ASTM D2973-71(1998)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Total Nitrogen in Peat Materials
Standard Test Method for Total Nitrogen in Peat Materials
SCOPE
1.1 This is a chemical test method for the determination of the weight percent of nitrogen in peat material.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: D 2973 – 71 (Reapproved 1998)
Standard Test Method for
Total Nitrogen in Peat Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2973; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 5.2 For Distillation—Use 800-mL Kjeldahl flasks fitted
2 with rubber stoppers through which passes the lower end of an
1.1 This is a chemical test method for the determination of
efficient scrubber bulk or trap to prevent mechanical carry-over
the weight percent of nitrogen in peat material.
of sodium hydroxide solution during distillation. Connect the
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
upper end of the bulb tube to the condenser tube by rubber
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
tubing. Trap the outlet of the condenser in such a way as to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ensure complete absorption of ammonia distilled over into the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
acid in the receiver.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.3 Erlenmeyer Flask, 250 or 300-mL capacity.
2. Referenced Documents
6. Reagents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
D 2974 Test Methods for Moisture, Ash, and Organic Mat-
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
ter of Peat and Other Organic Soils
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit-
3. Summary of Test Method tee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society,
where such specifications are available. Other grades may be
3.1 In this procedure the nitrogen is converted into ammo-
used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of
nium salts by destructive digestion of the sample with a hot,
sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening the
catalyzed mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and potassium
accuracy of the determination.
sulfate. These salts are subsequently decomposed in a hot
6.2 Boric Acid Solution, 4 % (40 g/L)—Dissolve 40 g of
alkaline solution from which the ammonia is recovered by
boric acid (H BO ) in water and dilute to 1 L.
3 3
distillation and finally determined by acidimetric titration.
6.3 Mercuric Oxide Tablets (HgO).
4. Significance and Use
6.4 Mixed Indicator—Dissolve 200 mg of methyl red in 100
mL of alcohol. Dissolve 200 mg methylene blue in 100 mL of
4.1 Nitrogen content is important as it is one of the primary
alcohol. Mix in a ratio of 1 part methyl red to 2 parts methylene
plant food elements necessary for plant growth. Nitrogen is
blue.
present in peat as organic nitrogen and therefore does not
6.5 Potassium Sulfate (K SO ).
release nitrogen to plants as quickly as chemical fertilizers. 2 4
6.6 Potassium Sulfide Solution (40 g/L)—Dissolve 40 g of
However, nitrogen from peat continues to be released for
potassium sulfide in water and dilute to 1 L.
several years as the organic matter decomposes.
6.7 Sodium Hydroxide Solution (450 g/L)—Dissolve 450 g
5. Apparatus
of nitrate-free sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in water and dilute to
1 L. The specific gravity of the solution should be 1.36 or
5.1 For Digestion—Use Kjeldahl flasks of hard, moderately
greater.
thick well-annealed glass with total capacity of about 800 mL.
6.8 Sulfuric Acid (sp gr 1.84)—Concentrated sulfuric acid
Conduct digestion over a heating device adjusted to bring 250
(H SO ).
mL of water at 25°C to a rolling boil in about 5 min.
2 4
6.9 Sulfuric Acid, Standard (0.1 to 0.3 N)—Dissolve 3.0 to
9.0 mL of sulfuric acid (H SO ) in water and dilute to 1 L.
2 4
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.06 on Physical-Chemical
Interactions of Soil and Rock. “Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications,” Am. Chemi-
Effective Sept. 20, 1971. cal Soc., Washington, D.C. For suggestions on the tes
...
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The bulk density is of use in the calculation of in situ stresses for engineering analysis and in quantifying the amount of material present when considering peat as a resource. In the latter case, it is necessary to consider the moisture condition for which the bulk density was determined; a more useful parameter to consider may well be the dry density, ρd.
Note 3: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a evaluating some of those factors.
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1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the bulk and dry density of both peat in its natural state and peat products (Note 1). These test methods consist of defining a volume of peat and determining the mass of that specific volume. The difference in the respective methods is in the procedures employed to determine the peat volume.
1.2 The water content of a peat/peat product influences the bulk density. When using the bulk density for quantifying the amount of peat for use as a resource evaluation, the water content value needs to accompany the bulk density value.
Note 1: Test Method D2978 is used for measuring the volume of uncompacted loose peat materials and compacted baled peat materials.
1.3 Method A—The core method covers the determination of the bulk density of a core of peat taken with a piston sampler or other suitable core sampler (Sections 7 and 8).
1.4 Method B—The paraffin wax method, covers the determination of the bulk density of clods or irregular pieces of wet peat and compressed peat products (Sections 9 and 10).
1.5 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.6.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user's objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Nitrogen content is important as it is one of the primary plant food elements necessary for plant growth. Nitrogen content of peat is necessary to make sure an adequate, but not excessive amount of fertility is supplied to the target plant. Nitrogen is present in peat as organic nitrogen, and therefore, does not release nitrogen to plants as quickly as chemical fertilizers. However, nitrogen from peat continues to be released for several years as the organic matter decomposes.
5.2 This information is particularly useful to people working in industries where plant health, sustainability, and viability are important.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a chemical test method for the determination of the mass percent of nitrogen in peat material.
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.
1.4 Warning—Mercury has been designated by many regulatory agencies as a hazardous material that can cause serious medical issues. Mercury, or its vapor, has been demonstrated to be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury containing products. See the applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury containing products into your state or country may be prohibited by law.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is used to quantify the volume of peat and peat-based growing media under consideration in commercial transactions to determine if the package contains the labeled quantity. As such, material comes into the test area in an “as sold” condition.
5.2 Peat and peat-based growing media are used by amateur gardeners and professional growers on a volume basis. Failure to follow this standard procedure as written can lead to inaccurate results.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the volume of uncompressed (loose) and compressed (baled) peat and peat-based growing media and is used as a quality control measurement to determine if the package contains the labeled amount of material. The results of this test method is highly dependent on the experience of the personnel running the procedure.
1.2 This standard is for peat and peat-based growing media only. While it is possible for other types of growing media to use this standard it is outside the scope and the methodology may have to be altered to accommodate a different growing media.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. Except, that the sieve designations are typically identified using the “alternative” system in accordance with Practice E11, such as 3 in. and No. 200, instead of the “standard” of 75 mm and 75 µm, respectively.
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.4.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The purpose of this classification is to standardize the naming of peat materials so that the peat-producer can better identify the product and the peat-consumer can better select peat materials to meet requirements. This system may also be used for peat resource evaluations, environmental impact reports, and preliminary engineering studies. The parameters selected for use in this classification are ones which have been determined to relate to the agricultural/horticultural, geotechnical, and energy uses of peats.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This classification is a system for subdividing and assigning nomenclature to peat samples through laboratory tests.
1.2 Peat is considered to be a naturally occurring organic soil primarily derived from decomposing plant material that has sedentarily accumulated in water-saturated, anaerobic environments. It is found in peatlands, bogs, mangroves, mires, moors, and muskegs and is generally composed of mosses, grasses, leaves, sedges, and shrubs. Changes in depositional environment can create subsurface peat deposits underlying inorganic soils. Typically, peat has a low density, high water content, and is quite compressible when compared to other types of soil
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The pH of peat is a useful variable in determining the solubility of minerals, the mobility of ions in the peat, and assessing the viability of the peat-plant environment. pH measurements are made in both test water and a calcium chloride solution because the pH readings in test water can be modified by salts, such as fertilizer material, whereas the observed pH in calcium chloride solution is virtually independent of the initial amount of salts present in the peat. pH values obtained in a calcium chloride solution are usually about a 0.5 to 0.8 pH unit lower than measurements in test water due to release of more hydrogen ions by cation exchange. Both measurements are needed to fully define the character of the peat’s pH.
5.2 pH measurements are used in the agricultural, environmental, geotechnical, and natural resources fields. The pH of peat materials is helpful when evaluating a peat as a topsoil or growing medium for plants.
Note 2: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the pH of peat materials used as a growing medium. This measurement determines the degree of acidity or alkalinity in peat materials suspended in water and a 0.01 M calcium chloride solution. Measurements in both liquids are necessary to fully define the peat’s pH. This variable is useful in assessing the viability of the peat-plant environment. This test method does not apply to peat that is in paper or construction materials. Test Method D4972 is used for pH testing of soils and Test Method G51 is used for pH testing of soils for corrosion analysis (see Note 1).
Note 1: These three standards are being intentionally kept separate for clarity at the request of the various subcommittees.
1.2 Units—The values given in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 All measured and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated, in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice is used to determine the thickness and lateral extent of a peat deposit such that, the volume of the peat deposit can be calculated. When the overlying material is peat and the underlying one is soil or bedrock, the depth of change may be interpreted as the thickness of peat.
5.2 This information is useful to peat producers to evaluate the volume of the deposit for planning purposes. It is also useful to peat producers and regulators in evaluating some ecologic functions.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
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1.1 This practice uses a technique of probing to estimate the thickness of surficial peat deposits overlying mineral soil or bedrock.
1.1.1 The resistance to penetration of a pushed or driven rod will increase sharply at the boundary of a peat layer with underlying mineral soil or bedrock. When this abrupt change is measured in a series of probings with an appropriate spacing, the thickness and areal extent of peat can be defined and the volume of peat may be calculated.
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
1.3 All measured and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in the standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of these test methods to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering data.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is useful for determining the quantity of fibers in a peat or organic soil specimen. Fiber content is one parameter used to classify the peat as determined in Classification D4427. It is also a significant parameter in predicting or defining the many end uses of these materials. In this regard, fiber content has been related to agricultural and horticultural end uses (such as mulching and soil enrichment), geotechnical measurements (such as strength, compressibility, and permeability), industrial chemical uses (such as production of waxes, activated carbon, and medicines), and energy uses (such as direct combustion, methanol production, and gas yields).
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory determination of the fiber content of peat and organic soils by dry mass. Classification D4427 provides the methodology to classify peat as it is used in this standard.
1.2 Pieces of plant material such as roots or wood, larger than 20 mm in smallest dimension are not considered fibers.
1.3 Because this test method is simple and does not need sophisticated equipment in order to be performed, it is especially recommended for routine reconnaissance work where large numbers of samples need to be tested and mineral contents are low.
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. Alternate sieve designations in parentheses are as provided in Specification E11.
1.5 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Values of hydraulic conductivity determined by this test method may be useful in making rough preliminary estimates of the initial rates of drainage and compression of peat deposits when the only effective stress increase on the deposit is that resulting from a moderate, gradual lowering of the water table.
4.2 Even under light, sustained loads, peat will undergo dramatic volume changes that influence (decrease) the hydraulic conductivity of the deposit by several orders of magnitude. This test method does not offer provisions for the determination of the relationship between hydraulic conductivity and the void ratios corresponding to increasing stress levels. Therefore, this test method is not suitable for applications involving grade increases, such as embankment construction or placement of access berms alongside drainage ditches.
4.3 Undisturbed specimens from apparently homogeneous peat deposits at the same location often exhibit significantly different hydraulic conductivity properties due to variations in material composition and sampling procedure.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the hydraulic conductivity (permeability) of essentially saturated, intact cylindrical specimens of peat when the hydraulic conductivity is greater than 1 × 10−7 m/s (1 × 10−5 cm/s). During the test, the specimens are contained in the core holder, or in right, regular cylindrical sections cut from the sampling tube in which they were originally obtained in the field.
1.2 Hydraulic conductivity is calculated on the basis of the measured constant flow rate through the specimen under constant head.2 For verification, flow rate determinations may be made at two or more values of constant head with corresponding calculations of hydraulic conductivity.
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3.1 The converted inch-pound units use the gravitational system of units. In this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass is slugs. The converted slug unit is not given, unless dynamic (F = ma) calculations are involved.
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guide for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.4.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that should generally be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user's objectives, and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internat...
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This standard is used in various industries including, but not limited to, agriculture, forestry, energy, horticulture, and geotechnical. Over the years, the use of peat as a fuel has been on the decline for numerous reasons, however it is still being used as a fuel in some parts of the world. Peat typically has high a water content, thus when being used as a fuel, the peat must first be air dried in order to reduce the water content. When the peat it too wet, it doesn’t burn well and much heat is wasted in unnecessary conversion of water to steam and more smoke/soot is created, which can coat a chimney and pose a danger to the end user.
5.2 The ash content and percent organic material are important in the following: (1) classifying peat or other organic soil, (2) geotechnical and general classification purposes, and (3) when peats are being evaluated as a fuel. The ash content is one of several parameters used to classify peat as detailed in Classification D4427.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the measurement of water (moisture) content, ash content, and organic material in peats and other organic soils, such as organic clays, silts, and mucks. Test Method D2216 provides for determining the water (moisture) content in mineral soils and rock.
1.2 This standard has two different ways to determine the water content of the specimen prior to determining the ash content based on the application for which the peat or organic soil is being used. For general classification of peat/organic soils not being used for fuel, the water content is determined using oven drying. For peat/organic soils being used as a fuel, the water content is determined first by air drying followed by oven drying.
1.3 There are two Methods, A and B, for determining the ash content and organic material of peat or organic soils. For general classification purposes, Method A is used to determine the water content, ash content, and organic material. When the peat is being used as a fuel, Method B is used to determine the water content, ash content and organic material.
1.3.1 Method A—The ash content and organic material of peat or organic soils is determined by igniting the oven-dried specimen as obtained from the water content determination in a furnace at 440 ± 40°C. This method is used for general purposes and should not be used when the peat or organic soils are being used or evaluated for use as a fuel.
1.3.2 Method B—The ash content and organic material of peat or organic soils is determined by igniting the air-dried then oven-dried specimen obtained from the water content determination in a furnace at 750 ± 38°C. This method is used when the peat or organic soil is being used as or evaluated for use as a fuel.
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.5.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for...
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method measures the air-filled spaces (porosity) and the moisture-holding capacity of peat on both a mass and a volume basis under conditions of saturation. If large spaces are present, water and air can penetrate easily. If spaces are smaller, the water holding capacity is increased. Water holding capacity is larger in humified peat materials (small inter-particulate spaces) (sapric soil), whereas water and air-penetration is larger in unhumified peat (larger inter-particulate spaces) (fibric soil). The spaces can also be an indication of the oxygen available to the plant roots. As such, the interplay of the properties of moisture holding capacity and porosity dictate the best use of the harvested organic soil material as well as the best management practices for organic soils. The moisture retention relationships of these soils are critical to decisions involving irrigation, drainage, and bearing capacity of these soil.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
5.2 Water retention values are particularly important in the management of organic soils. There is much confusion in the literature about the moisture retention values being expressed in various bases; as a percent by volume; as a percent of oven dry mass; or as the percent of the wet mass. In some management decisions, it is necessary to express the water contents of organic soils on a volume basis because of their varied bulk densities, but because of the volume reduction occurring on dr...
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1.1 This test method was designed to evaluate the aeration, water penetration, and water retention properties of peat under field conditions of water saturation by measurement of the saturated density, the moisture holding capacity, and the porosity.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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