ISO 18400-102:2017

Overview

ISO 18400-102:2017 (ISO 18400-102:2017) provides practical guidance on the selection and application of soil sampling techniques to obtain representative samples for assessment of soil quality. It describes typical sampling equipment, methods for collecting both disturbed and undisturbed samples, and considerations for sampling at different depths. The standard focuses on enabling correct field procedures so laboratory analyses reliably reflect in-field conditions.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Sampling principles and planning: Guidance on choosing techniques that achieve required representativeness and sample types.
• Sample types and sizes: Differentiation between undisturbed (for structure-sensitive analyses) and disturbed samples and guidance on appropriate sample sizes.
• Selection of techniques and equipment: Information on equipment typically applicable for specific situations, including manual and power-operated samplers, and drilling rigs and ancillary equipment.
• Field application and quality control: Procedures covering health & safety, preliminary site information, preventing cross-contamination, preparation and breaking out, collection, transport, storage and preservation of samples.
• Depth-specific sampling: Advice for near-surface/topsoil sampling and sampling at greater depths, including use of trial pits and other methods.
• Site considerations: Environmental considerations, backfilling of exploratory holes, waste disposal and personnel competence.
• Stockpile sampling: Specific guidance and equipment considerations for sampling soil stockpiles.
• Supporting information: Informative annexes illustrating equipment, manual/power tools and examples of large samplers.

Note: The standard explicitly excludes geotechnical investigations, sampling of hard bedrock, non-sample-based techniques (e.g., geophysics), water sampling (see ISO 5667), soil gas (see ISO 18400‑204) and radioactively contaminated sites (see ISO 18589).

Practical applications

• Designing and executing soil quality investigations for environmental assessment, contamination studies, agriculture and forestry.
• Selecting the correct sampling technique and equipment to ensure representative samples for chemical, physical and biological testing.
• Developing field procedures to minimize contamination, ensure sample integrity during transport and preservation, and meet laboratory requirements.
• Preparing sampling programmes for redevelopment sites where soil-quality data are needed alongside other surveys.

Who should use this standard

• Environmental consultants and sampling contractors
• Field technicians and drilling crews
• Laboratory managers and QA/QC officers
• Regulators and site remediation professionals
• Researchers conducting soil quality studies

Related standards

• ISO 18400-101, -103, -104, -105, -201, -202 (soil sampling series)
• ISO 22475 (geotechnical sampling guidance)
• ISO 5667 (water sampling)
• ISO 11074 (soil vocabulary)
• ISO 18589 (radioactivity in soil)

Keywords: soil quality, sampling techniques, representative samples, undisturbed samples, disturbed samples, sampling equipment, ISO 18400-102:2017, ISO 18400-102:2017.