SIST EN 16087-2:2012

Overview

SIST EN 16087-2:2012 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies a reliable laboratory method for determining the aerobic biological activity of composted materials. This standard focuses on the self-heating test for compost, a procedure that measures the temperature increase within a compost sample as an indicator of microbial activity under aerobic conditions. By quantifying this biological activity, the method helps assess compost maturity, quality, and stability.

The test involves monitoring the self-heating behavior of compost placed in a Dewar vessel under controlled temperature conditions. This method is essential for soil improvers and growing media producers, environmental laboratories, and quality control entities interested in verifying compost properties according to accepted European norms.

Key Topics

• Purpose: To determine aerobic biological activity in compost using a temperature-based self-heating test.
• Scope: Applicable exclusively to composted materials; not intended for raw or incompletely composted substrates.
• Test Principle: Measurement of the maximum temperature reached by the compost inside a Dewar vessel, reflecting microbial metabolic heat generation.
• Apparatus:
  • Dewar vessel (1.5 L volume, internal diameter approx. 100 mm)
  • Temperature measurement device capable of recording peak temperatures
  • Sieve with 10 mm mesh for sample preparation
  • Temperature-controlled room or climate cabinet maintained at 22 ± 2 °C
• Sample Preparation:
  • Sieving to exclude particles >10 mm
  • Moisture adjustment via the “fist test” to ensure optimal conditions for microbial activity ("moist as a well-squeezed sponge")
• Test Procedure:
  • Fill the Dewar vessel with loosely packed compost
  • Insert temperature sensor approx. 3 cm from vessel bottom
  • Monitor temperature over a maximum period of 10 days until the temperature peaks and begins to decline
  • Perform tests in duplicate for accuracy
• Result Expression: The maximum temperature (Tmax) is reported as the mean of duplicate measurements, with precision to one decimal place.
• Test Report Requirements:
  • Reference to SIST EN 16087-2:2012 standard
  • Identification details of the tested sample
  • Tmax values and, if necessary, temperature profiles
  • Notes on any deviations or conditions affecting results

Applications

SIST EN 16087-2:2012 provides critical data to evaluate compost biological activity, which is a key parameter for:

• Compost Quality Assurance: Determining compost stability and maturity, ensuring suitability for agricultural and horticultural use.
• Soil Improvement: Assessing the efficacy of compost as a soil amendment by verifying its microbial activity level.
• Environmental Compliance: Supporting producers and laboratories in meeting regulatory requirements for soil improvers across European markets.
• Research and Development: Assisting scientists and industry professionals in studying composting processes and optimizing production methods for safer, more effective compost products.
• Quality Control Testing: Enabling routine monitoring of commercial compost batches for consistent product performance.

Related Standards

SIST EN 16087-2:2012 belongs to the broader suite of standards related to soil improvers and growing media, which include:

• EN 16087-1: Determination of aerobic biological activity - Part 1: Respirometric test for growing media and soil improvers.
• RAL-GZ 251: German quality assurance standards for composts, providing complementary testing approaches.
• DIN 12492: Specifications for laboratory glassware including Dewar vessels used in temperature control applications.

By adhering to SIST EN 16087-2:2012, laboratories and producers ensure alignment with European best practices for quantifying aerobic microbial activity, thus enhancing product credibility and user confidence within the compost and soil improvement sectors.

Keywords: SIST EN 16087-2:2012, aerobic biological activity, self-heating test, compost testing, soil improvers, growing media, Dewar vessel, compost maturity, quality control, European Standard, CEN, microbial activity, compost stability.