ASTM International

Standard Test Methods for Moisture, Ash, and Organic Matter of Peat and Other Organic Soils
 N D2974

Annotation

These test methods cover the measurement of moisture content, ash content, and organic matter in peats and other organic soils, such as organic clays, silts, and mucks. Test Method D2216 provides an alternative method for determining moisture content in mineral soils and rock.

Test Method A—Moisture is determined by drying peat or organic sample at 110 6 5°C.

Test Method B—Alternative moisture method which removes the total moisture in two steps:

(1) evaporation of moisture at room temperature,

(2) subsequent oven drying of air dried sample at 110 6 5°C. This method is used when the peat is to be used as fuel.

Test Method C—Ash content of a peat or organic soil sample, for general purposes, is determined by igniting oven dried sample from moisture content determination in a furnace at 440 6 40°C.

Test Method D—Ash content of a peat or organic soil sample, for materials used for fuel, is determined by igniting oven dried sample from moisture content determination in a furnace at 750 6 38°C.

Test Method A should be used for general classification, except for use of the peat as a fuel. Test Method B should be used when peats are being evaluated for use as a fuel

The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.