<table><thead><tr><th>No.</th><th>Operational table b: Actions per RMQS site of forests, fallow land and natural environments</th><th>Mass collected (kg)</th><th>Action duration (minutes)</th><th>Number of interveners needed</th><th>Total action time on site (minutes*worker)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td><strong>Before the intervention</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1.1</td><td>Constitution of the site file and preparation of the intervention</td><td></td><td></td><td>60</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>1.2</td><td>Contact with the site owner/operator/manager/DSF correspondent-observer for authorisation to intervene</td><td></td><td></td><td>30</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>1.3</td><td>Preparation of the material</td><td></td><td></td><td>30</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td><strong>The day of the intervention</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2.1</td><td><strong>Site relocation and installation and new survey</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2.1.1</td><td>Relocation from permanent markers in the forest (measuring tape, tacheometer, compass ...) + new survey (GPS, passive markers)</td><td></td><td></td><td>60</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>2.1.2</td><td>Installation of the sampling device</td><td></td><td></td><td>60</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>2.2</td><td><strong>Sampling and constitution of composite samples</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2.2.0</td><td>Horizon 0: 25 samples per cylinder (with measurement of each sample thickness for continuous horizons &gt; 1 cm thick) on 5-6% of the sites</td><td>5</td><td>45</td><td>2</td><td>120</td></tr><tr><td>2.2.1</td><td>Surface (worked layer or 0-30 cm): 25 auger samples</td><td>15</td><td>45</td><td>3</td><td>135</td></tr><tr><td>2.2.2</td><td>Sub-surface (30-50 cm): 25 auger samples</td><td>15</td><td>45</td><td>3</td><td>135</td></tr><tr><td>2.2.3</td><td>Depth 1 (50-75 cm): 25 auger samples</td><td>15</td><td>60</td><td>3</td><td>180</td></tr><tr><td>2.2.4</td><td>Depth 2 (75-100 cm): 25 auger samples</td><td>15</td><td>60</td><td>3</td><td>180</td></tr><tr><td>2.3</td><td><strong>Observations and sampling of the soil profile</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2.3.1</td><td>Digging of the pit</td><td></td><td></td><td>120</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>2.3.2</td><td>Profile observation: measurement of tillage depths, validation of RMQS1 description and photographs</td><td></td><td></td><td>45</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>2.3.3</td><td>Profile description with horizon sampling on about 25% of the sites</td><td>15</td><td>120</td><td>1</td><td>120</td></tr><tr><td>2.3.4</td><td>Samples for physical measurements on the soil profile</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2.3.4.1</td><td>Volumetric undisturbed samples for determination of the bulk density (BD): three at the surface, three at the sub-surface, three at depth</td><td>15</td><td>180</td><td>1</td><td>180</td></tr><tr><td>2.3.4.2</td><td>Undisturbed samples (clods) to determine the available water content: one per horizon over 10 cm thick on 25% of the sites</td><td>5</td><td>30</td><td>1</td><td>30</td></tr><tr><td>2.3.4.3</td><td>Large volume disturbed samples for rock fragments (soils with rock fragments &gt; 10%): one per horizon over 10 cm thick on 25% of the sites</td><td>120</td><td>30</td><td>1</td><td>30</td></tr><tr><td>2.3.5</td><td>Backfilling of the soil pit</td><td></td><td></td><td>30</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>2.4</td><td><strong>Conditioning of samples, drafting of the intervention report</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td>60</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>2.5</td><td>Updating the description of the site's environment and taking photos</td><td></td><td></td><td>30</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>2.6</td><td>Survey of history, land use and management practices since the first campaign</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2.7</td><td>Cleaning and storage of the material</td><td></td><td></td><td>30</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td><strong>After the intervention</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3.1</td><td>Sample dispatch to InfoSol</td><td></td><td></td><td>60</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>3.2</td><td>Entering profile descriptions into DoneSol on about 25% of the sites</td><td></td><td></td><td>60</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>3.3</td><td>Data transmission to InfoSol</td><td></td><td></td><td>30</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td><strong>Summary</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Working time before the intervention (hours)</td><td>2.00</td><td>2.00</td><td>2.00</td><td>2.00</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Working time on the day of the intervention (hours)</td><td>30.25</td><td>31.25</td><td>32.25</td><td>33.25</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Duration of an on-site intervention with four people (hours)</td><td>07:33</td><td>07:48</td><td>08:03</td><td>08:18</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Working time after the intervention (hours)</td><td>1.5</td><td>1.5</td><td>2.5</td><td>2.5</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Total working time per site (hours)</td><td>33.75</td><td>34.75</td><td>36.75</td><td>37.75</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Mass of soil collected (kg)</td><td>80</td><td>205</td><td>95</td><td>220</td></tr></tbody></table>
# List of recommended material and equipment for an RMQS site

Material provided by InfoSol at the beginning of the campaign

Material and consumables supplied by InfoSol every year

Note: Apart from the consumables, the material supplied by InfoSol will not be replaced during the campaign → use with care (especially density cylinders)

<table><thead><tr><th>Layout and georeferencing material</th><th>Units</th><th>Comments</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>GPS rod and tripod</td><td>1</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Support rod for the sight</td><td>1</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>GPS case complete with receiver, laser rangefinder and accessories</td><td>1</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Metal detector</td><td>1</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Compass in degrees and grades under forest</td><td>1</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Measuring tapes</td><td>3</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Measuring tape of 30 m</td><td>2</td><td>highly recommended, the most used</td></tr><tr><td>Measuring tape of 50 m</td><td>2</td><td>highly recommended (forests)</td></tr><tr><td>Baseline markers</td><td>10</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Orange flags and ribbons</td><td>25</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Coloured stakes</td><td>6</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>RMQS2 staking cable</td><td>1</td><td>to be made, highly recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Surveyor's markers</td><td>4</td><td>highly recommended for tensioning the cable</td></tr><tr><td>Holder</td><td>1</td><td>recommended for storing surveyor's markers and possibly also other markers</td></tr><tr><td>Large and small billhooks</td><td>1</td><td>recommended in the forest</td></tr><tr><td>Passive markers (round and stick markers)</td><td>lot</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><thead><tr><th>Digging material for the profile</th><th>Units</th><th>Comments</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Pickaxe or flat pickaxe</td><td>1</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Spade</td><td>1</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Spade fork</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Shovels</td><td>2</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Rakes for backfilling</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Crowbar</td><td>1</td><td>recommended as it is more suitable for stony soils and less tiring on the back!</td></tr><tr><td>Tarpaulins (6 × 4 m)</td><td>2</td><td>essential (deep horizons)</td></tr><tr><td>Small tarpaulin (3 × 4 m)</td><td>2</td><td>essential (surface horizons)</td></tr><tr><td>Small shovels</td><td>2</td><td>recommended for mountain sites (lighter if carried)</td></tr><tr><td>Small spade</td><td>1</td><td>recommended for mountain sites (lighter if carried)</td></tr><tr><td>Hoe</td><td>1</td><td>recommended for mountain sites (lighter if carried)</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><thead><tr><th>Auger sampling material</th><th>Units</th><th>Comments</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Buckets</td><td>8</td><td>essential</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table><tr><td>Trough</td><td>1</td><td>very useful for pit bottom surveys or qualification of a new site</td></tr><tr><td>Augers diameter 7 cm</td><td>4</td><td>essential (removable augers recommended for mountain sites)</td></tr><tr><td>Ratchet auger - extension</td><td>2</td><td>recommended for composites 3 and 4</td></tr><tr><td>Knives (small daggers)</td><td>4</td><td>essential</td></tr></table>

<table><thead><tr><th>Toolbox</th><th>Units</th><th>Comments</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Felt pens</td><td>4</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Pencils</td><td>4</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>HCl acid (1/5)</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Knives (small daggers)</td><td>2</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Coal shovel</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Scraper (Berthelet trowel)</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Folding measuring tape</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>pH metre</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Spatula</td><td>2</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Micrometric magnifier</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Geologist's hammer</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Munsell colour charter</td><td>1</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Spray bottle</td><td>1</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Writing board</td><td>1</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Slate board</td><td>1</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Chalk for slate</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Measuring tape (GIS)</td><td>1</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Water bottle (wash bottle)</td><td>1</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><thead><tr><th>Cleaning materials</th><th>Units</th><th>Comments</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Rags</td><td></td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Wipes</td><td></td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Brushes</td><td>2</td><td>highly recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Sponges</td><td>2</td><td>highly recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Small 10 L and 50 L garbage bags for example</td><td></td><td>very useful</td></tr><tr><td>30 L jerrycans of tap water</td><td>1</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>10 L jerrycans of demineralised water</td><td>1</td><td>essential</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><thead><tr><th>Sample conditioning material</th><th>Units</th><th>Comments</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Garden spade (plastic)</td><td>1</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Single-use gloves</td><td>1 box</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Mixing tank</td><td>1</td><td>essential: 35 L trough recommended for good homogenisation of composite samples</td></tr><tr><td>Rubber bands</td><td></td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>White laboratory shovel</td><td>1</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Sampling bags</td><td>lot</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table><tr><td>New model sampling bags</td><td>lot</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Yellow labels</td><td>lot</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Tupperware boxes</td><td>lot</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Woven rubble bags</td><td>lot</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Plastic rubble bags</td><td>lot</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Colson hose clamps or strong ties</td><td>lot</td><td>essential</td></tr></table>

<table><thead><tr><td>Sample transport material</td><td>Units</td><td>Comments</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Sample storage boxes</td><td>6</td><td>highly recommended for transporting samples</td></tr><tr><td>Cardboards</td><td>lot</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Envelopes (fresh laboratory samples)</td><td>lot</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Transport boxes with foam pad</td><td>lot</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><thead><tr><td>Specific material for physical measurements</td><td>Units</td><td>Comments</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Ladle or stewing spoons</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Soup spoons</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Plates for installing the cylinders</td><td>2</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Pruning shears</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Scissors</td><td>1</td><td>recommended, one pair will suffice</td></tr><tr><td>Coating knife</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Painter's knife (spatula)</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Cod tail brush</td><td>1</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Spirit level</td><td>1</td><td>essential, a small level of 22.5 cm will suffice</td></tr><tr><td>Folding measuring tape</td><td>1</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Thin knife without teeth</td><td>1</td><td>Essential for levelling the cylinder</td></tr><tr><td>Saw (Pocket)</td><td>1</td><td>very useful in the forest for medium to large roots, even for digging the pit</td></tr><tr><td>Wooden battens</td><td>2</td><td>very useful for sampling the holorganic composite</td></tr><tr><td>Trowel</td><td>1</td><td>recommended, harder than painter's knife (spatula)</td></tr><tr><td>Nails for fixing the template</td><td></td><td>recommended, very useful for maintaining the template in place</td></tr><tr><td>Briefcase</td><td>1</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Rubber mallets</td><td>2</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Dagger</td><td>1</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Cylinders</td><td>2</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Sinking matrix</td><td>1</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Measuring cylinder of 500 mL</td><td>1</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Funnel</td><td>1</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Annular template</td><td>1</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Transparent, thin and strong plastic bags</td><td>lot</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>0.8 to 1 mm calibrated sand</td><td>4 kg</td><td>provided by InfoSol</td></tr><tr><td>Miscellaneous</td><td>Units</td><td>Comments</td></tr><tr><td>First aid kit</td><td>1</td><td>essential</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table><tr><td>Camera</td><td>1</td><td>essential</td></tr><tr><td>Parasol</td><td>2</td><td>recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Chairs</td><td></td><td>optional</td></tr><tr><td>Headlamp</td><td>1</td><td>optional</td></tr></table>

Materials required for the production of the staking cable:

4 mm sheathed steel cable in coils of 25 or 50 m (68.28 m are required)

6 flat cable ties

coloured "electrician's tape" (red and blue) to mark the points for the base line and sampling

hose reel for garden hose
# INTERVENTION REPORT RMQS2 – RMQS site

<table><thead><tr><td>RMQS site number</td><td>Municipality and department</td><td>Date of sampling</td><td>Samplers and authors of the descripton (Full name and organisation)</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

## 1 - General information about the site

**Weather of the day:** ....................................

**Land use and current practices:**

Changes since Campaign 1: ☐ of land use ☐ of practices Specify: ........................

**Stage of cultivation:** ....................................

**Surface condition, indications of soil disturbance:** ....................................

**Type of soil:** ....................................

Pit described ☐ yes, entirety ☐ yes, partially ☐ no why: ........................

☐ Need for specific analyses

☐ Andosol

☐ Histosol

☐ Salty soil

☐ other (to be specified)

**Comments, difficulties encountered:** ....................................

**How to access the site:** ....................................

**Changes in the environment since campaign 1** (compare with RMQS1 photos and report the changes on a recent orthophoto):

## 2 - Tillage

Tilled soil ☐ yes ☐ no Type of last observed tillage: ........................

**Report 10 observed current tillage depths (cm):**

**Report 10 old tillage depths, if observed (cm):**

## 3 - Information on the location and GPS survey of the sampling device

Describe the process of the GPS survey and the implementation of the device.
RMQS site number: .........................

4 - Characteristics of the sampling device

Type of device (configuration): ☐ 5 × 5 (dimensions ☐ 10 × 10 m ☐ 20 × 20 m) ☐ other (specify) : ..........................

Collecting composite samples on the sampling area:

* **Samplings depths:** ☐ identical to campaign 1 ☐ different from campaign 1
  Justify if different: ....................................

* **Blockages:** ☐ no blockage ☐ blockages - Origin of the blockages: ....................................

Draw a diagram of the device (sampling area and pit) on the following grid indicating:

* the orientation of the device

* elements of the immediate surroundings or characteristic landmarks enabling the site to be found

* the position of the markers for forestry sites outside the RMQS-BioSoil (distances and azimuths of the sampling area and the pit angles from the reference markers)

* the position of the passive markers (round and stick markers) and their depth (cm), if applicable

* the blocking depths per plot unit (cm), if applicable

<figure><img src="image_260.png" /></figure>
## 6 – Sampling diagram for volumetric samples

Indicate on the diagram the depths of the composites, the limits of the soil horizons, and then place the volumetric samples taken, specifying their upper and lower depths.

Surface

Composite 1

Composite 2

Composite 3

Composite 4

Legend:

Comments:

Pit bottom
# INTERVENTION REPORT RMQS2 - RMQS-BioSoil sites

<table><thead><tr><td>RMQS-BioSoil site number</td><td>Municipality and department</td><td>Date of sampling</td><td>Samplers and authors of the descripton (Full name and organisation)</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

## 1 - General information about the site

Weather of the day: ....................................

Land use and current practices:

Changes since Campaign 1: ☐ of land use ☐ of practices Specify: ....................................

Area condition, indications of disturbance or tillage: ....................................

Type of soil: ....................................

Pit described ☐ yes, entirely ☐ yes, partially ☐ no why: ....................................

☐ Need for specific analyses

☐ Andosol

☐ Histosol

☐ Salty soil

☐ other (to be specified)

Comments, difficulties encountered: ....................................

How to access the site: ....................................

Changes in the environment since campaign 1 (compare with RMQS1 photos and report the changes on a recent orthophoto):

## 2 - Information on the location and GPS survey of the sampling device:

### 2.1 - Location

Numbered marker trees found: ☐ yes ☐ no specify which, if any: ....................................

Central stake (CS) found: ☐ yes ☐ no specify in what form: ....................................

Reference marker B1 found: ☐ yes ☐ no Reference marker B2 found: ☐ yes ☐ no specify in what form: ....................................

Method used to find CS, B1 and B2: ☐ metal detector ☐ other (specify): ....................................

Correct distances and azimuths between numbered marker trees and CS: ☐ yes ☐ no

Correct distances and azimuths between CS and B1 - B2: ☐ yes ☐ no

How the device was set up in the absence of numbered marker trees: ....................................

### 2.2 - Surveys

If the distances and azimuths between marker trees, CS, B1 and B2 are incorrect, repeat these measurements, specifying the unit:

CS → marker trees

Tree no° d (m) = azimuth (unit) =

Tree no° d (m) = azimuth (unit) =

Tree no° d (m) = azimuth (unit) =

Tree no° d (m) = azimuth (unit) =

Markers B1-B2

CS → B1: d (m) = azimuth (unit) =

CS → B2: d (m) = azimuth (unit) =

B1 → B2: d (m) = azimuth (unit) =

B1 → B2: d (m) = azimuth (unit) =

Useful information about the GPS survey: ....................................
RMQS-BioSoil site number:

3 - Characteristics of the sampling device

Type of device (configuration): ☐ 5 × 5 ☐ 6 × 4 ☐ 8 × 3 ☐ other (specify): ........................

Collecting composite samples on the sampling area:

* **Samplings depths:** ☐ identical to campaign 1 ☐ different from campaign 1
  Justify if different: ....................................

* **Blockages:** ☐ no blockage ☐ blockages - Origin of the blockages: ....................................

Draw a diagram of the device (sampling area and pit) on the following grid indicating:

* the orientation of the device

* elements of the immediate surroundings or characteristic landmarks enabling the site to be found

* the position of the numbered marker trees, the central stake, the reference markers B1 and B2 in relation to the sampling area

* the position of the passive markers (round and stick markers) and their depth (cm)

* the blocking depths per plot unit (cm), if applicable

<figure><img src="image_261.png" /></figure>
RMQS-BioSoil site number: ........................

5 – Sampling diagram for volumetric samples

Indicate on the diagram the depths of the composites, the limits of the soil horizons, and then place
the volumetric samples taken, specifying their upper and lower depths.

Surface

Composite 1

Composite 2

Composite 3

Composite 4

Legend:

Comments:

Pit bottom
List of samples and documents to be delivered to InfoSol and the laboratories

RMQS site: number....................

<table><thead><tr><th>What</th><th>How</th><th>To whom</th><th>Deadline</th><th>Conducted</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Composite samples</td><td>Collection bags packaged in boxes</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Volumetric samples</td><td>Shipment by carrier</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Horizon samples</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Clod samples</td><td>Airtight box packed in foam-lined cardboard</td><td>European Conservatory for Soil Samples (INRAE Orléans)</td><td>At the latest during the week following the completion of the site</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Attention: boxes to be stored horizontally</td><td>Shipment by carrier</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Large samples for rock fragments content measurement</td><td>Rubble bags packed in cardboard boxes</td><td>In a single shipment</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fresh sample from composite 1<br/>→ BIOCHEMENV</td><td>Sample bag packed in a bubble envelope + "fresh sample" label</td><td>Platform BioChemEnv (INRAE Versailles)</td><td>At the latest the day after the site is completed or the following Monday for a site completed on Friday</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fresh sample from composite 1<br/>→ GENOSOL</td><td>Shipment by carrier</td><td>Platform GenoSol (INRAE Dijon)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fresh sample from composite 1<br/>→ LAS</td><td></td><td>Soil analysis laboratory (INRAE Arras)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Complete intervention report *</td><td>By e-mail in .PDF format, in a single document</td><td>conservatoiredessols@inrae.fr</td><td>At the latest the day after the samples are sent</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>GPS surveys of the device</td><td>By e-mail</td><td>correspondants-gps@listes.inrae.fr</td><td>As soon as possible after completion of the site</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Profile description sheet (annotations, partial or complete re-description)</td><td>By e-mail or via a file exchange platform</td><td>Your partner manager</td><td>Preferably as the sites are built</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Photos of the profile and the surroundings</td><td>or a collaborative space</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Signed letter of authorisation</td><td></td><td></td><td>At the latest 2 months after the end of an RMQS2 year n (end of April)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Survey forms and records</td><td>+ entry of profile descriptions in DoneSol</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="5">Note: Original documents in paper format will be sent or brought to InfoSol at the end of year n</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote>*Complete intervention report: including information on the intervention, diagram of the device, distance and azimuth measurements under the forest, list of samples.</footnote>
Record sheet for the thickness of the sampling area holorganic horizons
(OF + OH) – Configuration 5×5

<table><tr><td>RMQS site number</td><td>Date</td></tr><tr><td>Department Municipality</td><td>Samplers</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td>Horizons sampled (OF, OH)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sampling method (Core or excavation method)</td><td></td></tr></table>

For each sample unit collected, record the thickness in millimetres of the surface organic horizons sampled.

<figure><img src="image_262.png" /></figure>
Record sheet for the thickness of the sampling area holorganic horizons
(OF + OH) – Configuration 6x4

<table><tr><td>RMQS site number</td><td>Date</td></tr><tr><td>Department Municipality</td><td>Samplers</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td>Horizons sampled (OF, OH)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sampling method (Core or excavation method)</td><td></td></tr></table>

For each sample unit collected, record the thickness in millimetres of the surface organic horizons sampled.

<figure><img src="image_263.png" /></figure>
Record sheet for the thickness of the sampling area holorganic horizons
(OF + OH) – Configuration 8×3

<table><tr><td>RMQS site number</td><td>Date</td></tr><tr><td>Department Municipality</td><td>Samplers</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td>Horizons sampled (OF, OH)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sampling method (Core or excavation method)</td><td></td></tr></table>

For each sample unit collected, record the thickness in millimetres of the surface organic horizons sampled.

<figure><img src="image_264.png" /></figure>
# Memo for the implementation of the RMQS-BIOSOIL sites scheduled each year during the RMQS2 campaign (2016–2027)

The second campaign of the French Soil Quality Monitoring Network (RMQS2), coordinated by INRAE, involves the sampling of approximately 550 RMQS-BioSoil sites. These sites are located in the vicinity of BioSoil plots, on the points of the Systematic Network for the Monitoring of Forest Damage (RSSDF - Réseau systématique de suivi des dommages forestiers), coordinated by the Forest Health Department (DSF - Département Santé des forêts). The RMQS-BioSoil sites were installed and sampled in 2006-2007, at the same time as the BioSoil plots. The location of the RMQS-BioSoil site is materialised by the presence of two reference markers B1 and B2, whose position was measured (distances and azimuths) in relation to the central stake of the BioSoil plot, itself located in relation to several numbered marker trees of the RSSDF point. An iron rod was driven into the ground at the location of these two reference markers and the central stake.

<figure><img src="image_265.png" /></figure>

The return to the RMQS-BioSoil sites during the RMQS2 campaign requires coordination between the **DSF**, the **correspondent-observers**, the INRAE **InfoSol** unit and the **RMQS2 partners** as follows:

1. At the beginning of the year, **InfoSol** sends the list of RMQS-BioSoil sites for the year to the **DSF**.

2. The **DSF** informs the interregional centres and the relevant **correspondent-observers** and sends them the RMQS2 programme presentation brochure and the authorisation form.

3. The **DSF** provides **InfoSol** with updated data on the location of RSSDF points and BioSoil plots, as well as the list of **correspondent-observers**.

4. **InfoSol** sends to **RMQS2 partners** the list of **correspondent-observers**, location and access maps and the RMQS-BioSoil site location sheets.

5. The **correspondent-observers** collect the authorisations from the forest owners or managers and hand them over to the **RMQS2 partners**.

6. The **RMQS2 partners** contact the **correspondent-observers** to find out how to access the RSSDF points and their availability to accompany them.

7. The **RMQS2 partners** use the information provided by **InfoSol** and the **correspondent-observers** to find and relocate the RMQS-BioSoil sites.

8. The **RMQS2 partners** geolocate the RMQS-BioSoil sites (GPS surveys, distance and azimuth measurements, passive markers) and transmit this data to **InfoSol**.

9. **InfoSol** records these data in a geodatabase and transmits them to the **DSF** at the end of the year.
# French Soil Quality Monitoring Network: second metropolitan campaign

## 2016-2027

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© Claudy Jolivet (INRA InfoSol)

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A new campaign of the French Soil Quality Monitoring Network will take place in metropolitan France from 2016 to 2027 to measure the evolution of French soil quality

**Contact:** Claudy Jolivet | INRAE, US 1106, InfoSol, Centre de recherches Val de Loire, 2163 avenue de la Pomme de Pin, CS 40001 Ardon, 45075 ORLÉANS cedex 2. | claudy.jolivet@inrae.fr | 02 38 41 48 24
The Soil Quality Monitoring Network (RMQS) is based on the monitoring of 2,240 sites regularly distributed over France (metropolitan and overseas), according to a square grid of 16 km sides. Soil samples, measurements and observations are taken every 15 years at the centre of each grid to monitor the long-term evolution of French soil quality.

# 1. Feedback on the first campaign (2000-2009)

The first campaign made it possible to establish the reference state of a large number of soil properties: evaluation of chemical fertility (pH, phosphorus, nitrogen, trace elements, etc.), new estimate of soil surface carbon stocks, first mapping of the microbial biomass of French soils. Focusing on soil contamination, this campaign also made it possible to map the levels of nine metallic trace elements (cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, molybdenum, nickel, lead, thallium and zinc) and to understand their distribution. Other mineral (As, Hg) and organic (PAHs, PCBs, pesticides, dioxins and furans) contaminants were also analysed.

A summary of the work carried out by the GIS Sol, including the results of the first RMQS campaign was published in 2011². This report (in French) is available for download on the **GIS Soil website**: https://www.gissol.fr/publications/rapport-sur-letat-des-sols-de-france-2-849. An English synthesis is also available: https://www.gissol.fr/publications/rapports/synthesis-resf-871. http://www.gissol.fr/RESF/

These 10 years of sampling represent 1,600 soil pits dug throughout the country, from 0 to 2,500 m of altitude. This corresponds to 24,000 samples (60 tons of soil) and 1,800,000 data, collected from all types of soil occupations: field crops, permanent grasslands, forests, parks and gardens, vineyards and orchards, fallow land, natural environments, etc.

# 2. RMQS2: a new twelve-year campaign

The second campaign of the Soil Quality Monitoring Network will take place in metropolitan France from 2016 to 2027 to measure the evolution of French soil quality. The physico-chemical and biological analyses will be repeated during this new campaign to measure the evolution of soils between the two campaigns. Focusing on **climate change**, new parameters will be added to better assess the sensitivity of soils within the context of climate change (useful reserves, particulate organic matter, deep carbon stocks). New indicators of greenhouse gas emissions from soils and biodiversity will also be proposed.

## 2.1. Conduction of the RMQS2 campaign

The objective of this second campaign is to enable the **rapid detection of changes throughout the country**. For this reason, the sampling strategy is different from the first campaign: instead of successively sampling each region in one or two years, 180 sites spread over the whole of France are drawn at random and sampled each year.

The fieldwork is entrusted to **12 regional teams** from chambers of agriculture, higher education and research institutions or consultancy firms, recognised for their skills in soil science and their field experience. The RMQS2 programme is coordinated by the INRAE's InfoSol Unit.

<footnote n="2">² GIS Sol. 2011. L'état des sols de France. Groupement d'intérêt scientifique sur les sols, 188 p.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_269.png" /></figure>

Two different sampling strategies: regionalised for RMQS1 and annualised for RMQS2.

## 2.2. Field measurements and observations

The sampling methods are similar to those of the first campaign. Each site includes:

* a **soil pit**, to describe and characterise the soil and its horizons down to the parent material. Several series of samples are taken: horizon samples for physico-chemical analysis and measurement of the rock fragments content, volumetric samples to evaluate the density, clods to characterise the available water content;

* a 20 × 20 m **sampling area** divided into 100 2 m × 2 m sampling units where soil samples are taken for temporal monitoring of soil properties. These samples are taken with a helical soil auger in the surface layer (0-30 cm) or within the ploughed layer, and then in the sub-surface (30-50 cm). Where the soil permits it, deeper samples are also taken (50-75 cm and 75-100 cm).

<figure><img src="image_270.png" /></figure>

Sampling scheme of an RMQS site: in the first campaign, samples were taken from the 25 elementary plots with the number 1.

In the second campaign, the samples will be taken on the elementary plots with the number 2.

The elementary plots numbered 3 and 4 will be used for the RMQS3 and RMQS4 campaigns, respectively.

A **survey** carried out among owners/managers/foresters and farmers accompanies each intervention on a site. It aims to collect information on the history and past and current management mode of the plot. The focus will be on the period since the first campaign. The data collected will be used to interpret the analytical results.

Each site is precisely marked in space so that the exact location of the site can be found during each sampling campaign. For the second campaign, the field teams are equipped with new GPS units that incorporate the latest technology and have **centimetric precision**. In addition, passive mini markers will be buried on forest sites.
## 3. Preservation of samples and data

The samples for the RMQS2 campaign will be received and prepared by the **Conservatoire européen des échantillons de sols (European Conservatory for Soil Samples)**, whose new premises are located at the INRAE Val de Loire centre (Orléans site).

<figure><img src="image_271.png" /><figcaption>The European Conservatory for Soil Samples (© Paul Kozlowski - photoarchitecture.com)</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_272.png" /><figcaption>View of the conservatory storage room
(© Claudy Jolivet INRAE InfoSol)</figcaption></figure>

After analysis, the new samples will join the 24,000 samples from the first campaign and will be carefully archived on 4 km of shelves in a 370 m² storage area. Temperature and humidity are maintained at 18±1°C and 50±5% to ensure the integrity of the samples. Preserving these samples will allow new parameters to be analysed on old samples as well as comparing these results with data acquired during future campaigns.

All the data collected in the framework of the RMQS is managed by the InfoSol Unit, within a national database: **DoneSol**.

## 4. Data dissemination rules

The data from the RMQS programme will be accessible to all those who wish to obtain information on soils: the scientific community, managers or the general public. In accordance with current legislation on confidential data, the personal data associated with the sites (contact details of the owners/managers/farmers of the selected plots and the precise location of the sites) will not be disclosed. The signature of an **authorisation form for sampling and data collection** by the owner/manager/forester or farmer of each plot before any access to the site will act as an acknowledgement of their participation in the RMQS programme, it will set out the conditions for the use of the data and soil samples collected and guarantee the confidentiality of their personal data as well as their access to the results concerning their plot.

Written by: Elodie Schellenberger, Line Boulonne, Céline Ratié et Claudy Jolivet | InfoSol unit INRAE Orléans
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