Soil organisms
In carrying out a regulatory risk assessment for soil organisms, the risks arising specifically from the active substance(s) in the formulated product and from the formulation must be assessed. These assessments use toxicity data on the active substance and/or on the formulation; exposure estimates are based on the proposed use. The soil risk assessment uses a soil predicted environmental exposure (PEC) calculated by Environmental Fate. For guidance about how to calculate the soil PEC see the guidance on Environmental Fate soil.
Guidance Document on Terrestrial Ecotoxicology
Guidance document on Terrestrial Ecotoxicology
Formulation guidance and combined risk
For guidance on the need for ecotoxicology formulation studies and their use in risk assessment, along with how to consider the combined risk for relevant groups, use the link below.
Formulation studies and combined risk assessment in ecotoxicology
Earthworms
The standard species are Eisenia fetida /Eisenia Andrei. OECD no. 222: 'Earthworm Reproduction Test' can be found on the OECD website.
Other soil invertebrates
The standard species are the Collembola, Folsomia candida and the predatory mite, Hypoaspis aculeifer. OECD no. 226 'Predatory mite (Hypoaspis (Geolaelaps) aculeifer) reproduction test in soil' and no. 232 'Collembolan Reproduction Test in Soil' can be found on the OECD website.
Soil microorganisms
The standard study is on nitrogen transformation activity of soil microorganisms. OECD no. 216 'Soil Microorganisms: Nitrogen Transformation Test' can be found on the OECD website.