This International Standard describes a technique for determining the effects of soil and soil-related materials on the seed germination and early growth of higher plants. These endpoints are useful indicators for the assessment of the quality of a soil as a habitat for organisms. This International Standard is applicable to all soils in which soil organisms are active and may be used to evaluate: the effects on plants due to toxicity of solid or liquid chemicals contaminating soil or materials (compost, sludge, waste) and chemicals added to soil; the changes in the soil effect on plants after restoration measures.