ASTM D7322/D7322M-23

Standard Test Method for Determination of Erosion Control Product (ECP) Ability to Encourage Seed Germination and Plant Growth Under Bench-Scale Conditions

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method evaluates the effect of an ECP on seed germination and initial plant growth in a controlled environment.  
5.2 The results of this test can be used to compare ECPs and other erosion control materials to determine which are the most effective at encouraging the growth of vegetation.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers guidelines, requirements, and procedures for evaluating the effect of Erosion Control Products (ECPs) on seed germination and vegetation enhancement.  
1.2 This test method will evaluate the effects of both rolled erosion control products (RECPs) and hydraulically-applied erosion control products (HECPs) on seed germination in a controlled environment.  
1.3 This test method utilizes bench-scale testing procedures and shall not be interpreted as indicative of field performance.  
1.4 This test method is not intended to replace full-scale simulation or field testing in acquisition of performance values that are required in the design of erosion control measures utilizing RECPs and HECPs.  
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Dec-2023
• ICS: 65.020.20 - Plant growing
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.25 - Erosion and Sediment Control Technology

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7322/D7322M-17 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Erosion Control Product (ECP) Ability to Encourage Seed Germination and Plant Growth Under Bench-Scale Conditions
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023

Overview

ASTM D7322/D7322M-23 is the recognized standard test method for evaluating the ability of Erosion Control Products (ECPs) to encourage seed germination and initial plant growth under controlled, bench-scale conditions. Developed by ASTM International and under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock, this test method specifically focuses on quantifying the effectiveness of ECPs, such as rolled erosion control products (RECPs) and hydraulically-applied erosion control products (HECPs), in promoting vegetation in a laboratory environment. Results from this standard allow for meaningful comparison between different ECPs, supporting product selection in erosion control and revegetation projects.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Scope:
  The standard details a laboratory-based procedure for measuring and comparing how various ECPs impact seed germination and the initial stages of plant growth.
• Product Evaluation:
  Both RECPs and HECPs are covered, allowing comprehensive testing of erosion control blankets, mats, and mulches.
• Test Methodology:
  • Utilizes pots filled with standardized soil and seeded with a specific mix, typically tall fescue, though other seeds can also be used as agreed upon by stakeholders.
  • ECPs are applied to the surface of the soil in a climate-controlled chamber, and results are compared with control pots without ECPs.
  • Over a 21-day period, germination rates, plant heights, and dry vegetative biomass are documented.
• Controlled Conditions:
  Temperature, humidity, and light are precisely regulated to ensure consistent, repeatable results for product comparison.
• Reporting and Interpretation:
  • Metrics include seed germination rates, plant growth measurements, and percent germination improvement.
  • Products are ranked as PASS or FAIL based on their performance relative to an uncovered control.

Applications

• Product Comparison for Erosion Control:
  Stakeholders can use this standard to choose the most effective ECPs in terms of fostering rapid seed germination and robust early plant growth, a key factor in successful soil stabilization and erosion prevention.
• Material Qualification and Selection:
  Manufacturers and project engineers can demonstrate compliance or superiority of their products using impartial, repeatable bench-scale data.
• Quality Assurance and R&D:
  Testing procedures outlined in ASTM D7322/D7322M-23 are useful for R&D teams evaluating new formulations or materials for erosion control.
• Specification Development:
  Results documented following this method can be integrated into project specifications or regulatory submissions where vegetation establishment is critical.
• Limitations:
  This bench-scale method offers valuable initial data but should not replace full-scale field trials when detailed design or regulatory requirements specify performance in complex, real-world settings.

Related Standards

• ASTM D653: Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D4354: Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
• ASTM D5268: Specification for Topsoil Used for Landscaping and Construction Purposes
• ASTM D6475: Test Method for Measuring Mass per Unit Area of Erosion Control Blankets
• ASTM D6566: Test Method for Measuring Mass Per Unit Area of Turf Reinforcement Mats
• ASTM E145: Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens

Summary

ASTM D7322/D7322M-23 represents a crucial tool for erosion and sediment control professionals, facilitating scientific, side-by-side comparison of ECPs to improve project success rates for revegetation and soil stabilization. Through a rigorous, standardized procedure, the test yields reliable data that supports better decision-making in product selection and specification for erosion control. This method also aligns with internationally recognized principles of standardization, supporting its use in global markets.

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: D7322/D7322M − 23
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Erosion Control Product (ECP) Ability to
Encourage Seed Germination and Plant Growth Under
Bench-Scale Conditions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7322/D7322M; 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* 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers guidelines, requirements, and
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
procedures for evaluating the effect of Erosion Control Prod-
Fluids
ucts (ECPs) on seed germination and vegetation enhancement.
D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled
1.2 This test method will evaluate the effects of both rolled
Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
erosion control products (RECPs) and hydraulically-applied
D5268 Specification for Topsoil Used for Landscaping and
erosion control products (HECPs) on seed germination in a
Construction Purposes
controlled environment.
D6475 Test Method for Measuring Mass per Unit Area of
Erosion Control Blankets
1.3 This test method utilizes bench-scale testing procedures
D6566 Test Method for Measuring Mass Per Unit Area of
and shall not be interpreted as indicative of field performance.
Turf Reinforcement Mats
1.4 This test method is not intended to replace full-scale
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
simulation or field testing in acquisition of performance values
Ventilation Ovens
that are required in the design of erosion control measures
utilizing RECPs and HECPs.
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, see
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
Terminology D653.
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
4. Summary of Test Method
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
4.1 Containers containing soil are sown with seeds and then
with the standard.
covered with an ECP. Additional containers of soil are sown
with seed and left uncovered as controls. The light,
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
temperature, and humidity are maintained and documented.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
The amount of germination and growth is measured periodi-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
cally throughout the test, and the mass of vegetation is
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
calculated at the conclusion of the test.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.2 Each ECP under consideration as well as control con-
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
tainers of uncovered soil undergo testing in a controlled
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
environment.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5. Significance and Use
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1 This test method evaluates the effect of an ECP on seed
germination and initial plant growth in a controlled environ-
ment.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.25 on Erosion and
Sediment Control Technology. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2023. Published December 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D7322 – 17. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D7322_D7322M-23. 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
D7322/D7322M − 23
5.2 The results of this test can be used to compare ECPs and 9.1.2 Place the soil growing medium in each pot. The
other erosion control materials to determine which are the most growing medium shall be topsoil conforming to Specification
effective at encouraging the growth of vegetation. D5268 with an in-place moisture content and unit weight
determined as follows:
6. Apparatus
9.1.2.1 Condition and place the topsoil in each pot at a moist
6.1 Germination Containers—Plastic pots nominally 20 6 1
unit weight of 13.3 6 0.8 kN/m [85 6 5 pcf] and 35 to 40 %
cm [8 6 0.4 in.] inside diameter and having a height of 10 6
moisture content (approximately 60 % saturation).
1 cm [4 6 0.4 in.]. The pots include a perforated bottom to
9.1.2.2 Randomly select three 5 by 5 cm [2 by 2 in.] squares
allow drainage.
from each pot. Outline or mark, or both, the selected squares in
6.2 Controlled Environmental Chamber—Platform and sur-
each pot. Data will be periodically collected from within these
roundings capable of maintaining a constant temperature of 27
squares. Alternatively, the entire pot can be used for data
6 2°C [81 6 2°F], 45 6 5 % relative humidity, and 9700 6
collection.
1100 lux [900 6 100 ft-candles], with a light source as outlined 2
9.1.2.3 Sow each pot with 0.50 seeds per cm [500 seeds per
in A1.1.
ft ]. This is approximately 176 seeds per pot and 13 seeds per
6.3 Photometer—Instrument capable of measuring the illu- selected square. Distribute the seeds as uniformly as possible
mination provided by a fluorescent light source, including both
throughout each pot.
the visible and ultraviolet (UV) spectrum.
9.1.2.4 Press the seeds firmly against the soil surface. For
the control pots, apply a thin veneer of cover soil of no more
6.4 Thermometer—Capable of measuring temperature.
than 3 mm [0.1 in.] thick over the seeds. Compress both the
6.5 Hygrometer—Capable of measuring relative humidity.
seed and the topsoil using a 23 kg [50 lb] circular mass having
6.6 Balance, weighing device, calibrated, capable of weigh-
a nominal diameter equivalent to the pot inside diameter. No
ing to an accuracy of 0.1 g.
veneer is applied to the RECP or HECP protected pots.
6.7 Drying Oven, thermostatically controlled, preferably of
9.1.2.5 Add sufficient water to bring the placed and com-
the forced-draft type, meeting the requirements of Specifica- pacted topsoil to approximately 100 % saturation. (Stop as
tion E145 and capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of
soon as free water is apparent on the surface.)
100 6 5°C throughout the drying chamber.
9.1.2.6 If testing an RECP, each RECP specimen shall be
weighed and measured to determine its mass per unit area in
7. Test Seeds
accordance with Test Method D6475 and Test Method D6566.
7.1 The test should be conducted on one seed mix of tall
Cover each of three pots with an RECP specimen. Three pots
fescue (Pure Live Seed, PLS = 80 6 5 %). Seed shall be stored
will be left uncovered to be controls. For RECP-covered pots,
in a refrigerator.
place the RECP over the pot, and hold firmly in place around
NOTE 1—The test seed listed in this test method has been successful for
the perimeter of the pot.
product comparison purposes. However, this test may be used with
alternative test seeds based on user needs. If test seeds different from those
9.1.2.7 If testing an HECP, the amount of slurry to be placed
listed in this procedure are used, agreement should be established between
on each pot shall be weighed and measured to determine its wet
the testing laboratory and the user of the test.
mass per unit area. Cover each of three pots with the HECP
7.2 Unless otherwise requested, use ASTM topsoil. ASTM
slurry. Three pots will be left uncovered to be controls. For
topsoil shall comply with Specification D5268.
HECP-covered pots, spread the HECP uniformly over the pot.
9.1.2.8 Place the pots in the controlled env
...

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.
Designation: D7322/D7322M − 17 D7322/D7322M − 23
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Erosion Control Product (ECP) Ability to
Encourage Seed Germination and Plant Growth Under
Bench-Scale Conditions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7322/D7322M; 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*
1.1 This test method covers guidelines, requirements, and procedures for evaluating the effect of Erosion Control Products (ECPs)
on seed germination and vegetation enhancement.
1.2 This test method will evaluate the effects of both rolled erosion control products (RECPs) and hydraulically-applied erosion
control products (HECPs) on seed germination in a controlled environment.
1.3 This test method utilizes bench-scale testing procedures and shall not be interpreted as indicative of field performance.
1.4 This test method is not intended to replace full-scale simulation or field testing in acquisition of performance values that are
required in the design of erosion control measures utilizing RECPs and HECPs.
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D4354 Practice for Sampling of Geosynthetics and Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) for Testing
D5268 Specification for Topsoil Used for Landscaping and Construction Purposes
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.25 on Erosion and Sediment
Control Technology.
Current edition approved July 15, 2017Dec. 15, 2023. Published August 2017December 2023. Originally approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 20162017
ɛ1
as D7322 – 1617. . DOI: 10.1520/D7322_D7322M-17.10.1520/D7322_D7322M-23.
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
D7322/D7322M − 23
D6475 Test Method for Measuring Mass per Unit Area of Erosion Control Blankets
D6566 Test Method for Measuring Mass Per Unit Area of Turf Reinforcement Mats
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, see Terminology D653.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Containers containing soil are sown with seeds and then covered with an ECP. Additional containers of soil are sown with seed
and left uncovered as controls. The light, temperature, and humidity are maintained and documented. The amount of germination
and growth is measured periodically throughout the test, and the mass of vegetation is calculated at the conclusion of the test.
4.2 Each ECP under consideration as well as control containers of uncovered soil undergo testing in a controlled environment.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method evaluates the effect of an ECP on seed germination and initial plant growth in a controlled environment.
5.2 The results of this test can be used to compare ECPs and other erosion control materials to determine which are the most
effective at encouraging the growth of vegetation.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Germination Containers—Plastic pots nominally 20 6 1 cm [8 6 0.4 in.] inside diameter and having a height of 10 6 1 cm
[4 6 0.4 in.]. The pots include a perforated bottom to allow drainage.
6.2 Controlled Environmental Chamber—Platform and surroundings capable of maintaining a constant temperature of 27 6 2°C
[81 6 2°F], 45 6 5 % relative humidity, and 9700 6 1100 lux [900 6 100 ft-candles], with a light source as outlined in A1.1.
6.3 Photometer—Instrument capable of measuring the illumination provided by a fluorescent light source, including both the
visible and ultraviolet (UV) spectrum.
6.4 Thermometer—Capable of measuring temperature.
6.5 Hygrometer—Capable of measuring relative humidity.
6.6 Balance, weighing device, calibrated, capable of weighing to an accuracy of 0.1 g.
6.7 Drying Oven, thermostatically controlled, preferably of the forced-draft type, meeting the requirements of Specification E145
and capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 100 6 5°C throughout the drying chamber.
7. Test Seeds
7.1 The test should be conducted on one seed mix of tall fescue (Pure Live Seed, PLS = 80 6 5 %). Seed shall be stored in a
refrigerator.
NOTE 1—The test seed listed in this test method has been successful for product comparison purposes. However, this test may be used with alternative
test seeds based on user needs. If test seeds different from those listed in this procedure are used, agreement should be established between the testing
laboratory and the user of the test.
7.2 Unless otherwise requested, use ASTM topsoil. ASTM topsoil shall comply with Specification D5268.
8. Sampling
8.1 Perform ECP material sampling in accordance with Practice D4354.
D7322/D7322M − 23
8.2 RECPs:
2 2
8.2.1 The laboratory RECP sample should be 1 m [10 ft ].
8.2.2 Cut three specimens from each RECP laboratory sample. The specimen should completely cover the soil in the germination
pots.
8.3 HECPs:
8.3.1 The laboratory HECP sample should be sufficiently large to provide enough slurry to satisfy 8.3.2.
8.3.2 Mix an HECP slurry from each HECP laboratory sample. The amount of slurry should be sufficient to cover the soil in the
germination pots at the prescribed coverage rate.
9. Procedure
9.1 Prepare Germination Containers:
9.1.1 Prepare three pots for each ECP to be tested and three control pots.
9.1.2 Place the soil growing medium in each pot. The growing medium shall be topsoil conforming to Specification D5268 with
an in-place moisture content and unit weight determined as follows:
9.1.2.1 Condition and place the topsoil in each pot at a moist unit weight of 13.3 6 0.8 kN/m [85 6 5 pcf] and 35 to 40 %
moisture content (approximately 60 % saturation).
9.1.2.2 Randomly select three 5 by 5 cm [2 by 2 in.] squares from each pot. Outline or mark, or both, the selected squares in each
pot. Data will be periodically collected from within these squares. Alternatively, the entire pot can be used for data collection.
2 2
9.1.2.3 Sow each pot with 0.50 seeds per cm [500 seeds per ft ]. This is approximately 176 seeds per pot and 13 seeds per selected
square. Distribute the seeds as uniformly as possible throughout each pot.
9.1.2.4 Press the seeds firmly against the soil surface, and surface. For the control pots, apply a thin veneer of cover soil of no
more than 3 mm [0.1 in.] thick over the seeds. Compress both the seed and the topsoil using a 23 kg [50 lb] circular mass having
a nominal diameter equivalent to the pot inside diameter. No veneer is applied to the RECP or HECP protected pots.
9.1.2.5 Add sufficient water to bring the placed and compacted topsoil to approximately 100 % saturation. (Stop as soon as free
water is apparent on the surface.)
9.1.2.6 If testing an RECP, each RECP specimen shall be weighed and measured to determine its mass per unit area in accordance
with Test Method D6475 and Test Method D6566. Cover each of three pots with an RECP specimen. Three pots will be left
uncover
...