This part of ISO 14388 provides a general introduction to acid sulfate soils and the approaches that can be used to measure the various components of this special group of soils and their potential to produce acidity. It provides a compilation of the test methods, identification and definitions of the symbols, terms, and acronyms used in this series of ISO 14388. While part of the decision-making process can involve the analysis of prepared wet or dry samples, this part of ISO 14388 specifically outlines the procedures that are involved for preparing and analysing dried samples (see Figure 1).

This part of ISO 14388 also provides a procedure for pre-treating acid sulfate soil following sampling, prior to their analysis as dried sample using appropriate methods of test. The procedure includes the handling of samples before delivery to the laboratory, and the drying, grinding, and storage of samples. The standard also provides a procedure for archiving a sample after analysis.

This part of ISO 14388 provides an acid-base accounting method to calculate the net acid-producing potential of acid sulfate soil materials by individually assessing the acid-producing capacity due to oxidation of inorganic sulfides, the existing acidity, and the effective acid-consuming capacity using results obtained in ISO 14388‑2 and ISO 14388‑3.