ASTM D2944-22

Standard Practice of Sampling Processed Peat Materials for Horticultural Purposes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice is primarily used in the horticulture industry to collect a representative sample of processed peat materials. The representative sample can then be used for further testing including, but not limited to, the determination of moisture, ash, and organic matter; volume; pH;, moisture-holding capacity, and air capacity of water-saturated peat materials; total nitrogen; particle size distribution; and sand content of processed peat materials.
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 covers the procedure for obtaining a representative sample of processed peat material from compressed bales or bulk loose material sources. This procedure is applicable for sampling peat materials for horticultural purposes and produces a sample that is representative of peat materials that may be heterogeneous in nature. Producing a representative sample of a material is central to the validity of the results for any testing or analytical procedure which can be used to verify the grade of peat.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall confirm 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 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 though the ASTM consensus process.  
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 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: 30-Apr-2022
• ICS: 75.160.10 - Solid fuels
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.22 - Media for Plant Growth

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4753-24 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• 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 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 D4753-15 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM D653-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• 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
• Refers: ASTM D3740-11 - 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-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3740-10 - 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-2010
• Refers: ASTM D653-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM D653-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM D653-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM D3740-08 - 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-2008
• Refers: ASTM D653-07f - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2007

Overview

ASTM D2944-22: Standard Practice of Sampling Processed Peat Materials for Horticultural Purposes provides a systematic approach for collecting representative samples of processed peat materials from both compressed bales and bulk loose sources. This practice is designed for the horticulture industry, ensuring that sampling methods yield results suitable for reliable analysis and testing. Accurate sampling is critical to determining quality parameters such as moisture, ash, organic matter, pH, particle size distribution, and sand content of peat products, which ultimately impact their usability in horticultural applications.

Key Topics

• Representative Sampling: The standard details procedures to obtain samples that effectively represent heterogeneous peat materials, whether sourced from bales or bulk stockpiles.
• Sampling Procedures: Specific instructions are provided for various container sizes and source types, including the use of slotted tube corers for bales and shovels for bulk materials.
• Sample Integrity: Guidelines are outlined for sample mixing, minimizing moisture loss, and using airtight containers to preserve the original material state.
• Data Recording: Clear directions are given for documenting sample identification, personnel details, equipment used, and all measurement data to ensure traceability and repeatability.
• Applicable Units and Precision: The standard specifies the use of SI units for consistency in reporting and follows established practices for significant digits and rounding.
• Professional Judgment: Users are reminded that competent personnel and proper equipment are essential for reliable results, and that this standard should be applied with professional expertise and consideration for project-specific conditions.

Applications

ASTM D2944-22 is primarily utilized in the horticultural sector, where the accurate assessment of peat properties is essential for soil amendments, growing media, and other plant-based applications. Key applications include:

• Quality Control: Ensuring that processed peat meets the required specifications for pH, organic content, moisture retention, and grade before use or sale.
• Product Development: Supporting research and development by providing reliable samples for experimental analysis of different peat blends or treatments.
• Regulatory Compliance: Facilitating the submission of standardized samples for certification, inspection, or regulatory review as part of horticultural product distribution.
• Supplier and Batch Verification: Comparing material batches to ensure consistency and verifying supplier claims regarding peat composition and performance.

Related Standards

Several other ASTM standards are referenced or used in conjunction with ASTM D2944-22 to support complete and accurate sampling and testing practices for peat and related materials:

• ASTM D653 - Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids: Standard terms and definitions for clarity in documentation.
• ASTM D3740 - Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock: Evaluates the competence of testing agencies.
• ASTM D4753 - Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses: Ensures accurate measurement tools for sample mass.
• ASTM D6026 - Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data: Guides data precision and reporting consistency.

By following ASTM D2944-22, organizations can confidently assess processed peat materials, ensuring quality and reliability across all horticultural applications. This practice helps standardize procedures, reducing variability and supporting the ongoing development of safe, effective, and compliant growing media products.

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: D2944 − 22
Standard Practice of
Sampling Processed Peat Materials for Horticultural
Purposes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2944; 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* a project’s many unique aspects. The word ”Standard” in the
title of this document means only that the document has been
1.1 This practice covers the procedure for obtaining a
approved though the ASTM consensus process.
representative sample of processed peat material from com-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
pressed bales or bulk loose material sources. This procedure is
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
applicable for sampling peat materials for horticultural pur-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
poses and produces a sample that is representative of peat
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
materials that may be heterogeneous in nature. Producing a
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
representative sample of a material is central to the validity of
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
the results for any testing or analytical procedure which can be
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
used to verify the grade of peat.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
for information only and are not considered standard.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall confirm to the
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in 2. Referenced Documents
Practice D6026. 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.3.1 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected/
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the
Fluids
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
Construction Materials Testing
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis
cords in Geotechnical Data
methods for engineering design.
3. Terminology
1.4 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing
one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace
3.1 Definitions:
education or experience and should be used in conjunction
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this
with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may
standard, refer to Terminology D653.
be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not
intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which
4. Summary of Practice
the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged,
4.1 Forcompressedpeatbales,aslottedtubecorerisusedat
nor should this document be applied without consideration of
multiple locations to obtain subsamples of material. For bulk
stockpiles, a shovel is used at multiple locations to obtain
This practice 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. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved May 1, 2022. Published May 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1971. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D2944 – 14. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D2944-22. 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
D2944 − 22
3 3
subsamples of material. The subsamples are then thoroughly bales greater than 1.6 m (55 ft ) shall have at least two cores
mixed to create the representative sample. The representative collected from each bale.
sample is put into a labeled, airtight sealable container. 7.2.3 Collect the core subsamples from each bale. Lay the
bale horizontally and insert the corer at the end of the bale,
5. Significance and Use
away from the edge. The maximum number of samples
5.1 This practice is primarily used in the horticulture indus- collected from each bale will be dependent on the number of
bales within the lot to be sampled, the mass of each subsample
try to collect a representative sample of processed peat
materials. The representative sample can then be used for collected and the minimum representative sample mass. For
bales sizes requiring at least two samples, insert the corer at
further testing including, but not limited to, the determination
of moisture, ash, and organic matter; volume; pH;, moisture- each end of the bale. For lot sizes that require three or more
samples are collected from each bale, insert the corer at
holding capacity, and air capacity of water-saturated peat
materials; total nitrogen; particle size distribution; and sand random throughout the bale, never sampling in the exact spot
twice.Thecorershallbeinsertedata90°angle,300to450mm
content of processed peat materials.
(11.8 to 17.7 in) deep. Remove the corer and extract the
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
subsample. Measure and record the subsample mass to the
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
nearest 0.1 g. Each subsample mass shall meet the minimum
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent required mass list
...

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: D2944 − 14 D2944 − 22
Standard Practice of
Sampling Processed Peat Materials for Horticultural
Purposes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2944; 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 practice the covers the procedure for obtaining samples for use in the determination of moisture, ash, and organic matter;
volume; pH; volume weights, water-holding capacity, and air capacity of water-saturated peat materials; total nitrogen; particle size
range; and sand content of processed peat materials. a representative sample of processed peat material from compressed bales or
bulk loose material sources. This procedure is validapplicable for sampling peat materials for horticultural purposes and produces
a sample that is representative of a material.peat materials that may be heterogeneous in nature. Producing a representative sample
of a material is central to the validity of the results for any testing or analytical procedure which can be used to verify the grade
of peat.
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound unitsvalues given in parentheses are
provided for information only.only and are not considered standard.
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall confirm 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 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 though
the ASTM consensus process.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.22 on Soil as a Medium Media
for Plant Growth.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2014May 1, 2022. Published November 2014May 2022. Originally approved in 1971. Last previous edition approved in 20132014 as
D2944 – 13.D2944 – 14. DOI: 10.1520/D2944-14.10.1520/D2944-22.
*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
D2944 − 22
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:
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction
Materials Testing
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this practice, refer to Terminology D653.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 For compressed peat bales, a slotted tube corer is used at multiple locations to obtain subsamples of material. For bulk
stockpiles, a shovel is used at multiple locations to obtain subsamples of material. The subsamples are then thoroughly mixed to
create the representative sample. The representative sample is put into a labeled, airtight sealable container.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This practice provides a uniform procedure for obtaining representative samples when obtained from multiple sources. It
provides a sample that is more representative of a product that may be heterogeneous in nature. Producing is primarily used in the
horticulture industry to collect a representative sample of a material is central to the validity of results any testing/analytical
procedure. processed peat materials. The representative sample can then be used for further testing including, but not limited to,
the determination of moisture, ash, and organic matter; volume; pH;, moisture-holding capacity, and air capacity of water-saturated
peat materials; total nitrogen; particle size distribution; and sand content of processed peat materials.
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.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Slotted Tube Corer—A single or double tube, with holes (slots) along the length, pointed end, and a minimum 25-mm (1-in.)
inside diameter.
6.2 Sample Splitter. Balance or Scale—Balances/Scales shall conform to the requirements of Guide D4753. The balance/scale
shall have a readability without estimation of 0.1 g. The capacity of this balance will need to exceed the mass of the sample
container plus 1000 g.
5.3 Oil Cloth.
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.
D2944 − 22
6.3 Sample Containers—A glass or equivalent inert container with airtight, sealable lid and enough capacity to hold the type and
size of sample obtained and be hermetically sealed.1000 g of sample.
6.4 Miscellaneous Items—Items such as, stainless steel shovel, labels, indelible markers, and gloves.
7. Procedure
7.1 Determine and record the mass of the container and lid to the nearest 0.1 g.
7.2 Take a representative sample from the lot or shipment with a slotted
...