What is BS EN 16087‑1 about?
BS EN 16087‑1 is the first part of the BS EN 16087 multi-series standard. This European standard details methods to determine aerobic biological activity to identify the fertility of the soil. measure oxygen uptake rate to improve nutrient uptake and water stress tolerance in soil for plant growth.
BS EN 16087‑1 describes a method to determine the aerobic biological activity of growing media and soil improvers or constituents thereof by measuring the oxygen uptake rate (OUR).
BS EN 16087‑1 specifies oxygen uptake rate which is an indicator of the extent to which biodegradable organic matter is being broken down within a specified time period.
Note: BS EN 16087‑1 does not apply to -
- Material with a content of particle sizes > 10 mm exceeding 20 %
Who is BS EN 16087‑1 for?
BS EN 16087‑1 on oxygen uptake rate (OUR) in soil improvers and growing media is applicable to:
- Soil scientists (pedologist)
- Research and analytical laboratories
- Environment research organizations
Why should you use BS EN 16087‑1?
Oxygen Uptake Rate (OUR) test determines respiration rate of organisms. Soil improvers and growing media are substrates and mixes that improve structure and fertility of soil and provide plants with water, air and nutrients.
BS EN 16087‑1 provides you guidance on procedure which includes sample preparation, determination of moisture content, organic matter content and respiration measurement which allows you to accurately measure oxygen uptake rate in soil improvers and growing media. BS EN 16087‑1 also provides you with a detailed account of apparatus, reagents, procedure, calculation, test report and validation for oxygen uptake rate test so you can perform the test method accurately.
Overall BS EN 16087‑1 enables you to perform the oxygen uptake rate test so you can determine the aerobic biological activity in the soil, and thereby identify nutrient uptake and water stress tolerance in soil for plant growth.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 16087‑1:2020 supersedes BS EN 16087‑1:2011, which is now withdrawn.
Changes in BS EN 16087‑1:2020 include -
- For the balance (5.6) requirements are added
- Clarification of sample preparation (7.1) is added
- Formula 3 and 5 are corrected
- The figures in Annex B have been updated
- The Bibliography has been corrected