Standard Test Method for Saturated Density, Moisture-Holding Capacity, and Porosity of Saturated Peat Materials

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...
SCOPE
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.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Jan-2017
Technical Committee
D18 - Soil and Rock

Relations

Effective Date
01-Feb-2017
Effective Date
01-Feb-2024
Effective Date
01-Nov-2023
Effective Date
15-Jan-2020
Effective Date
15-Jan-2020
Effective Date
01-Oct-2019
Effective Date
01-May-2015
Effective Date
01-Nov-2014
Effective Date
01-Aug-2014
Effective Date
01-Oct-2013
Effective Date
01-Jun-2013
Effective Date
01-May-2012
Effective Date
01-Mar-2012
Effective Date
01-Sep-2011
Effective Date
01-Sep-2011

Overview

ASTM D2980-17e1: Standard Test Method for Saturated Density, Moisture-Holding Capacity, and Porosity of Saturated Peat Materials provides a comprehensive methodology for determining key physical properties of peat. These properties-saturated density, moisture-holding capacity, and porosity-are essential for understanding the aeration, water retention, and water penetration characteristics of organic soils under saturated conditions. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures consistent practices for sampling, testing, and reporting results, aiding in the proper evaluation and management of peat as a soil material.

Key Topics

  • Saturated Density: Measurement of the mass per unit volume of saturated peat, providing insight into the peat’s structure and quality.
  • Moisture-Holding Capacity: Assessment of how much water the peat can retain, expressed on both mass and volume bases. This value is crucial for organic soil management and varies significantly depending on the degree of peat humification.
  • Porosity: Determination of the air-filled spaces within peat, directly impacting root oxygen availability and the movement of water and air through the soil.
  • Field Conditions Simulation: The procedures simulate field saturation conditions to reflect real-world behavior of peat in environmental and construction applications.
  • Data Standardization and Reporting: The standard includes clear guidelines for the collection, calculation, and reporting of data, including significant digit requirements and adherence to related ASTM standards for accuracy and comparability.

Applications

ASTM D2980-17e1 serves a range of practical uses across industries where organic soils and peat materials are relevant:

  • Soil and Agricultural Management: By quantifying peat’s moisture-holding capacity and porosity, land managers can make informed decisions about irrigation, drainage, and soil amendment practices. This supports optimal plant growth and sustainable land use.
  • Environmental and Ecological Studies: The test method is used in monitoring wetland restoration and conservation efforts by characterizing peat properties that affect hydrology and ecosystem function.
  • Construction and Civil Engineering: The physical properties determined by this standard contribute to site assessment, especially relating to bearing capacity, settlement, and suitability of soils for construction projects on or near peatlands.
  • Soil Classification and Research: Researchers and soil scientists rely on standardized data to compare organic soils, understand decomposition degrees, and evaluate suitability for various uses, from horticulture to environmental remediation.

Related Standards

ASTM D2980-17e1 references and works in conjunction with other key ASTM standards to ensure comprehensive testing and reporting:

  • ASTM D653 – Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
  • ASTM D2974 – Test Methods for Moisture, Ash, and Organic Matter of Peat and Other Organic Soils
  • ASTM D3740 – Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock
  • ASTM D4753 – Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
  • ASTM D6026 – Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
  • ASTM E11 – Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves

Practical Value

Adopting ASTM D2980-17e1 facilitates:

  • Improved consistency and reliability in the measurement of saturated density, moisture-holding capacity, and porosity of peat materials.
  • Better decision-making for managing organic soils in agriculture, construction, and environmental projects.
  • Interoperability and comparability of data across organizations, supporting collaborative research and regulatory compliance.

By applying this standard, professionals ensure rigorous, standardized analysis, supporting effective soil management strategies and informed use of organic soil resources.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D2980-17e1 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Saturated Density, Moisture-Holding Capacity, and Porosity of Saturated Peat Materials". This standard covers: 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... SCOPE 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.

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... SCOPE 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.

ASTM D2980-17e1 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 65.080 - Fertilizers. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM D2980-17e1 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D2980-17, ASTM D4753-24, ASTM D3740-23, ASTM D2974-20, ASTM D2974-20e1, ASTM D3740-19, ASTM D4753-15, ASTM D2974-14, ASTM D653-14, ASTM E11-13, ASTM D2974-13, ASTM D3740-12a, ASTM D3740-12, ASTM D653-11, ASTM D3740-11. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM D2980-17e1 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


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.
´1
Designation: D2980 − 17
Standard Test Method for
Saturated Density, Moisture-Holding Capacity, and Porosity
of Saturated Peat Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2980; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Editorially updated units of measurement statement in April 2018.
1. Scope* mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This test method was designed to evaluate the aeration,
water penetration, and water retention properties of peat under
2. Referenced Documents
field conditions of water saturation by measurement of the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
saturated density, the moisture holding capacity, and the
D653Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
porosity.
Fluids
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
D2974Test Methods for Moisture,Ash, and Organic Matter
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
of Peat and Other Organic Soils
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
D3740Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
D4753Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
Practice D6026.
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
1.3.1 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected/
Construction Materials Testing
recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the
D6026Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
Data
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
E11Specification forWovenWireTest Sieve Cloth andTest
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
Sieves
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
3. Terminology
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
3.1 Definitions:
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
3.1.1 For common definitions of common terms in this
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis
standard, refer to Terminology D653.
methods for engineering design
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Summary of Test Method
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 The test method sets up standardized conditions for
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
measuring the volume and mass of saturated peat. From these
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
data, saturated volume, mass, moisture-holding capacity (on a
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
massandvolumebasis),drypeatvolumes,andporositycanbe
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
determined.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Significance and Use
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 This test method measures the air-filled spaces (poros-
ity) and the moisture-holding capacity of peat on both a mass
and a volume basis under conditions of saturation. If large
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.22 on Media for Plant
Growth. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2017. Published February 2017. Originally contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. ForAnnual Book ofASTM
approved in 1971. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D2980–04(2010). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D2980-17E01. theASTM website.
*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
´1
D2980 − 17
spaces are present, water and air can penetrate easily. If spaces 6.6 Stainless steel sieve circle about 16 mesh and 28.7 mm
are smaller, the water holding capacity is increased. Water in diameter to be attached to one end of the drying tube and
holding capacity is larger in humified peat materials (small sealed. (A soldering iron is useful.) Adjust the length of the
inter-particulate spaces) (sapric soil), whereas water and air- tubetomatchconvenientlythegraduationoftheburet;thencut
penetrationislargerinunhumifiedpeat(largerinter-particulate theendwithoutthesievetoallowforwaterdrainage,andinsert
spaces)(fibricsoil).Thespacescanalsobeanindicationofthe the tube into the dispensing buret with the sieve side up.
oxygenavailabletotheplantroots.Assuch,theinterplayofthe
6.7 Asquare piece of rubber sheet, paper, or oil cloth to aid
propertiesofmoistureholdingcapacityandporositydictatethe
in mixing sample.
best use of the harvested organic soil material as well as the
best management practices for organic soils. The moisture 7. Preparation of Sampling and Test Specimens
retention relationships of these soils are critical to decisions
Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
involving irrigation, drainage, and bearing capacity of these
7.1 Sample:
soil.
7.1.1 Obtain a sample as outlined in Section 7 of Test
Methods D2974.
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
7.1.2 Air-dry the sample in accordance with Method B,
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
8.1.3.2 of Test Methods D2974 (air dried portion only).
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
Determine and Record the moisture removed during air-drying
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
as a percentage of the as-received mass to the nearest 0.1%.
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
7.2 Test Specimen:
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
7.2.1 Place a representative field sample about 300 g on a
5.2 Water retention values are particularly important in the
square rubber sheet, paper, or oil cloth.
management of organic soils. There is much confusion in the
7.2.2 Reduce the sample to the quantity required for a
literature about the moisture retention values being expressed
specimenbyquarteringandplaceinapre-taredmoisture-proof
in various bases; as a percent by volume; as a percent of oven
container. Work rapidly to prevent moisture losses.
dry mass; or as the percent of the wet mass. In some
8. Procedure
management decisions, it is necessary to express the water
contents of organic soils on a volume basis because of their
8.1 Determine the moisture content on a separate test
varied bulk densities, but because of the volume reduction
specimen by Method I or II of Test Methods D2974.
occurringondrying,thewatercontentsmustalsobeexpressed
8.1.1 Determine the mass of the buret fitted with the plastic
on a wet volume basis as collected in the field. Whereas, in
tube and screen. Working rapidly to prevent moisture losses,
othermanagementdecisions,moistureretentionvaluesarebest
mixthesamplethoroughly,placeontopofa4-meshsieve,and
expressed on a dry mass basis. For example, the difference in
shake until sieving is complete. Use only the portion that has
mass between the wet and oven dry sample is the moisture
passedthroughthesieveforthedetermination.Firmlypackthe
held. These values are best expr
...

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