Standards Development

Scope

This document defines general requirements for the aerobic preparation of samples and initial suspension for microbiological examinations of soil improvers and growing media. This method is intended especially for preparation of samples for the determination of E. coli, Salmonella spp. and Enterococcaceae.

Because of the large variety of soil improvers and growing media, this method might not be appropriate in every detail for certain materials. If absolutely necessary for justified technical reasons, other methods which are specific to these materials may be used. Nevertheless, every attempt should be made to apply this method as far as possible. Any deviation from this procedure shall be listed in the test report.

Purpose

Appropriate analytical methods are necessary to check the conformity of CE marked soil improvers and growing media to the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/1009. In the Standardization Request M/564, a standard was requested describing sample preparation for soil improvers and growing media. As the specific requirements for sample preparation microbial examination were not addressed in the general sample preparation standard (in EN 13040:2007), it is proposed to split EN 13040 in two parts. The method for sample preparation for microbial examination needs to be standardized to enable the use of the standards for the determination and detection of specific microorganisms in the framework of standardization request M/564.

For sample preparation in soil improvers and growing media, the following standards are proposed:

- EN 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 (WI 00223100); and

- EN 13040-2, Soil improvers and growing media – Sample preparation – Part 2: Sample preparation for microbiological examination (this proposal).