kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026
(Main)Soil improvers and growing media - Determination of the aerobic biological degradation rate of organic matter - Part 2: Self heating test for compost
- Abstract
This document specifies a method to determine the aerobic biological degradation rate of organic matter using a self-heating test. This method is only applicable to composted materials.
NOTE This method has been validated in an interlaboratory study with specific products that were present on the market during the study (as included in Annex A, being composted bark, biowaste compost and green compost).
- Status
- Not Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 19-Dec-2025
- Technical Committee
- KAT - Soil quality
- Current Stage
- 5020 - Formal vote (FV) (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 13-Oct-2026
- Due Date
- 01-Dec-2026
- Mandate
- M/XXX - M/XXX
kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 is the SIST version of a draft European standard from CEN for the self-heating test for compost. It specifies a laboratory method for determining the aerobic biological degradation rate of organic matter in composted materials. It is written for laboratories, producers and other users who need a common test method for soil improvers and growing media.
What does kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 specify?
kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 specifies one test method: measuring self-heating in a Dewar vessel and using the maximum temperature as an indicator of aerobic biological activity. The method applies only to composted material.
The document is organized into clauses for scope, normative references, terms and definitions, principle, apparatus, sampling, procedure, expression of results, test report, and validation of the method. Annex A gives performance characteristics from the interlaboratory study.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A | Performance characteristics of the method |
What are the key requirements of kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026?
kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 requires the test to be run under controlled conditions so the temperature rise reflects the compost’s biological activity, not handling or storage effects. In practice, the sample has to be representative, prepared consistently, and measured in a defined setup.
Scope and sampling
Clause 6 says sampling is not part of the method and refers users to EN 12579:2024. The laboratory should receive a representative sample that has not been damaged or changed during transport or storage.
Sample handling and preparation
Clause 7 requires the self-heating test to be carried out as soon as possible after sampling. Short storage at 3 °C ± 2 °C is allowed for up to five days, and freezing is to be avoided. The sample is sieved to 10 mm, and if too much material remains on the sieve, the method is not appropriate for that product.
Moisture control
Clause 7.2.2 introduces the “fist test” to judge whether the compost is too dry, too moist, or in an acceptable moisture condition for microbial activity. If needed, the sample is moistened with tap water or air-dried before testing. In practice, this is important because moisture strongly affects biological activity and the temperature response.
Test setup and measurement
Clause 5 specifies the equipment: a 1.5 l Dewar vessel, a temperature measurement device with maximum-temperature recording, a 10 mm sieve, and a room or climate cabinet at 20 °C ± 2 °C. Clause 7.3 describes filling the vessel, placing the sensor in the sample, and leaving the vessel uncovered. If the test uses equipment without continuous recording, the temperature has to be measured in duplicate with time separation.
End point and result
Clause 8 states that the result is the maximum temperature reached by the sample, reported as T in °C, together with the corresponding Rottegrad. This gives users a simple way to compare compost activity and to classify the degree of decomposition.
Test report and validation
Clause 9 lists the minimum contents of the test report, including the document reference, sample identification, maximum temperature, and any optional or outside-method work cycles that may have influenced the result. Clause 10 says the method was validated in accordance with ISO 5725-2, and Annex A summarizes the interlaboratory performance data for three compost materials.
What terms does kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 define?
kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 uses the terms and definitions from CEN/TS 17732:2022.
- Aerobic biological activity - the biological activity measured here through the sample’s self-heating behavior.
- Self-heating test - the test in which compost is placed in a Dewar vessel and the temperature rise is recorded.
- Dewar vessel - the insulated vessel used to limit heat loss during the measurement.
- Rottegrad - the temperature-based decomposition class used to report the result.
- Fist test - the hand test used to judge and adjust compost moisture before measurement.
Who uses kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026?
kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 is used by laboratories that test compost, and by producers, quality managers and technical staff working with soil improvers and growing media. It is also relevant for organizations that need comparable test results for product characterization, routine control, or validation work linked to composted materials.
The annex notes that the method was studied on composted bark, biowaste compost and green compost, so those are the kinds of materials for which the test performance was checked.
What changed in kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 from the previous edition?
kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 will supersede EN 16087-2:2011. The European foreword states one significant technical change: the description of the fist test was made more precise.
Which standards are used with kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026?
kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 refers to these documents for requirements or supporting information:
- CEN/TS 17732:2022 - provides the terms and definitions used in the document.
- EN 12579:2024 - covers sampling of soil improvers and growing media.
- ISO 5725-2 - provides the statistical framework used for method validation and precision assessment.
What does the kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 document contain?
kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 contains the method principle, apparatus list, sampling guidance, detailed procedure, and the way to express and report results. It also includes validation information showing how the method was checked in an interlaboratory study.
Annex A gives the performance characteristics of the method for the compost materials studied. The bibliographic references point to the precision standard used for validation, the EU fertilising products regulation, and the published interlaboratory study report.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 is a draft published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Soil improvers and growing media - Determination of the aerobic biological degradation rate of organic matter - Part 2: Self heating test for compost". This standard covers: This document specifies a method to determine the aerobic biological degradation rate of organic matter using a self-heating test. This method is only applicable to composted materials. NOTE This method has been validated in an interlaboratory study with specific products that were present on the market during the study (as included in Annex A, being composted bark, biowaste compost and green compost).
This document specifies a method to determine the aerobic biological degradation rate of organic matter using a self-heating test. This method is only applicable to composted materials. NOTE This method has been validated in an interlaboratory study with specific products that were present on the market during the study (as included in Annex A, being composted bark, biowaste compost and green compost).
kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 65.080 - Fertilizers. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 16087-2:2012. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2019/1009; Standardization Mandates: M/564, M/564 AMD 1, M/564 AMD 2, M/XXX. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
kSIST FprEN 16087-2:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 16087-2:2025
01-december-2025
Izboljševalci tal in rastni substrati - Določanje aerobne biološke razgradljivosti
organskih snovi - 2.del: Preskus samodejnega segrevanja komposta
Soil improvers and growing media - Determination of the aerobic biological degradation
rate of organic matter - Part 2: Self heating test for compost
Bodenverbesserungsmittel und Kultursubstrate - Bestimmung der aeroben biologischen
Abbaurate organischer Substanz - Teil 2: Selbsterhitzungstest für Kompost
Amendements du sol et supports de culture - Détermination de la cinétique de
dégradation biologique aérobie de la matière organique - Partie 2 : Test d’auto-
échauffement pour compost
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 16087-2
ICS:
65.080 Gnojila Fertilizers
oSIST prEN 16087-2:2025 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
oSIST prEN 16087-2:2025
oSIST prEN 16087-2:2025
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 16087-2
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
October 2025
ICS 65.080 Will supersede EN 16087-2:2011
English Version
Soil improvers and growing media - Determination of the
aerobic biological degradation rate of organic matter - Part
2: Self heating test for compost
Amendements du sol et supports de culture - Bodenverbesserungsmittel und Kultursubstrate -
Détermination de la cinétique de dégradation Bestimmung der aeroben biologischen Abbaurate
biologique aérobie de la matière organique - Partie 2 : organischer Substanz - Teil 2: Selbsterhitzungstest für
Test d'auto-échauffement pour compost Kompost
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 16087-2:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
oSIST prEN 16087-2:2025
prEN 16087-2:2025 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
4 Principle . 4
5 Apparatus . 4
6 Sampling . 4
7 Procedure . 4
7.1 General. 4
7.2 Sample preparation . 5
7.2.1 General. 5
7.2.2 Fist test . 5
7.3 Determination of self-heating . 5
8 Expression of results . 6
9 Test report . 6
10 Validation of the method . 7
10.1 Validation in accordance with ISO 5725-2. 7
10.2 Performance characteristics. 7
Annex A (informative) Performance characteristics of the method . 8
Bibliography . 10
oSIST prEN 16087-2:2025
prEN 16087-2:2025
European foreword
This document (prEN 16087-2:2025) 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 16087-2:2011.
prEN 16087-2:2025 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to
EN 16087-2:2011:
— A more precise description of the fist test was added.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request given to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
oSIST prEN 16087-2:2025
prEN 16087-2:2025 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies a method to determine the aerobic biological activity using a self-heating test.
This method is only applicable to composted material.
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
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in CEN/TS 17732:2022 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/
4 Principle
Measurement of self-heating in a Dewar vessel and measurement of the maximum temperature, where
the temperature is an indicator of the state of aerobic biological activity.
5 Apparatus
5.1 Dewar vessel, with a volume of 1,5 l and an internal diameter of 100 mm ± 3 mm.
5.2 Temperature measurement device, capable of recording a maximum temperature with an
accuracy of ± 2 °C.
5.3 Sieve, square aperture with a 10 mm mesh size.
5.4 Temperature controlled room or climate cabinet, with a temperature of 20 °C ± 2 °C.
6 Sampling
Sampling is not part
...