ASTM D2974-00

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn. Contact ASTM
International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 2974 – 00
Standard Test Methods for
Moisture, Ash, and Organic Matter of Peat and Other
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Organic Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2974; 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* 4.2 Test Method B—This is an alternative moisture method
which removes the total moisture in two steps: ( 1) evaporation
1.1 These test methods cover the measurement of moisture
of moisture in air at room temperature (air-drying), and (2) the
content, ash content, and organic matter in peats and other
subsequent oven drying of the air-dried sample at 105°C. This
organic soils, such as organic clays, silts, and mucks.
method provides a more stable sample, the air-dried sample,
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
when tests for nitrogen, pH, cation exchange, and the like are
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
to be made.
standard.
4.3 Test Methods C and D—Ashcontentofapeatororganic
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
soil sample is determined by igniting the oven-dried sample
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
from the moisture content determination in a muffle furnace at
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
440°C (Method C) or 750°C (Method D). The substance
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
remainingafterignitionistheash.Theashcontentisexpressed
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
as a percentage of the mass of the oven-dried sample.
2. Referenced Documents 4.4 Organic matter is determined by subtracting percent ash
content from one hundred.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 653 Terminology Relating to Rock, Soil, and Contained
5. Significance and Use
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Fluids
5.1 This test method can be used to determine the moisture
D 3740 Practice for the Evaluation ofAgencies Engaged in
content, ash content, and percent organic matter in soil.
the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
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5.2 The percent organic matter is important in classifying a
Engineering Design and Construction
peat or other organic soil.
D 4753 Standard Specifications for Evaluating, Selecting,
and Specifying Balances and Scales for Use in Soil and
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
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Rock Testing
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
E 145 Specification for Gravity Convection and Forced
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criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent
Ventilation Ovens
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself assure
3. Terminology
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D 3740
3.1 Definitions:
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
3.1.1 Forcommondefinitionsoftermsinthisstandard,refer
6. Apparatus
to Terminology D 653.
6.1 Oven, meeting the requirements of E 145 and capable of
4. Summary of Test Methods
being regulated to a constant temperature of 105 6 5°C.
4.1 Test MethodA—Moistureisdeterminedbydryingapeat
NOTE 2—The temperature of 105°C is quite critical for organic soils.
or organic soil sample at 105°C. The moisture content is
The oven should be checked for “hot spots” to avoid possible ignition of
expressed either as a percent of the oven dry mass or of the
the specimen.
as-received mass.
6.2 Muffle Furnace, capable of producing constant tempera-
tures of 440°C and 750°C.
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These test methods are under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil
6.3 Balance or Scale, a balance or scale for determining the
and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.22 on Soil as a
mass of the soil having a minimum capacity of 500 g and
Medium for Plant Growth.
meeting the requirements of Standard D 4753 for a balance or
Current edition approved Aug. 10, 2000. Published November 2000. Originally
scale of 0.01 g readability.
published as D 2974 – 71. Last previous edition D 2974 – 87 (1995).
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.06.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn. Contact ASTM
International (www.astm.org) for the lat
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