ISO 18400-101:2017

Overview

ISO 18400-101:2017 - Soil quality - Sampling - Part 101 provides a practical framework for the preparation and application of a soil sampling plan. It specifies the procedural elements needed to define what laboratory samples are required, how and where they are taken, and how sampling activities support the objectives of an investigation programme. The standard is applicable to a wide range of soil contexts, including soil in the landscape, stockpiles, potentially contaminated sites, agricultural soils, landfills and forest soils. It is intended to ensure sampling is performed only when an approved, unambiguous sampling plan is in place.

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO 18400-101 outlines the essential procedural and documentation elements to develop and apply a sampling plan. Core topics include:

• Preparation principle: a sampling plan must be completed prior to any intrusive sampling.
• Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC): requirements to ensure representative and reliable samples.
• Involved parties: defining roles and responsibilities for stakeholders consulted during plan development.
• Objectives of the investigation: translating program objectives into technical sampling goals (position, density, depth, timing).
• Investigation phase & background information: integrating desk study and site reconnaissance outcomes into the plan.
• Constituents and test methods: identifying analytes of interest and compatible laboratory procedures.
• Health and safety: specifying necessary precautions for field teams (referenced standard ISO 18400-103).
• Sampling approach & technique: guidance on zoning, number of samples, increment strategy, and handling of coarse or heterogeneous materials.
• Sampling execution and reporting: instructions for sample taking, delivery, documentation and sampling records.
• Annex A checklist: a practical checklist of items to address in a sampling plan.

Practical applications

ISO 18400-101 is designed for creating standardized or case-by-case sampling plans to:

• Characterize and delineate contamination for environmental site assessments and remediation planning.
• Support regulatory compliance and reporting for contaminated land and landfill monitoring.
• Monitor soil quality in agricultural programs and forestry studies.
• Establish QA for soil stockpile acceptance and material handling.
• Inform risk assessments and land-use decisions by providing representative, traceable sampling data.

Who should use this standard

• Environmental consultants and site investigators
• Soil scientists and field technicians
• Analytical laboratories and QA/QC managers
• Regulators and environmental remediation contractors
• Land developers and agricultural extension professionals

Related standards

ISO 18400-101 is part of the ISO 18400 series on soil sampling and links with other parts (e.g., ISO 18400-100, ISO 18400-104) for a complete soil investigation programme.

Using ISO 18400-101 helps ensure that soil sampling plans are consistent, defensible and fit for purpose - improving data quality for environmental decision-making.