Division II.4 Transport, storage and preparation

The samples shall be transported and stored in such a way that chemical changes are minimized.

Cool (4 °C) and dark storage of the soil solution within the lysimeter system will diminish biological activity. In many cases, and especially during colder season, keeping the bottle dark is sufficient. Organic or inorganic preservatives may be used, but they may interfere with the analysis. To diminish possible changes in the samples, the soil solution should be collected as soon as possible after the suction has been applied.

Transport and storage procedures (including waiting periods) shall be reported. Where applicable the problems and deviations of these procedures shall be reported in detail.

For determination of trace metals, aliquots of the sample shall be transported to the laboratory in acid washed bottles.

If soil samples are collected, they shall be kept cool in plastic or polyethylene bags and stored at 4 °C until centrifugation or the preparation of the saturation extract. Centrifugation or extraction shall take place within one day (18 - 30 hours) after collection of the soil samples.