ASTM D5883-18

Standard Guide for Use of Rotary Kiln Produced Expanded Shale, Clay or Slate (ESCS) as a Mineral Amendment in Topsoil Used for Landscaping and Related Purposes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 When physically evaluating a soil, relative to its suitability to support plant growth (primarily grasses), tests must be performed to determine the presence and amount of solid matter (organic and inorganic) compatibility that can determine potential air-void content and water-holding ability, and finally, deleterious materials.  
4.2 Typical general ranges of soil content for suitable topsoils are presented in Specification D5268. It should be recognized, however, that in some geographic regions, concurrence with the values in the referenced table would be difficult. In such situations, locally acceptable specifications need to be developed.
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/ and the like. 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 guide covers the material characteristics, physical requirements, and sampling appropriate for the designation of the rotary kiln produced expanded shale, clay or slate (ESCS) material as a mineral amendment.  
1.2 The presence in the topsoil of the proper nutrient and pH level is necessary for healthy plant growth. This guide does not, however, cover a determination of the nutrients, nor their availability.2  
Note 1: The nutrient content of topsoil is important and the chemicals usually evaluated are nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. Nutrient deficiencies may be corrected by using fertilizers. Excess soluble salts should be examined as to their desirability. The acidity or alkalinity of the soil is also important. Excess acidity may be corrected by the application of lime dust. Excess alkalinity may be corrected by the application of sulfur or other suitable acidifying compounds. The latter item, in addition to lowering pH, also could be considered as an aggregate when considering the particle size distribution.  
1.3 Units—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.  
1.4 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 guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Jul-2018
• ICS: 65.020.40 - Landscaping and silviculture
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.22 - Media for Plant Growth

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5883-12e1 - Standard Guide for Use of Rotary Kiln Produced Expanded Shale, Clay or Slate (ESCS) as a Mineral Amendment in Topsoil Used for Landscaping and Related Purposes
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D3740-23 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D5268-23 - Standard Specification for Topsoil Used for Landscaping and Construction Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM C29/C29M-23 - Standard Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D75/D75M-19 - Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM D3740-19 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM C29/C29M-17 - Standard Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM C29/C29M-16 - Standard Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM D653-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM D75/D75M-13 - Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM D5268-13 - Standard Specification for Topsoil Used for Landscaping Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM C566-13 - Standard Test Method for Total Evaporable Moisture Content of Aggregate by Drying
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3740-12a - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D3740-12 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM D653-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011

Overview

ASTM D5883-18 is a standard guide developed by ASTM International that addresses the use of rotary kiln produced expanded shale, clay, or slate (ESCS) as a mineral amendment in topsoil for landscaping and related applications. The guide establishes essential criteria for the material characteristics, physical requirements, and sampling procedures needed to properly incorporate ESCS into topsoil. ESCS is recognized for its beneficial properties in improving soil structure, aeration, moisture retention, and resistance to compaction. This document is widely referenced in landscaping, horticulture, and related industries for promoting healthy and sustainable plant growth through topsoil modification.

Key Topics

• Material Characteristics: ESCS is a lightweight, highly porous, vesicular silicate aggregate, fired in a rotary kiln to produce a durable ceramic material. It is generally neutral in pH and available in various grades.
• Physical Requirements: Testing includes evaluations of bulk density, particle size distribution, and moisture absorption. These ensure compatibility with topsoil and the desired soil amendment effects.
• Sampling Methods: The standard details appropriate sampling and specimen preparation techniques, referencing established ASTM practices for accurate physical analysis.
• Functional Role in Soils: ESCS acts as a mineral amendment, primarily replacing or supplementing the sand component in soil. It significantly enhances drainage, aeration, and water-holding capacity while contributing to the structural stability of topsoils.
• Soil Suitability and Testing: The document emphasizes the importance of analyzing components such as solid matter content, air voids, and potential deleterious materials for supporting healthy plant growth, particularly for grasses.

Applications

The use of rotary kiln produced ESCS as a mineral amendment in topsoil offers several practical applications:

• Landscaping: ESCS is widely used to create or amend topsoils for lawns, parks, golf courses, athletic fields, and commercial landscapes, optimizing conditions for robust root development and turfgrass establishment.
• Horticulture: Greenhouses and nurseries apply ESCS to improve container soils by enhancing aeration and moisture retention, reducing the risk of compaction and root diseases.
• Site Rehabilitation: ESCS helps restore disturbed or poor-quality soils in urban development, roadside projects, and reclamation of industrial sites, providing a sustainable solution for soil improvement.
• Customization for Local Soils: The guide recognizes that local geographical and climatic factors may require customized specifications, making ESCS a versatile choice for diverse soil adaptation needs.

By enhancing the physical properties of topsoil, ESCS contributes to more effective landscaping solutions, improved sustainability, and long-lasting plant health.

Related Standards

To ensure effective application and compliance, several ASTM standards are referenced in conjunction with ASTM D5883-18:

• ASTM D5268 - Specification for Topsoil Used for Landscaping Purposes: Defines general criteria for suitable topsoils.
• ASTM C29/C29M - Test Method for Bulk Density and Voids in Aggregate: Used to determine the bulk density of ESCS.
• ASTM D75/D75M - Practice for Sampling Aggregates: Provides guidelines for proper ESCS sampling procedures.
• ASTM D653 - Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids: Offers definitions for key soil terms used in the guide.
• ASTM D6913/D6913M - Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution of Soils: Specifies how to assess particle size distribution in ESCS and soil blends.
• ASTM D3740 - Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock: Establishes competence criteria for laboratories conducting relevant tests.

These related documents provide a comprehensive framework supporting the practical, safe, and effective use of expanded shale, clay, or slate as a mineral amendment in landscaping and horticultural soils.

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.
Designation: D5883 − 18
Standard Guide for
Use of Rotary Kiln Produced Expanded Shale, Clay or Slate
(ESCS) as a Mineral Amendment in Topsoil Used for
Landscaping and Related Purposes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5883; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
1.1 This guide covers the material characteristics, physical
a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
requirements, and sampling appropriate for the designation of
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
the rotary kiln produced expanded shale, clay or slate (ESCS)
unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this
material as a mineral amendment.
document means only that the document has been approved
1.2 ThepresenceinthetopsoilofthepropernutrientandpH
through the ASTM consensus process.
level is necessary for healthy plant growth. This guide does
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
not, however, cover a determination of the nutrients, nor their
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
availability.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
NOTE 1—The nutrient content of topsoil is important and the chemicals
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
usually evaluated are nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. Nutrient defi-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ciencies may be corrected by using fertilizers. Excess soluble salts should
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
be examined as to their desirability. The acidity or alkalinity of the soil is
also important. Excess acidity may be corrected by the application of lime
2. Referenced Documents
dust. Excess alkalinity may be corrected by the application of sulfur or
other suitable acidifying compounds. The latter item, in addition to
2.1 ASTM Standards:
lowering pH, also could be considered as an aggregate when considering
C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”)
the particle size distribution.
and Voids in Aggregate
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
C566 Test Method forTotal Evaporable Moisture Content of
as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
Aggregate by Drying
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Fluids
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information
D5268 Specification for Topsoil Used for Landscaping Pur-
or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
poses
course of action. This document cannot replace education or
D6913/D6913M Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution
experience and should be used in conjunction with professional
(Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of common technical terms
This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock
used in this guide, refer to Terminology D653.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.22 on Media for Plant Growth.
Current edition approved July 15, 2018. Published August 2018. Originally
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
ɛ1
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D5883 – 12 . DOI:
10.1520/D5883-18.
Nutrient testing procedures are found in the state Agricultural Experiment
Station recommendations from the state within which the landscape is located, For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
“Methods of Soil Analysis” Editor-in-Chief: C. A. Black, Agronomy No. 9, Vol 2, contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
American Society ofAgronomy, Inc., Madison, WI, and Hesse, P.R., A Textbook of Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Soil Chemical Analysis, Chemical Publishing Co., New York, NY 1972. the ASTM 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
D5883 − 18
3.2.1 amendment, physical, n—any substance, such as sand, decayed matter and inorganic mineral matter, such as clay, silt
calcined clay, peat, or sawdust, added to the soil to alter its and sand. ESCS falls into the latter group of the third
physical properties. component sub-component group, being an alternative, addi-
tion or substitute for sand.
3.2.2 slit trench drain, n—a narrow trench (usually 5 to 10
centimeters wide) back-filled to the surface with a material,
5.2 Material—ESCS is a rotary kiln produced vesicular
such as sand, gravel, or crushed rock, to facilitate surface or
amorphous silicate particulate material. It is a highly porous,
subsurface drainage.
low density material with an apparent specific gravity of
approximately 0.8 to 2.4, and a dry/loose bulk density of 510
3.2.3 soil modification, n—alteration of soil characteristics
3 3
to 1120 kg/m , (32 to 70 lb/ft ). The pre-sized
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
´1
Designation: D5883 − 12 D5883 − 18
Standard Guide for
Use of Rotary Kiln Produced Expanded Shale, Clay or Slate
(ESCS) as a Mineral Amendment in Topsoil Used for
Landscaping and Related Purposes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5883; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Editorially updated units of measurement statement in April 2018.
1. Scope*
1.1 This guide covers the material characteristics, physical requirements, and sampling appropriate for the designation of the
rotary kiln produced expanded shale, clay or slate (ESCS) material as a mineral amendment.
1.2 The presence in the topsoil of the correctproper nutrient and pH level is necessary for healthy plant growth. This guide does
not, however, cover a determination of the nutrients, nor their availability.
NOTE 1—The nutrient content of topsoil is important and the chemicals usually evaluated are nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. Nutrient deficiencies
may be corrected by using fertilizers. Excess soluble salts should be examined as to their desirability. The acidity or alkalinity of the soil is also important.
Excess acidity may be corrected by the application of lime dust. Excess alkalinity may be corrected by the application of sulfur or other suitable acidifying
compounds. The latter item, in addition to lowering pH, also could be considered as an aggregate when considering the particle size distribution.
1.3 Units—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.
1.4 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 guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course
of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment.
Not all aspects of this guide 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate
C566 Test Method for Total Evaporable Moisture Content of Aggregate by Drying
D75D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D1140 Test Methods for Determining the Amount of Material Finer than 75-μm (No. 200) Sieve in Soils by Washing
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.22 on Media for Plant Growth.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2012July 15, 2018. Published December 2012August 2018. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20082012
ɛ1
as D5883 – 96 (2008).D5883 – 12 . DOI: 10.1520/D5883-12E01.10.1520/D5883-18.
Nutrient testing procedures are found in the state Agricultural Experiment Station recommendations from the state within which the landscape is located, “Methods of
Soil Analysis” Editor-in-Chief: C. A. Black, Agronomy No. 9, Vol 2, American Society of Agronomy, Inc., Madison, WI, and Hesse, P.R., A Textbook of Soil Chemical Analysis,
Chemical Publishing Co., New York, NY 1972.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM 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
D5883 − 18
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4972 Test Method for pH of Soils
D5268 Specification for Topsoil Used for Landscaping Purposes
E11D6913/D6913M Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test SievesTest Methods for Particle-Size Distribution
(Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general common technical terms used in this guide, refer to Terminology D653.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 amendment, physical—any substance, such as sand, calcined clay, peat, or sawdust, added to the soil to alter its physical
properties.
3.2.1 amendment, physical, n—any substance, such as sand, calcined clay, peat, or sawdust, added to the soil to alter its physical
properties.
3.2.2 slit trench drain—a narrow trench (usually 5 to 10 centimeters wide) back-filled to the surface with a material, such as
sand, gravel, or crushed rock, to facilitate surface or substance drainage.
3.2.2 slit trench drain, n—a narrow trench (usually 5 to 10 centimeters wide) back-filled to the surface with a material, such
as sand, gravel, or crushed rock, to facilitate surface or subsurface drainage.
3.2.3 soil modification, n—alteration of soil characteristics by addition of physical amendments: commonly used to improve
physical conditions of soils.
3.2.4 topsoil, n—usually the original surface layer of grassland or cultivated land. Topsoil does not generally include soil
fromin soil horizons, peatlands or other special areas, such as land disturbed by industrial activity. Topsoil is usually a darker shade
of brown, gray, or red than the subsoil that lies immediately beneath it, because it contains organic matter intimately mixed with
the mineral matter. Topsoil tends to be more friable and pervious than inorganic soils.the naturally formed top horizon often
designated as “A” horizon consisting of soils and materials which supports the growth of plants and normally has a greate
...