KENYA STANDARD  
 
  DKS 3009: 2024 
ICS 83.080.01  
First Edition  
 
 © KEBS 2023   
 
Internal   
Biodegradable Polymer Materials for Plant  Seedling  Potting─ Specification  
 
 
 
 
 
 DKS 3009 :2024 
ii © KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  
 Internal  TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION  
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:  
Kenya Bureau of Standards — Secretariat  
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya Standards shall be regularly reviewed.  Suggestions for 
improvements to published standards, addressed to the Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards, are 
welcome.  
© Kenya Bureau of Standards 2023  
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 130 of 2001 of the Laws of 
Kenya, copyright subsists in all Kenya Standards and except as provided under Section 25 of this Act, no Kenya 
Standard produced by Kenya Burea u of Standards may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form 
or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing from the Managing Director.   KENYA STANDARD                                      DKS  3009: 2024  
ICS83.080.0  
First Edition  
 
© KEBS 2023 – All rights reserved  iii 
 Internal  Biodegradable Polymer Materials for Plant  Seedling Potting - Specification  
 
 
 
 
 
  Kenya Bureau of Standards, Popo Road, Off Mombasa Road,  
P.O. Box 54974 - 00200,  Nairobi, Kenya  
 +254 020 6948000, + 254 722202137, + 254 734600471  
 info@kebs.org  
 @KEBS_ke  
 Kenya bureau of standards (kebs)  
DKS 3009 :2024 
iv © KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  
 Internal  Foreword  
This draft Kenya Standard was prepared by the Plastics Technical Committee under the guidance of the 
Standards Projects Committee, and it is in accordance with the procedures of the Kenya Bureau of Standards.  
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has established Technical Committees (TCs) mandated to develop Kenya 
Standards (KS). The Committees are composed of representatives from the public and private sector 
organizations in Kenya.  
Kenya Standards are developed through Technical Committees that are representative of key stakeholders 
including government, academia, consumer groups, private sector and other interested parties. Draft Kenya 
Standards are circulated to stakeholders throug h the KEBS website and notifications to World Trade 
Organization (WTO). The comments received are discussed and incorporated before finalization of the 
standards, in accordance with the Procedures for Development of Kenya Standards.  
Kenya Standards are subject to review, to keep pace with technological advances. Users of the Kenya 
Standards are therefore expected to ensure that they always have the latest versions of the standards they are 
implementing.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 KENYA STANDARD                                      DKS  3009: 2024  
ICS83.080.0  
First Edition  
 
© KEBS 2023 – All rights reserved  v 
 Internal   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DKS 3009 :2024 
vi © KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  
 Internal   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 KENYA STANDARD  CD/CHEM/134/2023  
 
 Internal  Biodegradable  polymer material for  Plant  Seedling  Potting  Material  ─Specification  
 
 
1 Scope  
This document is applicable to biodegradable  polymer material  for  plant  seedling potting material.  
.  
This document specifies test methods and evaluation criteria by addressing the following characteristics:  
a)  control of constituents.   
b)  biodegradation;  
c)  negative effects on terrestrial organisms.  
 
 
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.  
ISO 10390, Soil quality — Determination of pH  
ISO 11268 -1, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms — Part 1: Determination of acute toxicity   
to Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei  
ISO 11268 -2, Soil quality — Effects of pollutants on earthworms  — Part 2: Determination of  effects on   
reproduction of Eisenia fetida/Eisenia andrei  
ISO 11269 -2, Soil quality — Determination of the effects of pollutants on soil flora  
— Part 2: Effects of   
contaminated soil on the emergence and early growth of higher plants  
ISO 11274, Soil quality — Determination of the water -retention characteristic — Laboratory methods  
ISO 15685, Soil quality — Determination of potential  nitrification and inhibition of nitrification — Rapid   
test by ammonium oxidation  
ISO 17556, Plastics — Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials in soil by  
measuring the oxygen demand in a respirometer or the amount of carbon dioxide evolved  
EN 14582 , Characterization of waste — Halogen and sulfur content — Oxygen combustion in closed  
systems and determination methods  
OECD. (2006), Test No. 208 , Terrestrial Plant Test: Seedling Emergence and Seedling Growth Test, OECD  DKS  3009: 2024 
2 © KEBS:2023  – All rights reserved  
 Internal  Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals, Section 2  
 
3 Terms and  definitions  
For the purpose  of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.  
3.1 
Potting material  
Film made from thermoplastics material intended to be used in seedling  germination  and plant  growth . 
3.2 
Material  
Homogenous preparation of biodegradable polymer s, mineral s fillers  and additive s, necessary, such as carbon 
black and colour pigments.  
 
3.3 
Ultimate aerobic biodegradation  
Breakdown of an organic compound by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen into carbon dioxide,water and 
mineral salts of any other elements present (mineralization) plus new biomass.  
3.4 
Mineralization  
Decomposition of organic matter or organic substance into carbon dioxide, water and the hydrides, oxide or other 
mineral salts.  
3.5 
Disintegration  
Physical breakdown of substance into fragments  
 
 
 
3.6 
Degradation  DKS  3009 :2024 
© KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  3 
 Internal  Irreversible process leading to a significant change in the structure of a material, typically characterized by a 
change of properties (e.g. integrity, molecular mass or structure, mechanical strength) and/or by fragmentation, 
affected by environmental con ditions, proceeding over a period of time and compromising one or more steps.   
3.7 
total dry solid  
amount of solids obtained by taking a known volume of test material or compost and drying at about  
105 °C to constant mass . 
 
3.8 
volatile solids  
amount  of solids obtained by subtracting the residue of a known volume of test material or compost  
after incineration at about 550 °C from the total dry solids (3.7) of the same sample  
Note 1 to entry: The volatile -solids content is an indication of the amount of organic matter present.  
 
3.9 
organic constituent  
chemical constituent that contains carbon covalently linked to other carbon atoms and to other elements, most 
commonly hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen.  
Note 1 to entry: Inorganic carbonates, carbides, cyanides and simple oxides such as carbon monoxide and carbon  
dioxides  are not considered as organic constituent.  
Note 2 to entry: Allotropes of carbon, such as diamond, graphite, carbon black, fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes.  
are also not considered as organic constituent.  
 
 
3.10 
natural soil  
soil collected from the surface layer of fields and/or forests.  
 DKS  3009: 2024 
4 © KEBS:2023  – All rights reserved  
 Internal  3.11 
poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)  
 
organofluorine  compounds containing only carbon -fluorine bonds and carbon -carbon bonds but also  
other heteroatoms  
4 Basic requirements  
4.1 General  
In order to be identified as a biodegradable potting material in accordance with this document, the potting material  
or the material of the potting material  under investigation shall fulfil all requirements specified in Clause 4 and 
Clause 5 , respectively.  
If not all requirements are met, no reference to this document shall be made. 4.1.1 Control of constituents  
The potting material or the material of the potting material shall be identified and characterized prior to testing  
including:  
— determination of the presence of regulated metals and other elements.  
— determination of the presence of organic [poly - and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)] and inorganic  
fluorine (determined as fluorine);  
— evaluation of the presence of other hazardous substance as specified in Annex B;  
taking legal compliance into consideration.  
In addition, volatile solids shall be determined.  
4.3 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation  
The ultimate level of aerobic biodegradation shall be established by testing under controlled conditions as laid 
down in 5.2.1.  
 
4.4 Negative effects on terrestrial organism s 
The potting material or the material of the potting material shall have no adverse effects on terrestrial organisms.  
4.2 Specific requirements   
4.2.1 Physical requirements  
The biodegradable plant pot Shall comply with the physical requirements given in table 1 when tested in 
accordance with the methods specified therein.  DKS  3009 :2024 
© KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  5 
 Internal                                                         Table 1 Physical requirements   
SN Parameter  Requirement  Test method  
1 Thickness  
 <80 microns  
80-100 microns  
>100  microns  ISO 4593  
ISO 4591.  
2  
Modulus of elasticity  (MD // TD)  
 > 200 MPa // > 150 MPa  
> 200 MPa // > 150 MPa  
> 200 MPa // > 150 MPa   
 ISO 527 -1 
 ISO 527 -3 
3 Tensile strength (MD // TD)  
 > 16 MPa // > 16 MPa  
> 18 MPa // > 18 MPa  
> 18 MPa // > 18 MPa   ISO 527 -1 
 ISO 527 -3 
4  
Elongation at break (MD // TD)  
 >  400  % // > 400 %  
> 500 % // > 500 %  
> 700 % // > 700%   ISO 527 -1 
 ISO 527 -3 
5  
Dart drop  
 > 100 g  
> 250 g  
> 350 g  EN ISO 7765 -1 
 
5 Detailed requirements  
5.1 Control of constituents  
5.1.1 Regulated metals and other elements  
The concentrations of regulated metals and other elements in a potting material or material of the potting material  
shall be less than 50 % of those prescribed for sludges, fertilizers,  and composts in the country where  the final 
product will be placed on the market or disposed of ( see Annex A for examples).  
Regulated metals and other elements shall be determined and reported.  
5.1.2 Organic and inorganic fluorine  
5.1.2.1 Organic fluorine (PFAS)  DKS  3009: 2024 
6 © KEBS:2023  – All rights reserved  
 Internal  From a precautionary perspective, poly - and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) shall not be intentionally  added to 
the potting material or to a material of the potting material.  
NOTE Most of poly - and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are extremely persistent in the environment and  in 
addition, certain PFAS are suspected to have bio accumulative  properties and adverse effects for environment  
and human health.  
5.1.2.2 Inorganic fluorine  
The concentration of inorganic fluorine in the potting material or in a material of the potting material  shall be less 
than 100 mg fluorine/kg material (dry matter) ( see Annex B ). 
5.1.3 Other hazardous substances  
From a precautionary perspective, hazardous substances as specified in Annex B shall not be intentionally added 
to a potting material or material of the potting material.  
Information on the use of hazardous substances shall be recorded and can be based on a self -declaration.  
5.1.4 Volatile solids  
A potting material or material of a potting material shall contain a minimum of 60 % of volatile solids.  
Volatile solids shall be determined and reported.  
 
 
5.2 Ultimate aerobic biodegradation  
5.2.1  Test method and evaluation criteria  
The ultimate aerobic biodegradability shall be determined for the whole material or for each organic constituent.  
Test samples shall not be subjected to conditions or procedures, such as a pre -treatment by heat and or an 
exposure to radiation exposure, designed to accelerate biodegradation prior to testing according to ISO 17556.  
The material is considered to have demonstrated a satisfactory rate and level of biodegradation in soil if, when 
tested in accordance with ISO 17556, it achieves a minimum biodegradation percentage as specified hereunder:  
a)  90 % of the organic carbon shall have been converted to CO2 by the end of the test period (relative to a 
reference material). Both the reference material and the test item shall be tested for the same length of time and 
the results compared at the same  point in time.  
b)  as an alternative, 90 % (in absolute terms) of the organic carbon shall have been converted to  carbon dioxide   
the end of the test period.  
If the level of biodegradation exceeds 90 % (relative to a reference material or in absolute terms), then the 
biodegradation test can be terminated. However, the test period shall be no longer than 2 years.  
The biodegradation test shall be performed at a temperature constant to within ±2 °C in the range between 20 
°C and 28 °C, preferably 25 °C.  DKS  3009 :2024 
© KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  7 
 Internal  Use, as reference material, a well -defined biodegradable polymer (microcrystalline -cellulose powder or ashless 
cellulose filters). If possible, the physical form and size of the reference material should be comparable to that of 
the test material.  
The validity criteria as stated in ISO 17556 shall be fulfilled.  
NOTE Biodegradability is assessed by measuring the mineralization level, i.e. the conversion of the organic  
carbon of a product or a material into CO2 with the consumption of O2 under aerobic conditions, or into CO2  
and CH4 under anaerobic conditions. During biodegradation, part of the organic carbon is also assimilated as  
biomass. This biomass yield typically ranges from 10 % to 40 %, depending on the substrate. As a consequence,  
the mineralization level rarely reaches 100 % also when the biodegradation is 100 %, because of biomass  
formation. Standard test methods for the accurate determination of product´s or material’s carbon assimilated in  
biomass during biodegradation are not available yet.  
5.2.2 Requirements regarding constituents . 
Organic constituents which are present at concentrations of less than 1 % (dry mass) do not need to  
demonstrate biodegradability. However, the sum of such constituents shall not exceed 3 % (dry mass).  
 
5.3 Negative effects on terrestrial organism  
5.3.1 Ecotoxicity testing scheme.  
Ecotoxicity tests shall be performed in order to investigate possible adverse effects caused by degradation 
products resulting from the degradation of the material of a potting material in soil at the end of the intended 
service life.  
The test scheme takes into account:  
— all relevant terrestrial organism groups as plants, earthworms (invertebrates) and microorganisms.  
— important ecological processes critical due to their role in maintaining soil functions as breakdown of organic 
matter, formulation of soil structure and cycling of materials.  
— all relevant exposure pathways as soil pore water, soil pore air and soil material.  
The link between soil organism groups of major ecological importance covering all significant soil exposure 
pathways and suitable test methods for the evaluation of ecotoxicity of the materials of potting material s and their 
degradation products is shown in Table 1.  
 
                                  Table 1  — Test scheme for the assessment of ecotoxicity  
Organism group  Ecological process  Soil exposure pathway  Test methods  
plants:  
- higher plants  primary production  mainly soil pore water  
(by root uptake)  plant growth test 
according to OECD 208 
or ISO 11269 -2 with the DKS  3009: 2024 
8 © KEBS:2023  – All rights reserved  
 Internal  modifications specified in 
Annex C  
invertebrates:  
- earthworms  breakdown of organic  
matter; formation of  
soil structure  diverse and multiple 
uptake routes:  
- soil pore water;  
- ingestion of soil  
material;  
- soil air  ISO 11268 -1 with the 
modifications specified in 
Annex D or alternatively 
chronic earthworm 
toxicity test according to 
ISO 11268 -2 with the 
modifications laid down in 
Annex E  
microorganisms:  
- bacteria  recycling of nutrients  mainly soil pore water  nitrification inhibition test 
with soil microorganisms 
according to ISO 15685 
with the modifications 
specified in Annex F  
 
 
Ecotoxic effects on terrestrial organism shall be determined by comparing soils produced with or  
without the addition of a test material.  
5.3.2  Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity tests  
The ecotoxicity of degradation products shall be evaluated according to the test methods specified in 5.3.3, 5.3.4 
and 5.3.5 using test soils prepared according to Annex G.  
The initial test item concentration in the reactor with test material shall be 1 % dry weight.  
NOTE Rationale for an initial test item concentration of 1 %: a 1 % loading is much higher than the expected 
application loading of a biodegradable potting material on soil. For example: a typical potting material is 1,5 × 
10−5 m thick and has a density of 1 250 kg m -3. This means 1,875 × 10−2 kg m -2 for one application. The soil 
depth where a potting material is typically used or remains after use is presumed to be 0,20 m, in agreement with 
the normal depth of soil tillage. Therefore, 1 m2 of potting material covering  1 m2 of soil surface will typically be 
mixed with a volume of soil equal to 0,2 m3. This amount of soil weighs approximately 300 kg, considering a soil 
bulk density of 1 500 kg m−3. Therefore, the typical loading of the potting material in normal use will be 
approximately 0,006 3 % (1,875 × 10−2 kg/300 kg × 100) which is far below the initial test item concentration of 
1 % taking into account also various film thickness and repeated applications.  
5.3.3  Acute toxicity plant growth test.  
The purpose of this test is to determine the possible toxic effects of potting material s incorporated in soil on the 
emergence, the early stages of growth and development of terrestrial plants. The basis for the determination is 
OECD 208 or, alternatively, ISO 11269 -2. The principles of the standard test methods shall be followed with the 
modifications given in the Annex C . 
The germination rate and the plant biomass of the tested plant species in the soil exposed to the test material 
shall be more than 90 % of those from the corresponding blank soil not exposed to the test material.  
If the germination rate and the plant biomass of the tested plant species grown on the soil exposed to the test 
material as well as on the soil exposed to the reference material (e.g. microcrystalline -cellulose) is less than 90 
% of those from the correspo nding blank soil not exposed to any material, then this could be considered as an 
indication that a transient phytotoxicity caused by the biodegradation of the high amount of biodegradable DKS  3009 :2024 
© KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  9 
 Internal  materials added to the soil is present and affecting the test. The test is to be considered as not valid and to be 
repeated after a further maturation of the soil.  
The validity criteria as stated in OECD 208 or, if applicable, in ISO 11269 -2 shall be fulfilled in blank soil samples 
(soil without the addition of test material).  
Test items that have been already assessed for plant toxicity following EN 17033, EN 13432  
EN 14995, ISO 17088, ISO 18606, ASTM D6400, ASTM D6868, AS 4736  
 or AS 5810 or equivalent standard specifications and fulfilled the pass level for plant toxicity laid down in the 
respective standard specifications do not need to be retested.  
 
 
5.3.4  Earthworm test  
5.3.4.1  General  
The effects of potting material s incorporated in soil shall be determined in accordance with the method described 
either in 5.3.4.2 (acute toxicity earthworm test) or in 5.3.4.3 (chronic toxicity earthworm test).  
5.3.4.2  Acute toxicity earthworm test.  
The purpose of this test is to evaluate the possible acute toxic effects of potting material s incorporated in soil on 
the mortality and the biomass (mean weight) of Eisenia fetida or Eisenia andrei. The effects of potting material s 
incorporated in soil following the acute toxicity earthworm test shall be determined in accordance with ISO 11268 -
1 with the modifications specified in Annex D. Alternatively, the chronic toxicity earthworm test given in 5.3.4.3 
may be conducted.  
The survival and the biomass of the surviving adult earthworms in the soil exposed to the test material shall be 
more than 90 % of those from the corresponding blank soil not exposed to the test material.  
If the survival and the biomass of the surviving adult earthworms grown in the soil exposed to the test material as 
well as in the soil exposed to the reference material (e.g. microcrystalline -cellulose) is less than 90 % of those 
from the corresponding bl ank soil not exposed to any material, then  this can be considered as an indication that 
a transient phytotoxicity caused by the biodegradation of the high  amount of biodegradable materials added to 
the soil is present and affecting the test. The test is to be considered as not valid and to be repeated after a further 
maturation of the soil.  
The validity criteria as stated in ISO 11268 -1 shall be fulfilled in blank soil samples.  
Test items that have been already assessed for toxicity to earthworms following EN 17033, AS 4736 or AS 5810.  
or equivalent standard specifications and fulfilled the pass level for toxicity to earthworm laid down in the 
respective standard specifications do not need to be retested.  
5.3.4.3  Chronic toxicity earthworm test.  
The purpose of this test is to evaluate adverse effects of materials on the reproduction of earthworms.  
The effects of potting material s incorporated in soil following the chronic toxicity earthworm test shall be 
determined  in accordance with ISO 11268 -2 with the modifications specified in Annex E. Alternatively, the  acute 
toxicity earthworm test given in 5.3.4.2 may be conducted.  
The effects on reproduction of adult earthworms (species Eisenia fetida or Eisenia andrei) exposed to potting 
material s samples incorporated in soil are compared to those observed for samples exposed to blank soil . In 
addition, observations on growth and survival of adult earthworms are determined.  DKS  3009: 2024 
10 © KEBS:2023  – All rights reserved  
 Internal  The survival and the biomass of the surviving adult earthworms in the soil exposed to the test material  shall be 
more than 90 % of those from the corresponding blank soil not exposed to the test material  after an incubation 
period of 28 days. The observed number of offspring in soil exposed to the test material shall be more than 90 % 
of those from the corresponding blank soil not exposed to the test material after an incubation time of 56 days.  
If the survival and the biomass of the surviving adult earthworms after an incubation period of 28 days,  
or if the counted number of offspring after an incubation period of 56 days grown in the soil exposed to  
the test material as well as in the soil exposed to the reference material (e.g. microcrystalline cellulose )  
is less than 90 % of those from the corresponding blank soil not exposed to any material, then this  
could be considered as an indication that a transient phytotoxicity caused by the biodegradation of the  
high amount of biodegradable materials added to the soil is present and affecting the test. The test is to  
be considered as not valid and to be repeated after a further maturation of the soil.  
The validity criteria as stated in ISO 11268 -2 shall be fulfilled in blank soil samples.  
Test items that have been already assessed for chronic toxicity to earthworms following EN 17033[14]  
 or  
equivalent standard specifications and fulfilled the pass level for long -term toxicity to earthworm laid down in the 
respective standard specification do not need to be retested.  
5.3.5 Nitrification inhibition test with soil microorganisms  
The effects of materials on the microbial nitrification activity in soil shall be determined following  ISO 15685 with 
the modifications specified in Annex F.  
The nitrite formation in soil exposed to the test material shall be more than 80 % of those from the  
corresponding blank soil not exposed to the test material.  
If the nitrite formation in soil exposed to the test material and the reference material (e.g.  
microcrystalline cellulose ) is less than 80 % of those from the corresponding blank soil not exposed  to any 
material, then this could be considered as an indication that a transient toxicity caused by the biodegradation of 
the high amount of biodegradable materials added to the soil is present and affecting the test.  
The test is to be considered as not valid and to be repeated after a further maturation of the soil. 
The results are considered to be  valid, if the variation between replicate blank soil samples and test samples is 
less than ±20 %.  
Test items that have been already assessed for toxicity to soil microorganisms following EN 17033[14]  
or equivalent standard specifications and fulfilled the pass level for toxicity to soil microorganisms laid  
down in the respective standard specification do not need to be retested.  
6 Test report  
The test report shall provide all pertinent information, including:  
a) all information necessary to identify the potting material  tested;  DKS  3009 :2024 
© KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  11 
 Internal  b) a description of requirements of this document and a statement, for each requirement (Clauses 4  
and 5), as to whether the test result was in agreement with the requirement or not;  
c) the documentation enabling the identification of any supplementary information (including  
externally sourced technical data) necessary to support the conclusions reached in the assessments.  
 
 
 
                                                            
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                Annex A  
                                                              (informative)                            
 
                             Examples of maximum concentrations of regulated metals and other elements  
                               A.1 Regulated metals  
                           Table A.1 — Examples of maximum concentrations of regulated metals and elements and  
                                             analytical test methods.  
 DKS  3009: 2024 
12 © KEBS:2023  – All rights reserved  
 Internal  Elementf USa Canadab EU+ EFTA  
countriesc Japand Chinae Test method  
Zn 1400  463 150 180 150 ISO 17294 -2 
Cu 750 189 50 50 60 ISO 17294 -2 
Ni 210 45 25 25 30 ISO 17294 -2 
Cd 17 5 0,5 0,5 0,5 ISO 17294 -2 
Pb 150 125 50 10 50 ISO 17294 -2 
Hg 8,5 1 0,5 0,2 0,5 ISO 12846  
Cr ─ 265 50 50 50 ISO 17294 -2 
Mo ─ 5 ─ ─ 1 ISO 17294 -2 
Se 50 4 ─ ─ 0,75 ISO 17294 -2 
As 20 19 ─ 5 5 ISO 17294 -2 
Co ─ 38 ─ ─ 38 ISO 17294 -2 
F ─ ─ ─ ─ 100 EN 15408  
 
 
a The  maximum metal concentrations given here for the US are 50 % of those prescribed by 40 CFR 503.13,      
Table 3 (as per ASTM D6400 requirements).  
b The maximum metal concentrations for Canada are those prescribed in 6.1 of BNQ 9011 -911-I/2007.  
c The maximum metal concentrations are 50 % of those prescribed in ecological criteria for the award of the 
Community eco -label to soil improvers [COMMISSION DECISION (EU) 2015/2099 of 18 November 2015 
establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for growing media, soil improvers and mulch 
(notified under document C(2015) 7891].  
d The maximum metal concentrations for Japan are 10 % of those prescribed in the Fertilizer Control Law (Ministry 
of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) and Guidelines for Quality of Composts (Central Union of Agricultural 
Co‑operatives).  
e GB/T 35795 -2017. Biodegradable Mulching film for Agricultural Uses. GB Standard of the People`s Republic of 
China.  
f Countries not listed in the table shall use one of the available maximum concentrations.  
The test methods given in Table A.1 or other appropriate recognized international or national standards shall be 
used to determine the regulated metals. The applied test methods shall be reported in the test report.  
 DKS  3009 :2024 
© KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  13 
 Internal   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                       
 
                                                                               Annex B  
                                                                            (normative )    
     Maximum concentrations of organic and inorganic fluorine and other hazardous substances    
 B.1 Organic and inorganic fluorine  
B.1.1 Organic fluorine (PFAS)  
From a precautionary perspective, per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) shall not be intentionally  
added to the potting material  or a material of the potting material . 
B.1.2 Inorganic fluorine  
The concentration of inorganic fluorine in the potting material  or a material of the potting material  shall be less  
than 100 mg fluorine/kg material (dry matter). The inorganic fluorine concentration shall be analysed  
according to EN 14582.  DKS  3009: 2024 
14 © KEBS:2023  – All rights reserved  
 Internal  If a testing on a material containing, for example, talcum results in a value of more than 100 mg F/kg  
material (dry matter), then, in addition, the total fluorine content of a material without talcum shall be  
determined.  
NOTE Talcum or talc is an inert mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate with the chemical  
formula Mg3Si4O10 (OH)2. The mineral is used in many applications including baby care products, cosmetics 
and  
packaging and packaging materials. Depending on the geographical origin of the inorganic natural product it  
can contain appreciable amounts of fluorine. As fluorine is almost entirely fixed in the matrix of talcum, just a  
marginal proportion of it is water -soluble and hence bioavailable. Talcum is not classified as hazardous to the  
environment.  
B.2 Other hazardous substances  
From a precautionary perspective a potting material or a material of a potting material shall not 
a) be classified as hazardous according to the UN Globally Harmonized System for Classification and  
Labelling of Chemicals (GHS ) [21] 
and 
b) be intentionally produced with a hazardous substance  
— meeting criteria of classification according to the UN Globally Harmonized System for Classification  
and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)[21]  
 as 
1) carcinogenic (category 1A or 1B) or  
2) mutagenic (category 1A or 1B) or  
3) toxic for reproduction (category 1A or 1B), or  
— having endocrine disrupting properties[22], or  
— having persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic properties, or  
— having very persistent and very bioaccumulative properties, and    
 -   exceeding a concentration limit of 0,1 % (by weight) in the potting material or in the material of  a potting 
materia l a mulch  
film. DKS  3009 :2024 
© KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  15 
 Internal  NOTE 1 Safety Data Sheets or other reliable sources such as the website of the European Chemicals Agency  
(ECHA)[32] which provide comprehensive information about a substance or a mixture, can be used for the  
identification of hazardous substances fulfilling the above -mentioned criteria.  
NOTE 2 In the European Union, hazardous substances meeting the above outlined criteria are categorized as  
substances of very high concern (SVHC). SVHCs are those which appear on the Candidate List of substances of 
very high concern for Authorization[23]. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
                                                                    Annex C  
                                                                   (normative)  
 
Determination of acute effects of materials on the emergence and growth of higher plants.  
C.1 General  
The purpose of this test is to determine the possible toxic effects of potting material s incorporated in soil  
on the emergence, the early stages of growth and development of terrestrial plants. The basis for  
the determination is the OECD 208 or alternatively ISO 11269 -2. The principles of the standard test  
methods shall be followed with the modifications given in this annex . 
C.2 Procedure  
C.2.1 Selection of plant species  
Use at least one plant species from each family:  
— monocotyledonae (e.g. summer barley : Hordeum vulgare;  wheat: Triticum aestivum ; perennial  
ryegrass: Lolium perenne ); DKS  3009: 2024 
16 © KEBS:2023  – All rights reserved  
 Internal  — dicotyledonae (e.g. white mustard: Sinapis alba; garden cress : Lepidium sativum ; radish : Raphanus  
sativus;  mung bean : Phaseolus aureus ). 
C.2.2 Performing the tests  
Fill pots with a minimum of 200 g (dry weight) of either test soil or blank soil prepared according to the  
description given in Annex G.  
Soil nutrients may be added to the soil samples in order to compensate nutrient depletion caused by  
increase of microbial biomass during the biodegradation of the test item and in order to maintain good  
growth vigor and plant vitality. For example, NO3 -N is an essential macro -element for plant growth. In  
test soil samples that are prepared according to Annex G, the NO3 -N content can be significantly lower  
when compared to the blank soil, due to the microbial mineralization of the test item. Therefore, it is  
recommended to measure the nitrate content in test soil as well as in blank soil shortly before the start  
of the plant growth test. If necessary, soil nutrients may be added to the test soil till a similar level as  
in the blank soil. Recommendations for nutrient solutions are also given in ISO 11269 -2:2013, Annex D.  
Applied measures shall be documented in the test report.  
Add 50 seeds of the selected plant species (see C.2.1) on the top of each pot. Cover the seeds with a thin  
layer of inert material, such as siliceous sand or perlite.  
Perform the tests in four replicates for each soil type.  
Add water until 70 % to 100 % of the water holding capacity is reached. Supply evaporated water  
periodically during the whole test duration as needed.  
The pots are kept under conditions that allow a satisfactory development of the selected species, i.e.  
14 d to 21 d after 50 % of the seedlings have emerged in the control pots . 
 
NOTE It is an advantage to keep the pots at a dark place or to cover them during the germination period.  
 
C.3 Evaluation of the results  
The number of germinated plants and the plant biomass of a test soil and the blank soil are compared.  
Germination rate and biomass are both calculated as per cent of the corresponding values obtained  DKS  3009 :2024 
© KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  17 
 Internal  with the blank soil. If applicable, the same evaluation procedure applies to soil samples exposed to the  
reference material (e.g. microcrystalline cellulose).  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                    Annex D  
                                                                   (normative)  
                            Determination of acute effects of materials on earthworms  
 
   D.1 General  
The purpose of this test is to evaluate the possible acute toxic effects of potting material s incorporated in  
soil on the mortality and the biomass (mean weight) of Eisenia fetida or Eisenia andrei. The basis for the  
determination is ISO 11268 -1.  
D.2 Procedure  
Perform the test according to ISO 11268 -1. 
Fill each test container with 500 g (dry weight) of samples prepared according to Annex G and place 10  DKS  3009: 2024 
18 © KEBS:2023  – All rights reserved  
 Internal  randomly selected worms to each test container. Perform the tests in four replicates. Add water until  
40 % to 60 % of the water holding capacity is reached. Supply evaporated water periodically during the  
whole test duration as needed.  
The number of dead earthworms is determined at day 7 and day 14 in each test container and the body  
weight of each earthworm is recorded at the beginning (day 0) and at day 14.  
The biomass change of earthworms in each test container (mean weight of surviving worms) is  
calculated as percent biomass of earthworms at the beginning (day 0).  
D.3 Evaluation of the results  
The mortality and the biomass (mean weight of surviving worms) of earthworms added to the test  
soil and the blank soil are compared. Both parameters are calculated as per cent of the corresponding  
values obtained with the blank soil. If applicable, the same evaluation procedure applies to soil samples  
exposed to the reference material (e.g. microcrystalline cellulose).  
 
 
 
                               
 
                                                              Annex E  
                                                            (normative)  
                                      Determination of effects on reproduction of earthworms  
E.1 General  
The effects on reproduction of adult earthworms (species Eisenia fetida or Eisenia andrei) exposed to  
potting material s samples incorporated in soil are compared to those observed for samples exposed to blank  
soil. In addition, observations on growth and survival of adult earthworms are determined.  
The basis for the determination is ISO 11268 -2. 
E.2 Procedure  
Perform the test according to ISO 11268 -2. DKS  3009 :2024 
© KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  19 
 Internal  Fill each test container with 500 g to 600 g (dry weight) of samples prepared according to Annex G and  
place 10 randomly selected adult worms to each test container. Perform the tests in four replicates. Add  
water until 40 % to 60 % of the water holding capacity is reached. Supply evaporated water periodically  
during the whole test duration as needed. The earthworms are fed once a week during the test period.  
At the beginning the mass of living worms is measured in each container.  
Remove the adult earthworms after four weeks (28 days) and record the total number and mass of  
living adult worms in each container. The biomass change of earthworms in each test container (mean  
weight of surviving worms) is calculated as percent biomass of earthworms at the beginning (day 0).  
Incubate the test containers for another period of four weeks to allow offspring to develop. At the  
beginning of this period, juveniles are fed once. After 56 days, the number of offspring per test container  
hatched from the cocoons is counted.  
 
  E.3 Evaluation of the results  
After 28 days, compare the effect of potting material s on the mortality and the biomass (mean weight of  
surviving worms) of adult earthworms added to the test soil and the blank soil. Both parameters are  
calculated as per cent of the corresponding values obtained with the blank soil. If applicable, the same  
evaluation procedure applies to soil samples exposed to the reference material (e.g. microcrystalline  
cellulose).  
After 56 days, the effect of potting material s on the reproduction of earthworms is determined by comparing  
the number of offspring counted in test soil and the blank soil. The effect on reproduction is calculated  
as per cent of the corresponding value obtained with the blank soil. If applicable, the same evaluation  
procedure applies to soil samples exposed to the reference material (e.g. microcrystalline cellulose).  
 
 
                                                      
 
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                                                      Annex F    
                                                     (normative)  
 
                            Determination of nitrification of soil microorganisms.  
 
F.1 General  
The purpose of this test is to assess possible adverse effects of potting materail incorporated in soil on  
nitrification activity of soil living microorganisms. The basis for the determination is the ISO 15685.  
According to ISO 15685, ammonium oxidation, the first step in autotrophic nitrification in soil, is used  
to assess the potential activity of microbial nitrifying populations. Autotrophic ammonium -oxidizing  
bacteria are exposed to ammonium sulfate in a soil slurry buffered at pH 7,2. Oxidation of the nitrite  
performed by nitrite -oxidizing bacteria in the slurry is inhibited by the addition of sodium chlorate.  DKS  3009 :2024 
© KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  21 
 Internal  The subsequent accumulation of nitrite is measured over a 6 h incubation period and is taken as an  
estimate of the potential activity of ammonium -oxidizing bacteria. As the generation time of ammoniaoxidizing 
bacteria is long (>10 h), the method provides a measure of the potential activity of the  
nitrifying population at the time of sampling. It does not measure growth of the nitrifying population.  
 
F.2 Procedure  
Perform the test according to ISO 15685 in three replicates for each soil sample, prepared according to  
Annex G.  
The ammonium oxidation is measured by means of analysing the nitrite formation [mg NO2/g soil (dry  
weight)] in each sample after 2 h and 6 h of incubation.  
N-containing plastic materials may affect the nitrite concentration in test soil samples because of  
possibly occurring nitrification during the preceding preparation of soils for ecotoxicity testing  
according to Annex G. Therefore, if nitrification in test soil samples is anticipated, the nitrite content  
in test soil as well as in blank soil samples should also be measured at the beginning of the test.  
Corrections should be made if the nitrite concentration in test soil samples is 15 % higher compared to  
values obtained with blank soil. To do this, the measured nitrite concentrations in test soil after 2 h and  
6 h should be corrected by the mean difference value observed at the beginning of the test (0 h).  
 
F.3 Evaluation of the results.  
 
The nitrite formation in the test soil is compared with that in blank soil.  
The nitrite formation in the test soil is calculated as a percentage of the corresponding value obtained  
with the blank soil. If applicable, the same evaluation procedure applies to soil samples exposed to the  
reference material (e.g. microcrystalline cellulose).  
 
 
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                                                                Annex G  
                                                               (normative)  
                                     Preparation of soils for ecotoxicity testing  
 
G.1 General  
 
The purpose of this annex is to give the instructions to prepare soils for ecotoxicity testing.  
Natural soil shall be used in order to prepare soil for ecotoxicity testing.  
 
G.2 Preparation of the soil  
G.2.1 Collection and sieving of natural soil  
Use natural soil collected from the surface layer of fields and/or forests. Sieve the soil to give particles  DKS  3009 :2024 
© KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  23 
 Internal  of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, in size and remove obvious plant material, stones and  
other inert materials.  
Record the sampling site, its location, the presence of plants or previous crops, the sampling date, the  
sampling depth, the soil analysis, if available, and, if possible, the soil history, such as details of fertilizer  
and pesticide application.  
 G.2.2 Adjustment of the water content and the pH of the soil.  
Adjust the water content of the soil to a suitable value for the test material by adding an appropriate  
amount of water to the soil, or by drying the soil in the air in a shaded place followed by addition of an  
appropriate amount of water.  
The optimum water content of the soil should be between 40 % and 60 % of the total water -holding  
capacity. The water content shall be determined according to ISO 11274.  
Adjust the pH of the soil to between 6,0 and 8,0 in accordance with ISO 10390 if it is not already within  
this range.  
It is recommended that the ratio of organic carbon in the test material to nitrogen in the soil (C:N ratio)  
be adjusted to at least 40:1, if required, by adding nitrogen, for example, aqueous solution of ammonium  
chloride as specified in ISO 17556.  
G.3 Reactors  
Prepare a sufficient number of reactors, each consisting of a box made of polypropylene or other  
suitable material, with the following dimensions: L = 30 cm; w = 20 cm; h = 10 cm. The box shall be  
covered with a lid assuring a tight seal to avoid excessive evaporation. In the middles of the two 20 cm  
wide sides, a hole of 2,5 mm diameter shall be made approximately 6,5 cm from the bottom of the box.  
These two holes provide gas exchange between the inner atmosphere and the outside environment and  
shall not be blocked.  
At least a minimum of 4 000 g (dry weight) blank soil and a minimum of 4 000 g (dry weight) test soil is  
required to perform ecotoxicity tests outlined in 5.3.3, 5.3.4 and 5.3.5.  
 
G.4 Procedure  DKS  3009: 2024 
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The initial test item concentration shall be as specified in 5.3.2.  
Fill a reactor with the soil/material mixture so that the soil layer is between 5 cm and 10 cm thick.  
Prepare at the same moment a reactor with blank soil (i.e. soil without test material).  
Record the mass of each reactor before and after addition of the mixture soil/test material.  
If transient toxicity effects due to the rapid biodegradation of the test material in soil are likely to occur,  
prepare in parallel a polypropylene reactor with the reference material (e.g. microcrystalline cellulose)  
added at the same concentration applied for the test item.  
Incubate each reactor in an environment with a temperature range between 20 °C and 28 °C, preferably  
25 °C. Report the temperature of environment effectively applied during testing.  
Weigh and mix the reactors weekly and restore the original mass with deionized water. Report these  
operations.  
Additional technical measures may be indicated if transient toxicity effects cannot be excluded due to  
the rapid biodegradation of high amount of biodegradable plastic materials[20]. As the temporary toxic  
effects can interfere with results from ecotoxicity tests (5.3), mix soils at regular intervals at least once  
a week in order to limit transient effects. Control pH at regular intervals and if necessary, re -adjust to  
pH between 6,0 and 8,0. In addition, extend incubation time until suspected transient toxicity can be  
expected to be over. Report these operations.  
From a practical point of view, it is recommended to use a powder of the test item in the test rather than  
the original potting material  in order to avoid effect of sticking together of pieces of the potting material  which  
may have a negative impact on the biodegradation of the potting material  film. It is recommended that the 
preparation  
of powder is performed according to ISO 10210[2].  
G.5 Test duration  
The reactor for preparing the blank soil as well as for the soil exposed to the test item shall be run until  
significant biodegradation is clearly identifiable and intermediates might have been released into the  
soil. DKS  3009 :2024 
© KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  25 
 Internal  The test for preparing samples for ecotoxicity testing may be started simultaneously with the requested  
biodegradation test, for example, according to ISO 17556. If the biodegradation degree exceeds at least  
50 % in the biodegradation test where the sample is tested in the same physical size, the soil samples  
for ecotoxicity testing may be used for the indicated ecotoxicity tests.  
Optionally, the progress of the biodegradation may be assessed qualitatively by means of a slide frame  
test, as follows:  
a) use a film of the thickness 15 µm;  
b) fix pieces of the potting material  in approximately three to five slide frames;  
c) place the slide frames randomly in the soil for preparing ecotoxicity samples;  
d) the progress of the disintegration of the potting material  should be visually monitored at regular  
intervals;  
e) if the potting material  clearly started to disintegrate, then the soil is ready for ecotoxicity testing. An  
example for qualitative evaluation of the disintegration in a slide frame test is given in Annex H.  
 
                                                                   Annex H  
                                                                 (informative)  
 
                     Visual surface evaluation method of the disintegration in a slide frame test . 
 
NOTE The research leading to these results was supported by the European Union Seventh Framework  
Programme Open -BIO: Opening bio -based markets via standards, labelling and procurement.  
Visual presentations of the evolution of the disintegration in natural soil of a 90 μm to 100 μm thick  
potting material  made  of poly(3 -hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) copolymer and a 25 μm thick potting material  made  
from polybutylene sebacate (PBSe) material in slide frames are given in Figure H.1 and Figure H.2 ,  
respectively.  
Clear signs of disintegration were observed for sample poly(3 -hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) after an  
incubation period of four weeks in soil ( see Figure H.1) . Approximately 1/3 of the test material was  DKS  3009: 2024 
26 © KEBS:2023  – All rights reserved  
 Internal  disintegrated. Two weeks later, large holes were observed in the test material. Approximately 70 %  
of the test material was disintegrated. Consequently, it can be expected based on the results of this  
qualitative disintegration test that a minimum biodegradation degree of at least 50 % was reached in  
the period between four and six weeks of incubation as requested in Annex G . Hence, soil is ready to be  
used for ecotoxicity testing after an incubation period of approximately five weeks.  
For sample polybutylene sebacate, clear signs of disintegration started to ap  
  DKS  3009 :2024 
© KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  27 
 Internal  pear between four  
weeks and six weeks of incubation in soil (see Figure H.2) . After an incubation period of four weeks,  
approximately 20 % disintegration was obtained; after six weeks of incubation, approximately 70 %  
was disintegrated. Consequently, it can be expected that a minimum biodegradation degree of at least  
50 % was reached after approximately six weeks as requested in Annex G . Hence, soil is ready to be  
used for ecotoxicity testing after six weeks.  
The biodegradation tests were performed according to ISO 17556. The film samples were milled to  
powder in order to execute the biodegradation test. Biodegradation curves are presented in Figure H.3 . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 1 SOURCE: OWS, Belgium.  
DKS  3009: 2024 
28 © KEBS:2023  – All rights reserved  
 Internal  NOTE 2 The film in the slide frame at start is a clean and transparent film.  
 
 
Figure H.1 — Evolution of the disintegration of PHB copolymer in natural soil  
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 1 SOURCE: OWS, Belgium.  
NOTE 2 The film in the slide frame at start is a clean and transparent film.  
Figure H.2 — Evolution of the disintegration of polybutylene sebacate in natural soil  
 
 
 
DKS  3009 :2024 
© KEBS 202 4 – All rights reserved  29 
 Internal   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key 
X        time (days)  
Y         percentage biodegradation  
     PHB copolymer  
         PBSe material  
NOTE SOURCE: OWS, Belgium.  
Figure H.3 — Evolution of biodegradation percentages of PHB copolymer and polybutylene sebacate 
material in natural soil in test according to EN ISO 175  
DKS  3009: 2024 
30 © KEBS:2023  – All rights reserved  
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