oct 9, 2025

Scope

This document specifies a routine method for preparing a sample of organic soil improver, inorganic soil improver, growing medium, compost or digestate prior to chemical analysis and physical testing. The procedures described herein apply only to those samples that are supplied to a laboratory in the form in which they will be used for their intended purpose and to samples with a manufacturer’s guidance for reconstitution.
NOTE 1 The determination of the laboratory bulk density is given in Annex A.
NOTE 2 The results of an interlaboratory trial to determine moisture content and dry matter content are given in Annex B.
NOTE 3 The results of an interlaboratory trial to determine laboratory bulk density are given in Annex B.
NOTE 4 This method has been validated in an interlaboratory study with specific products that were present on the market during the study (as included in Annex B, being bark (Pinus pinaster 20 mm to 40 mm fraction), biowaste compost (Rottegrad 3), soil improver (pellets, sieved 4 mm), blend (consisting of white peat, green compost, wood fibre, lime and inorganic fertilizer (NPK + micro elements))).

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