Soil quality - Determination of total nitrogen content by dry combustion ("elemental analysis")

Qualité du sol — Détermination de la teneur totale en azote par combustion sèche ("analyse élémentaire")

Kakovost tal - Določevanje celotnega dušika s suhim sežigom (elementna analiza)

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
18-Mar-1998
Current Stage
9020 - International Standard under periodical review
Start Date
15-Oct-2025
Completion Date
15-Oct-2025

Relations

Effective Date
06-Jun-2022

Overview

ISO 13878:1998 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies a reliable method for determining the total nitrogen content in soil. This method uses dry combustion, also known as "elemental analysis," to accurately measure nitrogen levels after soil samples are subjected to high-temperature oxidation. It applies to all soil types and is widely recognized in soil quality assessment and chemical soil analysis.

The standard enhances the understanding of soil fertility and nutrient availability by providing a precise and reproducible technique that benefits agricultural management, environmental monitoring, and land use planning.

Key Topics

  • Scope and Applicability
    ISO 13878:1998 covers the quantification of total nitrogen in soil using dry combustion at temperatures of at least 900 °C in an oxygen-rich environment. It is applicable to all soil types and suitable for routine and research laboratory analysis.

  • Analytical Principle
    Soil samples are pretreated, then combusted to convert nitrogen compounds into nitrogen gas (N₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ). The nitrogen gas produced is measured using thermal conductivity detection to determine total nitrogen content.

  • Sample Preparation
    Soil qualification follows ISO 11464 for pretreatment and ISO 11465 for dry matter and water content determination. Soil particles used for analysis are typically less than 2 mm in size to ensure homogeneity and accuracy.

  • Calibration and Measurement
    Calibration uses reference substances with known nitrogen content such as acetanilide or specific amino acids. Accurate weighing to 0.1 mg or better is required, and combustion apparatus must be maintained for consistent measurements.

  • Calculation and Reporting
    The standard defines equations for expressing nitrogen content as milligrams per gram of oven-dry soil. Results must be reported clearly, including sample identification and any deviations from the standard test procedure.

  • Precision and Repeatability
    Repeatability criteria are clearly stated to ensure consistent results between independent measurements, with relative acceptable variation ranging from 5% to 10% depending on nitrogen content concentration.

Applications

  • Agricultural Soil Analysis
    Accurate nitrogen determination helps optimize fertilizer application rates, improving crop yield and minimizing environmental impact.

  • Environmental Monitoring
    Assess total nitrogen levels to evaluate soil pollution, nutrient cycling, and ecological health in various habitats.

  • Land Management and Remediation
    Support decision-making for land restoration projects by tracking soil nutrient status and contamination levels.

  • Research and Laboratory Analysis
    Provides a standardized method for scientists conducting soil chemistry studies and comparative analyses across different regions or conditions.

Related Standards

  • ISO 11464:1994 – Soil quality - Pretreatment of samples for physico-chemical analyses. This standard complements ISO 13878 by specifying soil sample conditioning techniques.

  • ISO 11465:1993 – Soil quality - Determination of dry matter and water content on a mass basis. Used alongside ISO 13878 to determine soil moisture, critical for accurate nitrogen content calculations.

  • ISO 11261:1995 – Soil quality - Determination of total nitrogen - Modified Kjeldahl method. An alternative method for nitrogen determination, allowing comparison of results for method validation.

  • ISO 5725-2:1994 – Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results. Provides guidance on evaluating repeatability and reproducibility, supporting quality control in nitrogen analysis.

Keywords

Soil quality, total nitrogen determination, dry combustion, elemental analysis, soil nitrogen content, ISO 13878, soil testing standards, nitrogen measurement, soil chemistry, agricultural soil analysis, environmental soil monitoring, soil sample preparation


ISO 13878:1998 ensures accurate, repeatable, and internationally comparable results for total nitrogen measurement in soils by applying the dry combustion technique. This enhances soil analysis reliability for environmental scientists, agronomists, and soil laboratories worldwide.

Standard

ISO 13878:1998 - Soil quality -- Determination of total nitrogen content by dry combustion ("elemental analysis")

English language
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Standard

ISO 13878:1998 - Qualité du sol -- Détermination de la teneur totale en azote par combustion seche ("analyse élémentaire")

French language
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Frequently Asked Questions

ISO 13878:1998 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Soil quality - Determination of total nitrogen content by dry combustion ("elemental analysis")". This standard covers: Soil quality - Determination of total nitrogen content by dry combustion ("elemental analysis")

Soil quality - Determination of total nitrogen content by dry combustion ("elemental analysis")

ISO 13878:1998 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.080.10 - Chemical characteristics of soils. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ISO 13878:1998 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 3834-5:2005. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ISO 13878:1998 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-1999
Kakovost tal - Določevanje celotnega dušika s suhim sežigom (elementna analiza)
Soil quality - Determination of total nitrogen content by dry combustion ("elemental
analysis")
Qualité du sol - Détermination de la teneur totale en azote par combustion sèche
("analyse élémentaire")
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ISO 13878:1998
ICS:
13.080.10 Kemijske značilnosti tal Chemical characteristics of
soils
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 13878
First edition
1998-03-15
Soil quality — Determination of total
nitrogen content by dry combustion
(“elemental analysis”)
Qualité du sol — Détermination de la teneur totale en azote par combustion
sèche («analyse élémentaire»)
A Reference number
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide
federation of national standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of
preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which
a technical committee has been established has the right to be represented
on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-
governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO
collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are
circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an International
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting
a vote.
International Standard ISO 13878 was prepared by Technical Committee
ISO/TC 190, Soil quality, Subcommittee SC 3, Chemical methods and soil
characteristics.
Annexes A and B of this International Standard are for information only.
©  ISO 1998
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced
or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and
microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
International Organization for Standardization
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Genève 20 • Switzerland
Internet central@iso.ch
X.400 c=ch; a=400net; p=iso; o=isocs; s=central
Printed in Switzerland
ii
©
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD  ISO ISO 13878:1998(E)
Soil quality — Determination of total nitrogen content by
dry combustion (“elemental analysis”)
1  Scope
This International Standard describes a method for the determination of the total nitrogen of soil after dry
combustion.
It is applicable to all types of soil.
NOTE —  The method was developed originally as a manual method by Dumas [3]. Its applicability is improved greatly due to
the use of modern automated equipment.
2  Normative references
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this
International Standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All standards are subject to
revision, and parties to agreements based on this International Standard are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the standards indicated below. Members of IEC and ISO maintain
registers of currently valid International Standards.
ISO 11464:1994, Soil quality — Pretreatment of samples for physico-chemical analyses.
ISO 11465:1993, Soil quality — Determination of dry matter and water content on a mass basis — Gravimetric
method.
3  Principle
The nitrogen content of a soil pretreated in accordance with ISO 11464 is determined by heating to a temperature of
at least 900 °C in the presence of oxygen gas. Mineral and organic nitrogen compounds are oxidized and/or
volatilized. The combustion products are oxides of nitrogen (NO ) and molecular nitrogen (N ). After transforming all
x 2
nitrogen forms into N , the content of total nitrogen is measured using thermal conductivity.
4  Reagents
All reagents shall be of recognized analytical grade.
4.1  Combustion gas (oxygen)
For special requirements, see the instruction manual of the apparatus used.
©
ISO
4.2  Chemicals and/or catalysts
For reduction, oxidation, removal and/or fixing of combustion gases which interfere with the analysis.
4.3  Calibration substances
For example, acetanilide (C H NO), L-aspartic acid (C H NO ), amino acids of known composition or soil samples
8 9 4 7 4
with certified nitrogen content.
NOTE —  The nitrogen content of the calibration substance should be as similar to the soil nitrogen content as possible.
5  Apparatus
5.1  Analytical balance, capable of weighing accurately to 0,1 mg, or microbalance, capable of weighing
accurately to 0,01 mg.
5.2  Combustion apparatus used to determine total nitrogen content at a temperature of at least 900 °C, including
a detector for measur
...


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-1999
.DNRYRVWWDO'RORþHYDQMHVNXSQHJDGXãLNDSRVXKHPVHåLJX HOHPHQWQDDQDOL]D
Soil quality -- Determination of total nitrogen content by dry combustion ("elemental
analysis")
Qualité du sol -- Détermination de la teneur totale en azote par combustion sèche
("analyse élémentaire")
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ISO 13878:1998
ICS:
13.080.10 .HPLMVNH]QDþLOQRVWLWDO Chemical characteristics of
soils
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 13878
First edition
1998-03-15
Soil quality — Determination of total
nitrogen content by dry combustion
(“elemental analysis”)
Qualité du sol — Détermination de la teneur totale en azote par combustion
sèche («analyse élémentaire»)
A Reference number
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide
federation of national standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of
preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which
a technical committee has been established has the right to be represented
on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-
governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO
collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are
circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an International
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting
a vote.
International Standard ISO 13878 was prepared by Technical Committee
ISO/TC 190, Soil quality, Subcommittee SC 3, Chemical methods and soil
characteristics.
Annexes A and B of this International Standard are for information only.
©  ISO 1998
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced
or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and
microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
International Organization for Standardization
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Genève 20 • Switzerland
Internet central@iso.ch
X.400 c=ch; a=400net; p=iso; o=isocs; s=central
Printed in Switzerland
ii
©
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD  ISO ISO 13878:1998(E)
Soil quality — Determination of total nitrogen content by
dry combustion (“elemental analysis”)
1  Scope
This International Standard describes a method for the determination of the total nitrogen of soil after dry
combustion.
It is applicable to all types of soil.
NOTE —  The method was developed originally as a manual method by Dumas [3]. Its applicability is improved greatly due to
the use of modern automated equipment.
2  Normative references
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this
International Standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All standards are subject to
revision, and parties to agreements based on this International Standard are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the standards indicated below. Members of IEC and ISO maintain
registers of currently valid International Standards.
ISO 11464:1994, Soil quality — Pretreatment of samples for physico-chemical analyses.
ISO 11465:1993, Soil quality — Determination of dry matter and water content on a mass basis — Gravimetric
method.
3  Principle
The nitrogen content of a soil pretreated in accordance with ISO 11464 is determined by heating to a temperature of
at least 900 °C in the presence of oxygen gas. Mineral and organic nitrogen compounds are oxidized and/or
volatilized. The combustion products are oxides of nitrogen (NO ) and molecular nitrogen (N ). After transforming all
x 2
nitrogen forms into N , the content of total nitrogen is measured using thermal conductivity.
4  Reagents
All reagents shall be of recognized analytical grade.
4.1  Combustion gas (oxygen)
For special requirements, see the instruction manual of the apparatus used.
©
ISO
4.2  Chemicals and/or catalysts
For reduction, oxidation, removal and/or fixing of combustion gases which interfere with the analysis.
4.3  Calibration substances
For example, acetanilide (C H NO), L-aspartic acid (C H NO ), amino acids of known composition or soil samples
8 9 4 7 4
with certified nitrogen content.
NOTE —  The nitrogen content of the calibration substance should be as similar to the soil nitrogen content as possible.
5  Apparatus
5.1  Analytical balance, capable of weighing accurately to 0,1 mg, or microbalance, capable of weighing
accurately to 0,01 mg.
5.2  Combustion apparatus used to determine total nitrogen content at a temperature of at least 900 °C, including
a detector for measu
...


INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 13878
First edition
1998-03-15
Soil quality — Determination of total
nitrogen content by dry combustion
(“elemental analysis”)
Qualité du sol — Détermination de la teneur totale en azote par combustion
sèche («analyse élémentaire»)
A Reference number
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide
federation of national standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of
preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which
a technical committee has been established has the right to be represented
on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-
governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO
collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are
circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an International
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting
a vote.
International Standard ISO 13878 was prepared by Technical Committee
ISO/TC 190, Soil quality, Subcommittee SC 3, Chemical methods and soil
characteristics.
Annexes A and B of this International Standard are for information only.
©  ISO 1998
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced
or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and
microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
International Organization for Standardization
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Genève 20 • Switzerland
Internet central@iso.ch
X.400 c=ch; a=400net; p=iso; o=isocs; s=central
Printed in Switzerland
ii
©
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD  ISO ISO 13878:1998(E)
Soil quality — Determination of total nitrogen content by
dry combustion (“elemental analysis”)
1  Scope
This International Standard describes a method for the determination of the total nitrogen of soil after dry
combustion.
It is applicable to all types of soil.
NOTE —  The method was developed originally as a manual method by Dumas [3]. Its applicability is improved greatly due to
the use of modern automated equipment.
2  Normative references
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this
International Standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All standards are subject to
revision, and parties to agreements based on this International Standard are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the standards indicated below. Members of IEC and ISO maintain
registers of currently valid International Standards.
ISO 11464:1994, Soil quality — Pretreatment of samples for physico-chemical analyses.
ISO 11465:1993, Soil quality — Determination of dry matter and water content on a mass basis — Gravimetric
method.
3  Principle
The nitrogen content of a soil pretreated in accordance with ISO 11464 is determined by heating to a temperature of
at least 900 °C in the presence of oxygen gas. Mineral and organic nitrogen compounds are oxidized and/or
volatilized. The combustion products are oxides of nitrogen (NO ) and molecular nitrogen (N ). After transforming all
x 2
nitrogen forms into N , the content of total nitrogen is measured using thermal conductivity.
4  Reagents
All reagents shall be of recognized analytical grade.
4.1  Combustion gas (oxygen)
For special requirements, see the instruction manual of the apparatus used.
©
ISO
4.2  Chemicals and/or catalysts
For reduction, oxidation, removal and/or fixing of combustion gases which interfere with the analysis.
4.3  Calibration substances
For example, acetanilide (C H NO), L-aspartic acid (C H NO ), amino acids of known composition or soil samples
8 9 4 7 4
with certified nitrogen content.
NOTE —  The nitrogen content of the calibration substance should be as similar to the soil nitrogen content as possible.
5  Apparatus
5.1  Analytical balance, capable of weighing accurately to 0,1 mg, or microbalance, capable of weighing
accurately to 0,01 mg.
5.2  Combustion apparatus used to determine total nitrogen content at a temperature of at least 900 °C, including
a detector for measuring the nitrogen gas formed. Consult the manufacturer’s manual for the apparatus.
5.3  Crucibles of various sizes, e.g. 10 ml or 20 ml nominal volume. Special requirements are given in the manual
of the apparatus used.
6  Laboratory sample
Pretreat the soil in accordance with ISO 11464. Use the fraction of particles of diameter < 2 mm to determine the
content of total nitrogen. The same fraction is used to determine the water content in accordance with ISO 11465.
If a soil mass of less than
...


NORME ISO
INTERNATIONALE 13878
Première édition
1998-03-15
Qualité du sol — Détermination de la teneur
totale en azote par combustion sèche
(«analyse élémentaire»)
Soil quality — Determination of total nitrogen content by dry combustion
(“elemental analysis”)
A
Numéro de référence
Avant-propos
L'ISO (Organisation internationale de normalisation) est une fédération
mondiale d'organismes nationaux de normalisation (comités membres de
l'ISO). L'élaboration des Normes internationales est en général confiée aux
comités techniques de l'ISO. Chaque comité membre intéressé par une
étude a le droit de faire partie du comité technique créé à cet effet. Les
organisations internationales, gouvernementales et non gouvernementales,
en liaison avec l'ISO participent également aux travaux. L'ISO collabore
étroitement avec la Commission électrotechnique internationale (CEI) en
ce qui concerne la normalisation électrotechnique.
Les projets de Normes internationales adoptés par les comités techniques
sont soumis aux comités membres pour vote. Leur publication comme
Normes internationales requiert l'approbation de 75 % au moins des
comités membres votants.
La Norme internationale ISO 13878 a été élaborée par le comité technique
ISO/TC 190, Qualité du sol, sous-comité SC 3, Méthodes chimiques et
caractéristiques du sol.
Les annexes A et B de la présente Norme internationale sont données
uniquement à titre d’information.
©  ISO 1998
Droits de reproduction réservés. Sauf prescription différente, aucune partie de cette publi-
cation ne peut être reproduite ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun pro-
cédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie et les microfilms, sans l'accord
écrit de l'éditeur.
Organisation internationale de normalisation
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Genève 20 • Suisse
Internet central@iso.ch
X.400 c=ch; a=400net; p=iso; o=isocs; s=central
Imprimé en Suisse
ii
©
NORME INTERNATIONALE  ISO ISO 13878:1998(F)
Qualité du sol — Détermination de la teneur totale en azote
par combustion sèche («analyse élémentaire»)
1  Domaine d'application
La présente Norme internationale spécifie une méthode de détermination de la teneur totale en azote d’un sol après
une combustion sèche.
Elle est applicable à tous les types de sol.
NOTE —  La méthode, mise au point par Dumas [3], était au départ manuelle. Son mode d’application s’est fortement
amélioré grâce à l’utilisation d’un matériel moderne automatisé.
2  Références normatives
Les normes suivantes contiennent des dispositions qui, par suite de la référence qui en est faite, constituent des
dispositions valables pour la présente Norme internationale. Au moment de la publication, les éditions indiquées
étaient en vigueur. Toute norme est sujette à révision et les parties prenantes des accords fondés sur la présente
Norme internationale sont invitées à rechercher la possibilité d'appliquer les éditions les plus récentes des normes
indiquées ci-après. Les membres de la CEI et de l’ISO possèdent le registre des Normes internationales en vigueur
à un moment donné.
ISO 11464:1994, Qualité du sol — Prétraitement des échantillons pour analyses physico-chimiques.
ISO 11465:1994, Qualité du sol — Détermination de la teneur pondérale en matière sèche et en eau — Méthode
gravimétrique.
3  Principe
La teneur en azote d’un sol, préalablement traité conformément à l’ISO 11464, est déterminée en le chauffant à une
température d’au moins 900 °C en présence d’oxygène gazeux. Les composés minéraux ou organiques de l’azote
sont oxydés et/ou volatilisés. Les produits de la combustion sont des oxydes d’azote (NO ) et de l’azote moléculaire
x
(N ). Après transformation de toutes les formes d’azote en N , la teneur totale en azote est mesurée par
2 2
conductibilité thermique.
4  Réactifs
Tous les réactifs doivent être de qualité analytique reconnue.
4.1  Gaz de combustion (oxygène)
Pour les spécifications particulières, voir le manuel d’utilisation de l’appareil.
©
ISO
4.2  Produits chimiques et/ou catalyseurs, pour la réduction, l’oxydation, le dégagement ou la fixation des gaz
de combustion qui perturbent l’analyse.
4.3  Substances d’étalonnage, par exemple, l’acétanilide (C H NO), l’acide L-aspartique (C H NO ), les acides
8 9 4 7 4
aminés de composition connue ou des échantillons de sol dont la teneur en azote est certifiée.
NOTE —  Il convient que la teneur en azote de la substance d’étalonnage soit aussi proche que possible de celle du sol.
5  Appareillage
5.1  Balance analytique, capable de peser à 0,1 mg près, ou microbalance, capable de peser à 0,01 mg près.
5.2  Appareillage de combustion, utilisé pour déterminer la teneur totale en azote à une température d’au moins
900 °C, comprenant un détecteur pour mesurer l’azote gazeux formé. Consulter le manuel du fabricant relatif à
l’appareillage.
5.3  Creusets de différentes tailles, par exemple d’un volume nominal de 10 ml ou de 20 ml. Des spécifications
sont fournies dans le manuel d’utilisation de l’appareil.
6  Échantillon pour laboratoire
Traiter préalablement le sol conformément à l’ISO 11464. Utiliser la fraction des particules de diamètre inférieur à
2 mm pour déterminer la teneur totale en azote. La même fraction est utilisée pour déterminer la teneur en eau
conformément à l’ISO 11465.
Si la masse de sol, exigée pour les analyses, est inf
...

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