ASTM D4427-92(1997)
(Classification)Standard Classification of Peat Samples by Laboratory Testing
Standard Classification of Peat Samples by Laboratory Testing
SCOPE
1.1 This classification is a system for subdividing and assigning nomenclature to peat samples through laboratory tests. Note 1-A field classification of peat is presently being developed by Subcommittee D18.18.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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Designation: D 4427 – 92 (Reapproved 1997)
Standard Classification of
Peat Samples by Laboratory Testing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4427; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope described in Test Methods D 2974.
3.2.4 botanical composition—the dominant plant genus,
1.1 This classification is a system for subdividing and
genera, or informal plant group identified by visual inspection
assigning nomenclature to peat samples through laboratory
as comprising a portion of the fiber in the peat.
tests.
3.2.5 fiber content—the dry weight of fibers remaining on a
NOTE 1—A field classification of peat is presently being developed by
100 mesh sieve after wet sieving. Fiber content is expressed as
Subcommittee D18.18.
a percentage of the original dry weight, using the method
described in Test Method D 1997.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Significance and Use
D 420 Guide for Investigating and Sampling Soil and Rock
4.1 The purpose of this classification is to standardize the
D 1997 Test Method for the Laboratory Determination of
naming of peat materials so that the peat-producer can better
the Fibre Content of Peat Samples By Dry Mass
identify the product and the peat-consumer better select peat
D 2944 Test Method of Sampling Processed Peat Materials
materials to meet requirements. This system may also be used
D 2974 Test Methods for Moisture, Ash, and Organic Mat-
for peat resource evaluations, environmental impact reports,
ter of Peat and Other Organic Soils
and preliminary engineering studies. The parameters selected
D 2976 Test Method for pH of Peat Materials
for use in this classification are ones which have been
D 2980 Test Method for Volume Weights, Water-Holding
determined to relate to the agricultural/horticultural, geotech-
Capacity, and Air Capacity of Water Saturated Peat Mate-
nical, and energy uses of peats.
rials
5. Sample
3. Terminology
5.1 Representative samples of the peat should be used. The
3.1 Definitions:
size and type of sample required is dependent on the tests to be
3.1.1 peat—a naturally-occurring highly organic substance
performed and the coarseness and moisture content of the peat.
derived primarily from plant materials. Peat is distinguished
On taking the sample it should be accurately identified and
from other organic soil materials by its lower ash content (less
placed in a sealed container to prevent moisture loss.
than 25 % ash by dry weight (see Test Methods D 2974)), and
from other phytogenic material of higher rank (that is, lignite
6. Basis for Classification
coal) by its lower calorific value on a water saturated basis.
6.1 Fiber Content:
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
6.1.1 Fibric—Peat with greater than 67 % fibers.
3.2.1 absorbency—the maximum amount of moisture (by
6.1.2 Hemic—Peat with between 33 % and 67 % fibers.
weight) that can be held by the peat. This is expressed in terms
6.1.3 Sapric—Peat with less than 33 % fibers.
of the water-holding capacity as measured using Test Method
NOTE 2—These fiber content categories may be related to the widely
D 2980.
used field assessment of the degree of humification (H) developed by Von
3.2.2 acidity—this is expressed as the pH of the peat in
Post. Fibric corresponds approximately to H − H , hemic to H − H ,
1 3 4 6
water as measured using Test Method D 2976.
and sapric to H − H .
7 10
3.2.3 ash content—the percentage by dry weight of material
6.2 Ash Content (as measured by Test Methods D 2974):
remaining after the oven dry peat is burned, using the methods
6.2.1 Low Ash—Peat with less than 5 % ash.
6.2.2 Medium Ash—Peat with between 5 and 15 % ash.
This classification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil
and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.07 on Identification
and Classification of Soils.
Current edition approved July 15, 1992. Published November 1992. Originally Korpijaakko, E. O., and Woolnough, D. F., “Peatland Survey and Inventory”,
published as D 4427 – 84. Last previous edition D 4427 – 84. Muskeg and the Northern Environment in Canada, University of Toronto Pr
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