ASTM D5268-92(1997)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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Designation: D 5268 – 92 (Reapproved 1997)
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
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Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Specification for
Topsoil Used for Landscaping Purposes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5268; 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 E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-
poses
1.1 This specification covers a physical evaluation of an
inorganic soil containing a limited amount of organic material,
3. Terminology
relative to its use as a topsoil for horticultural purposes in
3.1 Definitions:
construction. For classification, a full agricultural textural
3.1.1 For definitions of other terms used in this specifica-
classification may be used.
tion, refer to Terminology D 653.
1.2 The presence in the soil of the correct nutrients and pH
3.2 Description of Term Specific to This Standard:
status is necessary for healthy plant growth. This specification
3.2.1 topsoil—usually the original surface layer of grass-
does not, however, cover a determination of the nutrients, nor
2 land or cultivated land. It does not generally include soil from
their availability.
peatlands or other special areas, such as land disturbed by
NOTE 1—The nutrient content of topsoil is important and the chemicals
industrial activity. Topsoil is usually a darker shade of brown,
usually evaluated are nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. Nutrient defi-
grey, or red than the subsoil that lies immediately beneath it,
ciencies may be corrected using fertilizers. Excess soluble salts should be
because it contains organic matter intimately mixed with the
examined as to their desirability. The acidity or alkalinity of the soil is also
mineral matter. Topsoil tends to be more friable and pervious
important. Excess acidity may be corrected by the application of lime dust.
than inorganic soils.
Excess alkalinity may be corrected by the application of sulfur or other
suitable acidifying compounds. The latter item, in addition to lowering
4. Significance and Use
pH, also could be considered as an aggregate when considering the
particle size distribution.
4.1 When physically evaluating a soil, relative to its suit-
ability to support plant growth (primarily grasses), tests must
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. be made to determine the presence and the amount of organic
matter, inorganic matter (sand, silt and clay), and deleterious
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the materials.
4.2 Typical general ranges of soil content are presented in
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- Table 1. Soils falling within these ranges will generally form a
suitable topsoil. It must, however, be recognized that in some
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
geographic regions, concurrence with the values of Table 1
2. Referenced Documents
would be most difficult. In such cases, locally acceptable
2.1 ASTM Standards: specifications would need to be developed.
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
3 5. Apparatus
Fluids
5.1 Sieves and Containers, in accordance with Test Method
D 1140 Test Method for Amount of Material
...