ISO TS 14256-1-2003 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/TS 14256-1:2003 — Soil quality — Determination of nitrate, nitrite and ammonium in field‑moist soils by extraction with potassium chloride solution — Part 1: Manual method. This technical specification specifies a manual laboratory procedure for extracting and determining nitrate, nitrite and ammonium from field‑moist soil using a 1 mol/l potassium chloride extract and appropriate colorimetric reagents and procedures.

Abstract

Describes a manual method for the quantitative determination of nitrate, nitrite and ammonium in a 1 mol/l KCl extract of field‑moist soils. The document gives required reagents, sample extraction and handling, analytical reactions and procedures for color development and measurement, and quality control/precision recommendations for routine laboratory use.

General information

• Status: Published (technical specification, confirmed after periodic reviews).
• Publication date: 2003 (Edition 1, published March 2003).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO), prepared by ISO/TC 190/SC 3.
• ICS / categories: 13.080.10 — Chemical characteristics of soils.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2003).
• Number of pages: 14.

Scope

Applies to the determination of nitrate, nitrite and ammonium in a 1 mol/l potassium chloride extract of field‑moist soils; intended for all types of soils after appropriate homogenization. The procedure covers sample extraction, reagent preparation, analytical reactions (color development), measurement and basic quality control — it is explicitly the manual (non‑automated) method (Part 1) of the ISO 14256 series.

Key topics and requirements

• Use of 1 mol/l potassium chloride (KCl) as extracting solution for field‑moist soils.
• Detailed reagent lists and preparation (including buffers, color reagents, cadmium reduction materials where applicable for nitrate/nitrite routines).
• Step‑by‑step manual extraction and filtration procedures for field‑moist samples to produce the KCl extract.
• Colorimetric determinations for nitrate, nitrite and ammonium with specified reaction conditions, colour reagents and measurement wavelengths.
• Requirements for quality control, blanks, calibration standards and documentation of results to ensure repeatability and comparability.

Typical use and users

Used by environmental and agricultural testing laboratories, soil scientists, research institutes, agricultural advisory services, and regulatory bodies that require standardized measurement of inorganic N species in soils. Typical applications include soil fertility assessment, nutrient management planning, environmental monitoring and research.

Related standards

ISO/TS 14256-1:2003 is Part 1 (manual method) of the ISO 14256 series. The automated counterpart is ISO 14256-2:2005 (Part 2: automated method with segmented flow analysis). Other soil‑quality chemical analysis standards and national adoptions or identical adoptions (where applicable) may reference or adapt the procedures in ISO 14256.

Keywords

soil quality, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, potassium chloride extraction, KCl extract, manual method, colorimetric determination, field‑moist soil, chemical characteristics of soils.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/TS 14256-1:2003 is a technical specification that defines a manual laboratory method for extracting and determining nitrate, nitrite and ammonium in field‑moist soils using a 1 mol/l potassium chloride solution.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample extraction with 1 mol/l KCl, reagent preparation, the manual analytical (colorimetric) procedures for nitrate, nitrite and ammonium, and basic quality control and reporting recommendations for producing comparable results.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental and agricultural testing laboratories, academic and research laboratories, soil scientists, consultants and regulatory agencies concerned with soil nutrient analyses and monitoring.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO/TS 14256-1:2003 remains the published technical specification (Edition 1, 2003). It has been subject to periodic ISO review and was confirmed in subsequent systematic reviews, so this version has been maintained as current through ISO’s review process. Users should check with their national body or ISO for the absolute latest status if confirmation after 2023 is required.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1 (manual method) of the ISO 14256 series; Part 2 (ISO 14256-2:2005) describes the corresponding automated segmented‑flow analysis method.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Soil quality; nitrate; nitrite; ammonium; potassium chloride extraction; manual method; colorimetric analysis; field‑moist soil; ISO 14256.