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ASTM D4531-86(2002)

(Test Method)

Standard Test Methods for Bulk Density of Peat and Peat Products

Standard Test Methods for Bulk Density of Peat and Peat Products

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
These test methods provide uniform procedures for determining the bulk density of in situ peat and processed peat products. The bulk density is of use in the calculation of in situ stresses for engineering analysis and in quantifying the amount of material present when considering peat as a resource. In the latter case, it is necessary to consider the moisture condition for which the bulk density was determined; a more useful parameter to consider may well be the dry density, ρd.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the bulk density of both peat in its natural state and peat products (Note 1). These test methods consist of defining a volume of peat and determining the mass of that specific volume. The difference in the respective methods is in the procedures employed to determine the peat volume.
Note 1—Test Method D 2978 is used for specifying the volume represented by a quantity of loose processed peat or the volume of a peat bale.
1.2 Method A—This method, the core method, covers the determination of the bulk density of an undisturbed core of peat taken with a piston sampler or other suitable core sampler (Sections 6 and 7).
1.3 Method B—This method, the paraffin wax method, covers the determination of the bulk density of undisturbed clods or irregular pieces of wet peat and compressed peat products (Sections 8 and 9).
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

Status
Historical
Publication Date
23-Feb-1986
ICS
65.080 - Fertilizers
Technical Committee
D18 - Soil and Rock
Drafting Committee
D18.22 - Media for Plant Growth
Current Stage
Ref Project

Relations

Replaces
ASTM D4531-86(1996) - Standard Test Methods for Bulk Density of Peat and Peat Products
Effective Date
24-Feb-1986
Replaced By
ASTM D4531-86(2008) - Standard Test Methods for Bulk Density of Peat and Peat Products
Effective Date
01-Jan-2008

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ASTM D4531-86(2002) - Standard Test Methods for Bulk Density of Peat and Peat Products
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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 latest information
Designation:D4531–86(Reapproved2002)
Standard Test Methods for
Bulk Density of Peat and Peat Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4531; 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.
NOTE 2—In many peat science applications and publications, the term
1. Scope
defined here as “dry density” in accordance with common geotechnical
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the bulk
engineering usage is referred to as “bulk density”. Care is necessary to
density of both peat in its natural state and peat products (Note
distinguish which definition is being used when such a term is encoun-
1).These test methods consist of defining a volume of peat and
tered.
determining the mass of that specific volume.The difference in
4. Significance and Use
the respective methods is in the procedures employed to
determine the peat volume.
4.1 These test methods provide uniform procedures for
determining the bulk density of in situ peat and processed peat
NOTE 1—Test Method D 2978 is used for specifying the volume
products. The bulk density is of use in the calculation of in situ
represented by a quantity of loose processed peat or the volume of a peat
stresses for engineering analysis and in quantifying the amount
bale.
of material present when considering peat as a resource. In the
1.2 Method A—This method, the core method, covers the
lattercase,itisnecessarytoconsiderthemoistureconditionfor
determinationofthebulkdensityofanundisturbedcoreofpeat
which the bulk density was determined; a more useful param-
taken with a piston sampler or other suitable core sampler
eter to consider may well be the dry density, r .
d
(Sections 6 and 7).
1.3 Method B—This method, the paraffin wax method,
5. Apparatus
covers the determination of the bulk density of undisturbed
5.1 Drying Oven—A thermostatically controlled drying
clods or irregular pieces of wet peat and compressed peat
oven maintained at a temperature of 105 6 5°C.
products (Sections 8 and 9).
5.2 Balances—Balances sensitive to 0.01 g for samples less
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
than 100 g, sensitive to 0.1 g for samples between 100 g and
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1000 g, or sensitive to 1 g for samples over 1000 g.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.3 Moisture Content Containers—Suitable containers for
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
laboratory moisture content determinations.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.4 Plastic Sample Bags or Sampling Jars.
5.5 Sampler—Pistonsamplerorothersuitablecoringdevice
2. Referenced Documents
which will give a reasonably undisturbed cylindrical sample.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 2974 Test Methods for Moisture, Ash, and Organic Mat- NOTE 3—Samples taken with the Macaulay type peat sampler are
semicylindrical in shape and relatively undisturbed. They may also be
ter of Peat and Other Organic Soils
used in this method of determination.
D 2978 Test Method for Volume of Processed Peat Materi-
als 5.6 Sharp Knife—An electric knife or barber’s razor will be
best for laboratory work.
3. Terminology
5.7 Paraffın Wax, maintained at a temperature between 60
3.1 Definitions:
and 70°C, for use in Method B only.
3.1.1 bulk density, r—total mass (solids plus water) per unit
5.8 Graduated Cylinder, for use in Method B only.
of total volume of a peat at a given moisture condition.
METHOD A—CORE METHOD
3.1.2 dry density, r —mass of dry organic and mineral
d
matter per unit of total volume of a peat at a given moisture
6. Procedure
condition.
6.1 Take a representative reasonably undisturbed core of
peat with a piston sampler or other coring device.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil
6.2 With a sharp knife, cut specimens of no less than 50 mm
and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.22 on Soil as a
in length from the various layers included in the core. Measure
Medium for Plant Growth.
and record the specimen length to the nearest millimetre.
Current edition approved Feb. 24, 1986. Published May 1986.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D4531–86 (2002)
6.3 For samples extruded in the field, place the specimen 8.7 Dry the sample in an oven at 105°C until a constant
into a plastic bag or sampling jar and seal to prevent moisture mass is reached. Record the mass of dry peat, M .
s
loss.
6.4 Transfer the whole specimen and any free water to a 9.
...

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5.1 Nitrogen content is important as it is one of the primary plant food elements necessary for plant growth. Nitrogen content of peat is necessary to make sure an adequate, but not excessive amount of fertility is supplied to the target plant. Nitrogen is present in peat as organic nitrogen, and therefore, does not release nitrogen to plants as quickly as chemical fertilizers. However, nitrogen from peat continues to be released for several years as the organic matter decomposes.  
5.2 This information is particularly useful to people working in industries where plant health, sustainability, and viability are important.
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1.1 This test method covers a chemical test method for the determination of the mass percent of nitrogen in peat material.  
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ASTM D4531-23(Test Method)
Standard Test Methods for Bulk and Dry Density of Peat and Peat Products

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The bulk density is of use in the calculation of in situ stresses for engineering analysis and in quantifying the amount of material present when considering peat as a resource. In the latter case, it is necessary to consider the moisture condition for which the bulk density was determined; a more useful parameter to consider may well be the dry density, ρd.
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SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the bulk and dry density of both peat in its natural state and peat products (Note 1). These test methods consist of defining a volume of peat and determining the mass of that specific volume. The difference in the respective methods is in the procedures employed to determine the peat volume.  
1.2 The water content of a peat/peat product influences the bulk density. When using the bulk density for quantifying the amount of peat for use as a resource evaluation, the water content value needs to accompany the bulk density value.
Note 1: Test Method D2978 is used for measuring the volume of uncompacted loose peat materials and compacted baled peat materials.  
1.3 Method A—The core method covers the determination of the bulk density of a core of peat taken with a piston sampler or other suitable core sampler (Sections 7 and 8).  
1.4 Method B—The paraffin wax method, covers the determination of the bulk density of clods or irregular pieces of wet peat and compressed peat products (Sections 9 and 10).  
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1.6.1 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.  
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ASTM D2978-23(Test Method)
Standard Test Method for Volume of Peat and Peat-Based Growing Media

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is used to quantify the volume of peat and peat-based growing media under consideration in commercial transactions to determine if the package contains the labeled quantity. As such, material comes into the test area in an “as sold” condition.  
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SCOPE
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The purpose of this classification is to standardize the naming of peat materials so that the peat-producer can better identify the product and the peat-consumer can better select peat materials to meet requirements. This system may also be used for peat resource evaluations, environmental impact reports, and preliminary engineering studies. The parameters selected for use in this classification are ones which have been determined to relate to the agricultural/horticultural, geotechnical, and energy uses of peats.
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The pH of peat is a useful variable in determining the solubility of minerals, the mobility of ions in the peat, and assessing the viability of the peat-plant environment. pH measurements are made in both test water and a calcium chloride solution because the pH readings in test water can be modified by salts, such as fertilizer material, whereas the observed pH in calcium chloride solution is virtually independent of the initial amount of salts present in the peat. pH values obtained in a calcium chloride solution are usually about a 0.5 to 0.8 pH unit lower than measurements in test water due to release of more hydrogen ions by cation exchange. Both measurements are needed to fully define the character of the peat’s pH.  
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SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the pH of peat materials used as a growing medium. This measurement determines the degree of acidity or alkalinity in peat materials suspended in water and a 0.01 M calcium chloride solution. Measurements in both liquids are necessary to fully define the peat’s pH. This variable is useful in assessing the viability of the peat-plant environment. This test method does not apply to peat that is in paper or construction materials. Test Method D4972 is used for pH testing of soils and Test Method G51 is used for pH testing of soils for corrosion analysis (see Note 1).
Note 1: These three standards are being intentionally kept separate for clarity at the request of the various subcommittees.  
1.2 Units—The values given in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
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ASTM D4544-20(Practice)
Standard Practice for Estimating Peat Deposit Thickness

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice is used to determine the thickness and lateral extent of a peat deposit such that, the volume of the peat deposit can be calculated. When the overlying material is peat and the underlying one is soil or bedrock, the depth of change may be interpreted as the thickness of peat.  
5.2 This information is useful to peat producers to evaluate the volume of the deposit for planning purposes. It is also useful to peat producers and regulators in evaluating some ecologic functions.
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.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice uses a technique of probing to estimate the thickness of surficial peat deposits overlying mineral soil or bedrock.  
1.1.1 The resistance to penetration of a pushed or driven rod will increase sharply at the boundary of a peat layer with underlying mineral soil or bedrock. When this abrupt change is measured in a series of probings with an appropriate spacing, the thickness and areal extent of peat can be defined and the volume of peat may be calculated.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.  
1.3 All measured 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 and calculated in the 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 these test methods to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering data.  
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 practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice 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.

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ASTM D1997-20(Test Method)
Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of the Fiber Content of Peat and Organic Soils by Dry Mass

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is useful for determining the quantity of fibers in a peat or organic soil specimen. Fiber content is one parameter used to classify the peat as determined in Classification D4427. It is also a significant parameter in predicting or defining the many end uses of these materials. In this regard, fiber content has been related to agricultural and horticultural end uses (such as mulching and soil enrichment), geotechnical measurements (such as strength, compressibility, and permeability), industrial chemical uses (such as production of waxes, activated carbon, and medicines), and energy uses (such as direct combustion, methanol production, and gas yields).
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.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory determination of the fiber content of peat and organic soils by dry mass. Classification D4427 provides the methodology to classify peat as it is used in this standard.  
1.2 Pieces of plant material such as roots or wood, larger than 20 mm in smallest dimension are not considered fibers.  
1.3 Because this test method is simple and does not need sophisticated equipment in order to be performed, it is especially recommended for routine reconnaissance work where large numbers of samples need to be tested and mineral contents are low.  
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. Alternate sieve designations in parentheses are as provided in Specification E11.  
1.5 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.  
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.  
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ASTM D4511-11(2020)(Test Method)
Standard Test Method for Hydraulic Conductivity of Essentially Saturated Peat

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Values of hydraulic conductivity determined by this test method may be useful in making rough preliminary estimates of the initial rates of drainage and compression of peat deposits when the only effective stress increase on the deposit is that resulting from a moderate, gradual lowering of the water table.  
4.2 Even under light, sustained loads, peat will undergo dramatic volume changes that influence (decrease) the hydraulic conductivity of the deposit by several orders of magnitude. This test method does not offer provisions for the determination of the relationship between hydraulic conductivity and the void ratios corresponding to increasing stress levels. Therefore, this test method is not suitable for applications involving grade increases, such as embankment construction or placement of access berms alongside drainage ditches.  
4.3 Undisturbed specimens from apparently homogeneous peat deposits at the same location often exhibit significantly different hydraulic conductivity properties due to variations in material composition and sampling procedure.
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 ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the hydraulic conductivity (permeability) of essentially saturated, intact cylindrical specimens of peat when the hydraulic conductivity is greater than 1 × 10−7 m/s (1 × 10−5 cm/s). During the test, the specimens are contained in the core holder, or in right, regular cylindrical sections cut from the sampling tube in which they were originally obtained in the field.  
1.2 Hydraulic conductivity is calculated on the basis of the measured constant flow rate through the specimen under constant head.2 For verification, flow rate determinations may be made at two or more values of constant head with corresponding calculations of hydraulic conductivity.  
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3.1 The converted inch-pound units use the gravitational system of units. In this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass is slugs. The converted slug unit is not given, unless dynamic (F = ma) calculations are involved.  
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guide for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.  
1.4.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that should generally 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.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internat...

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ASTM D2974-20e1(Test Method)
Standard Test Methods for Determining the Water (Moisture) Content, Ash Content, and Organic Material of Peat and Other Organic Soils

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This standard is used in various industries including, but not limited to, agriculture, forestry, energy, horticulture, and geotechnical. Over the years, the use of peat as a fuel has been on the decline for numerous reasons, however it is still being used as a fuel in some parts of the world. Peat typically has high a water content, thus when being used as a fuel, the peat must first be air dried in order to reduce the water content. When the peat it too wet, it doesn’t burn well and much heat is wasted in unnecessary conversion of water to steam and more smoke/soot is created, which can coat a chimney and pose a danger to the end user.  
5.2 The ash content and percent organic material are important in the following: (1) classifying peat or other organic soil, (2) geotechnical and general classification purposes, and (3) when peats are being evaluated as a fuel. The ash content is one of several parameters used to classify peat as detailed in Classification D4427.
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.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the measurement of water (moisture) content, ash content, and organic material in peats and other organic soils, such as organic clays, silts, and mucks. Test Method D2216 provides for determining the water (moisture) content in mineral soils and rock.  
1.2 This standard has two different ways to determine the water content of the specimen prior to determining the ash content based on the application for which the peat or organic soil is being used. For general classification of peat/organic soils not being used for fuel, the water content is determined using oven drying. For peat/organic soils being used as a fuel, the water content is determined first by air drying followed by oven drying.  
1.3 There are two Methods, A and B, for determining the ash content and organic material of peat or organic soils. For general classification purposes, Method A is used to determine the water content, ash content, and organic material. When the peat is being used as a fuel, Method B is used to determine the water content, ash content and organic material.  
1.3.1 Method A—The ash content and organic material of peat or organic soils is determined by igniting the oven-dried specimen as obtained from the water content determination in a furnace at 440 ± 40°C. This method is used for general purposes and should not be used when the peat or organic soils are being used or evaluated for use as a fuel.  
1.3.2 Method B—The ash content and organic material of peat or organic soils is determined by igniting the air-dried then oven-dried specimen obtained from the water content determination in a furnace at 750 ± 38°C. This method is used when the peat or organic soil is being used as or evaluated for use as a fuel.  
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.  
1.5.1 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...

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ASTM D2980-17e1(Test Method)
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.

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