ISO 18400-107:2017

Overview

ISO 18400-107:2017 - Soil quality - Sampling - Part 107: Recording and reporting specifies the minimum information required in a sampling report for soil investigations, regardless of the investigation purpose. It does not cover preparation of the overall investigation report (see ISO/IEC 17025:2005, 5.10.3). The standard defines what must be recorded and reported to ensure sampling traceability, data quality and defensible laboratory results.

Key topics and requirements

ISO 18400-107 focuses on clear, factual documentation of sampling activities. Core elements include:

• Five major reporting activities: instructions to the sampler (and any deviations), field observations and measurements, laboratory instructions, identification of uncertainties, and comments on accuracy/precision/variability.
• Sampling plan linkage: the sampling report must reference the sampling plan and objectives.
• Field data and technical requirements (examples of mandatory information):
  • name(s) of sampling personnel; site name/reference; precise sample locations (coordinates, depth); site sketches or maps
  • date/time of sampling; field measurements and observations; weather conditions
  • sampling device and sampling procedure (origin/generation of sample)
  • sample identification and labelling; list of samples and planned analyses
  • sample amount, whether samples are individual or composite, pretreatment in the field
  • packaging, storage, transport details and chain-of-custody considerations
  • safety requirements, quality control measures, and any authorised deviations from the sampling plan
• Site data: summary of surface relief, vegetation/cover, erosion signs, land use history, geology, hydrology and other features affecting interpretation.
• Sample description and identification: unique sample IDs (optionally including coordinates), field descriptions (colour, consistency, grain size, odour), disturbed/undisturbed status, volume, moisture state.
• Reporting format: factual, legible, cross-referenced reports; inclusion of photographs and electronic site records is encouraged.

Applications

ISO 18400-107 supports reliable soil sampling reporting across applications such as:

• environmental contamination assessments and site investigations
• remediation projects and validation monitoring
• agricultural and soil health surveys
• geotechnical and construction site investigations
• scientific research and long-term data archiving

Using this standard improves data traceability, enables proper interpretation of laboratory results, and reduces uncertainty in decision-making.

Who should use this standard

• Environmental consultants and field samplers
• Soil laboratories and analysts
• Project managers, regulators and compliance officers
• QA/QC specialists and data managers

Related standards

• ISO 18400 series (e.g., ISO 18400-101, ISO 18400-104, ISO 18400-105, ISO 18400-201, ISO 18400-202)
• ISO 11074 (vocabulary)
• ISO/IEC 17025:2005 (laboratory competence)
• ISO 25177 (soil description)

Adopting ISO 18400-107 ensures consistent, SEO-relevant practices for soil quality sampling, recording and reporting, helping teams deliver robust, auditable sampling records.