This part of ISO 23611 specifies a method for sampling, extracting and preserving collembolans and mites from field soils as a prerequisite for using these animals as bio-indicators (e.g. to assess the quality of a soil as a habitat for organisms).

Basic information on the ecology of micro-arthropods and their use can be found in the references listed in the Bibliography.

The sampling and extraction methods of this part of ISO 23611 are applicable to almost all types of soils. Exceptions may be soils from extreme climatic conditions (hard, frozen or flooded soils) and other matrices than soil, e.g. tree trunks, plants or lichens. For the sampling design of field studies in general, see ISO 10381‑1.

Methods for some other soil organism groups such as earthworms are covered in other parts of ISO 23611.

This part of ISO 23611 does not cover the pedological characterization of the site which is highly recommendable when sampling soil invertebrates. ISO 10390, ISO 10694, ISO 11272, ISO 11274, ISO 11277, ISO 11461 and ISO 11465 are more suitable for measuring pH, particle size distribution, C/N ratio, organic carbon content and water-holding capacity.