oSIST prEN 13040-1:2025

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2025
Izboljševalci tal in rastni substrati - Priprava vzorcev - 1. del: Priprava vzorcev za
kemijske in fizikalne preskuse, določanje suhe snovi, vlage in laboratorijsko
stisnjene prostorninske gostote
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
Bodenverbesserungsmittel und Kultursubstrate - Probenvorbereitung - Teil 1:
Probenvorbereitung für chemische und physikalische Untersuchungen, Bestimmung des
Trockensubstanzgehalts, des Feuchtigkeitsgehalts und der Laborschüttdichte
Amendements du sol et supports de culture - Préparation des échantillons - Partie 1 :
Préparation des échantillons pour les essais chimiques et physiques, détermination de la
teneur en matière sèche, du taux d’humidité et de la masse volumique apparente en
laboratoire
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 13040-1
ICS:
65.080 Gnojila Fertilizers
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
October 2025
ICS 65.080 Will supersede EN 13040:2007
English Version
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
Amendements du sol et supports de culture - Bodenverbesserungsmittel und Kultursubstrate -
Préparation des échantillons - Partie 1 : Préparation Probenvorbereitung - Teil 1: Probenvorbereitung für
des échantillons pour les essais chimiques et chemische und physikalische Untersuchungen,
physiques, détermination de la teneur en matière Bestimmung des Trockensubstanzgehalts, des
sèche, du taux d'humidité et de la masse volumique Feuchtigkeitsgehalts und der Laborschüttdichte
apparente en laboratoire
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 223.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 13040-1:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Principle . 6
5 Sampling . 6
6 Sample reception . 6
7 Transportation and storage of samples . 6
8 Classification of samples as a function of matrix . 7
9 Preparation of the un-dried laboratory sample . 7
9.1 Apparatus . 7
9.2 Test sample in solid form . 7
9.2.1 Sample preparation (unsieved test sample) . 7
9.2.2 Determination of material exceeding 40 mm . 8
9.2.3 Test sample passing through a 40 mm square aperture sieve . 8
9.2.4 Test sample passing through a 25 mm square aperture sieve . 9
9.2.5 Test sample passing through a 20 mm square aperture sieve . 9
9.3 Test sample in shear resistant pasty form. 9
9.4 Test sample in liquid and aqueous pasty form . 9
9.5 Test sample in pre-shaped form . 9
9.5.1 Sample preparation for bulk density determination . 9
9.5.2 Sample preparation for dry matter content determination . 9
9.5.3 Sample preparation for chemical analyses . 10
10 Preparation of the dried ground (or otherwise size reduced) test sample . 10
10.1 Apparatus . 10
10.2 Procedure . 10
11 Determination of dry matter content . 11
11.1 Apparatus . 11
11.2 Procedure . 12
11.2.1 Solid and shear resistant pasty materials . 12
11.2.2 Liquid and aqueous pasty materials . 12
11.2.3 Pre-shaped materials . 12
11.2.4 Dried ground test samples (for residual moisture content determination) . 12
11.3 Calculation . 12
11.3.1 Dry matter content . 12
11.3.2 Moisture content . 13
12 Test report . 13
13 Validation of the method . 13
13.1 Validation in accordance with ISO 5725-2. 13
13.2 Performance characteristics. 13
Annex A (normative) Determination of laboratory bulk density . 14
Annex B (informative) Performance characteristics of the method . 19
Bibliography . 22
European foreword
This document (prEN 13040-1:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 223 “Soil
improvers and growing media”, the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
This document is currently submitted to CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 13040:2007.
— The title has been changed;
— Clause 7 (Transportation and storage of samples) has been completed;
— Clause 8 (Classification of samples as function of matrix) has been introduced;
— In Clause 9 (Preparation of the un-dried laboratory sample) new types of test samples have been
added;
— Clause 10 (Preparation of the dried ground (or otherwise size reduced) test samples) has been
updated;
— In Clause 11 (Determination of dry matter content) new types of test samples included the dried
ground sample for the residual moisture content determination, have been added;
— Annex A has been completed considering different procedures to determine laboratory bulk density
depending on the classification of samples as function of matrix (Clause 8);
— Formula (A.1) and A.2 have been modified.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
1 Scope
This document specifies a routine method for preparing a sample of organic soil improver, inorganic soil
improver, growing medium, compost or digestate prior to chemical analysis and physical testing. The
procedures described herein apply only to those samples that are supplied to a laboratory in the form in
which they will be used for their intended purpose and to samples with a manufacturer’s guidance for
reconstitution.
NOTE 1 The determination of the laboratory bulk density is given in Annex A.
NOTE 2 The results of an interlaboratory trial to determine moisture content are given in Annex B.
NOTE 3 The results of an interlaboratory trial to determine laboratory bulk density are given in Annex B.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
CEN/TS 17732:2022, Soil improvers and growing media — Terminology
EN 12579:2024, Soil improvers and growing media — Sampling
EN 12580:2022, Soil improvers and growing media — Determination of a quantity
prEN 15761:2022, Pre-shaped growing media — Determination of the dimensions measured and bulk
density
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 12579:2024,
CEN/TS 17732:2022 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
test sample
sample prepared from the laboratory sample and from which test portions will be taken
3.2
test portion
quantity of material drawn from the test sample (or from the laboratory sample if both are the same) and
on which the tests or observations are actually carried out
3.3
laboratory compacted bulk density
density, expressed in grams per litre of the material as determined in the laboratory using a cylinder of
known volume; the sample being compacted under defined conditions
4 Principle
The laboratory sample is coded and sub-divided to prepare the test sample in such a manner as to be
representative of the sample as submitted to the laboratory. Dry matter and humidity content are
determined by oven drying and laboratory bulk density is determined by weighting a known volume of
the material.
5 Sampling
Sampling is not part of the method specified in this document. Follow EN 12579:2024 dealing with soil
improvers and growing media. It is important that the laboratory receives a sample that is representative
of the product under consideration. The sample should not have been damaged or changed during
transport or storage.
6 Sample reception
Upon receipt of the laboratory sample, the laboratory shall confirm that the sample relates to the
accompanying documentation. The sampler shall submit with the sample, at least the following minimum
requirements:
a) name of the client;
b) to whom the results shall be reported, if different from a);
c) place and date the sample was taken;
d) name of the sampler;
e) discrete sample identification;
f) analysis required.
The laboratory shall confirm that a sufficient sample has been provided for the analyses to be undertaken
by recording the date the sample was received and giving the sample a unique laboratory identification
code. This code shall be recorded on all subsequent sub sample containers and on the documentation
supplied with the sample.
7 Transportation and storage of samples
The laboratory sample shall be transported and stored without compaction or any other treatment which
may irreversibly alter its moisture content, particle size, packing characteristics or any feature which
affects density.
A sample, as submitted to the laboratory shall be stored so that it shall not undergo any further
decomposition, physical damage, hydration or dehydration. Recommended storage should be at
3 °C ± 2 °C, in a closed polyethylene bag so that the sample fills volume of the container completely. The
storage period depends on several factors including what is the normal custom in the analysing
laboratory or country. Analysis of fresh materials shall be undertaken within 2 weeks of receipt of the
sample. When transport takes place, the sampling plan shall consider:
a) the time between sampling and start of transport;
b) transport time;
c) starting time of analysis in the laboratory.
The sum of these 3 periods is limited to the maximum storage times.
It is recommended that all such samples should be stored for a minimum of 28 days from the date of
reporting the results to the client.
8 Classification of samples as a function of matrix
The sample pre-treatment shall be differentiated accordingly to the physical state. The following 4 matrix
types are distinguished for performing the sample pre-treatment:
a) Solid samples: these samples have an estimated dry matter content of at least 30 % m/m.
NOTE 1 Examples are compost, dried digestate, peat, coir, wood fibre.
b) Shear resistant pasty samples: these samples have an estimated dry matter content between
15 % m/m and 30 % m/m.
NOTE 2 Examples are sludge, thick fraction of digestate.
c) Liquid and aqueous pasty samples: these samples have an estimated dry matter content of less than
15 % m/m.
NOTE 3 Examples are sludge, crude digestate, thin fraction of digestate.
d) Pre-shaped samples.
NOTE 4 Examples are mineral wool and polyurethane products (slabs, blocks).
The classification of the delivered laboratory sample in the relevant matrix type and the associated
sample pre-treatment can be performed on the basis of visual assessment in combination with the
estimated dry matter content. However, the physical state based on the visual observation is decisive for
performing the sample pre-treatment.
9 Preparation of the un-dried laboratory sample
9.1 Apparatus
9.1.1 Sieves 20 mm, 25 mm, 40 mm and 60 mm square aperture size.
9.1.2 Analytical balance with a scale interval of 0,1 g and a capacity of weighing 6 000 g.
9.1.3 Laboratory blender.
9.1.4 Sharp knife or a saw.
9.2 Test sample in solid form
9.2.1 Sample preparation (unsieved test sample)
Thoroughly mix the laboratory sample, gently breaking any lump or agglomerate of the sample that has
been caused, by, for example, compression during transportation. If the parameters “macroscopic
impurities and stones” do not have to be determined, discard visible macroscopic impurities that are not
naturally occurring in the materials. Some samples (e.g. compressed coir brick) shall be reconstituted
before the previous step following manufacturer’s guidance if the procedure has not been performed
during sampling.
Handle with care to avoid breaking intrinsic parts and to avoid a loss of moisture.
If necessary, divide the sample to form sub-samples. Recognized procedures such as coning and
quartering shall be used for sub-sampling. The size of the final test sample shall be large enough to truly
represent the laboratory sample and to provide sufficient uniform material for all defined physical and
chemical tests that are required to be carried out. It is unlikely that a laboratory sample of less than 10 l
shall be sufficient for all physical and chemical analyses.
During preparation the sample shall not be cut or ground.
9.2.2 Determination of material exceeding 40 mm
Weigh approximately 1 000 ml of the unsieved test sample (m ) and pass it through a 40 mm square
a
aperture sieve and agitate gently if required.
Record the weight (m ) of the amount of sample that does not pass the sieve and express this value (c) as
b
a fraction of the total sub-sample mass, see Formula (1).
m
b
c= (1)
m
a
where
m is the mass in grams of the sub-sample;
a
m is the mass in grams of material retained on a 40 mm square aperture sieve;
b
c is the fraction retained on a 40 mm square aperture sieve.
This value may be helpful in choosing the sieving steps.
9.2.3 Test sample passing through a 40 mm square aperture sieve
Take approximately 5 l of the unsieved sample (9.2.1) and pass through a 40 mm sieve.
a) When 20 % m/m or less of the sample has been retained on the 40 mm sieve, the retained particles
shall be physically reduced in equal parts as few times as necessary to permit the entire sample to
pass through the sieve. Thoroughly mix the whole sub-sample with the broken particles that have
been retained on the sieve taking care to minimize physical damage to the sample as a whole.
Particles with length of more than 80 mm that pass through the sieve may be reduced to a length of
approximately 40 mm.
b) When 20-40 % of the sample has been retained on the 40 mm sieve, repeat the sieving with a 60 mm
sieve. The retained particles shall be physically reduced in equal parts as few times as necessary to
permit the entire sample to pass through the 60 mm sieve. Thoroughly mix the whole sub-sample
with the broken particles that have been retained on the sieve taking care to minimize physical
damage to the sample as a whole.
Particles with length of more than 80 mm that pass through the sieve may be reduced to a length of
approximately 40 mm.
c) When more than 40 % of the sample has been retained on the 40 mm sieve, the bulk density shall be
measured according to EN 12580:2022. For subsequent analyses on volume (e.g. pH, EC, CAT
extraction etc.) a test portion of about 5 l should be sieved on the 60 mm sieve, and the retained
particles shall be physically reduced in equal parts as few times as necessary to permit the entire
sample to pass through the sieve.
9.2.4 Test sample passing through a 25 mm square aperture sieve
Take approximately 5 l of the unsieved sample (9.2.1) and pass through a 25 mm sieve. Any particle of
the sample > 25 mm and/or flexible fibres > 80 mm shall be physically reduced in equal parts and as few
times as are necessary to be ≤ 25 mm and ≤ 80 mm for flexible fibres.
Thoroughly mix the whole sub-sample with the broken particles that have been retained on the sieve
taking care to minimize physical damage to the sample as a whole.
NOTE This test sample is suitable for physical methods of analyses (see EN 13041:2011).
9.2.5 Test sample passing through a 20 mm square aperture sieve
Take about 5 l of the unsieved sample (9.2.1) and using a scoop, pass the material through a 20 mm screen
and agitate gently if required. If more than 10 % m/m is retained on the screen, then the procedure shall
be inappropriate to the material under test. If less than 10 % is retained, this material shall be broken
down in equal parts and as few times as necessary to permit the entire sample to pass through the sieve.
Particles with length of more than 60 mm that pass through the sieve may be reduced to a length of
approximately 20 mm.
9.3 Test sample in shear resistant pasty form
Shear resistant pasty laboratory samples are homogenized by manual conversion. If the pasty samples
contain coarser parts, the sample shall be homogenized by mechanical mixing.
Mechanical homogenization is not allowed if the parameters “stones and impurities” have to be
determined.
9.4 Test sample in liquid and aqueous pasty form
Liquid and aqueous pasty samples containing less than 15 % of dry matter are often heterogeneous and
can consist of, e.g. a sludge layer and a liquid layer. These samples shall, after shaking and stirring with a
spatula, be homogenized with a robust blender. Ensure that any solid sludge layer on the bottom is
loosened and well mixed. Place the sample bottle under the blender, with the rotor knife approximately
3 cm from the bottom of the sample bottle. Homogenize the sample with the greatest possible rotational
speed, while avoiding excessive foaming. The blender may be moved vertically back and forth during
homogenization to optimize homogenization. After homogenization, the sample bottle is closed. After
mixing, immediately take sub-samples and/or test samples for the analyses to be performed. If, after
storage of the homogenized samples, additional test portions shall be taken, the sample shall be re-
homogenized with a blender.
The use of a blender is not allowed for the determination of the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) and residual
gas production. Mechanical homogenization is not allowed if the parameters “stones and impurities” have
to be determined.
9.5 Test sample in pre-shaped form
9.5.1 Sample preparation for bulk density determination
For slabs and blocks, remove the wrap or cover and proceed according to prEN 15761:2022.
For plugs, proceed according to prEN 15761:2022.
9.5.2 Sample preparation for dry matter content determination
Slabs and blocks: remove the wrap or cover and, using a sharp knife or a saw, make pieces of
approximately 60 ml. When cut from a common slab of 7,5 cm height that would mean a piece with a
length of 4,0 cm and a width of approximately 2,0 cm. Obtain a final volume of e.g. 2 l from different
specimen.
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