ASTM D2974
Full Name
ASTM D2974 – Standard Test Methods for Moisture, Ash, and Organic Matter of Peat and Other Organic Soils
Scope
ASTM D2974 is a standard test method used to determine the water content, ash content, and organic matter content of peat and other organic soils. This method is applicable to various organic soils, including organic clays, silts, and mucks.
Moisture content determination:
- Method A (oven drying): a representative sample of the peat or organic soil is placed in a pre-weighed container and dried in an oven at 105°C until a constant weight is achieved. The moisture content is calculated as the difference between the initial weight and the oven-dried weight, expressed as a percentage of either the oven-dried weight or the as-received weight.
- Method B (air drying and oven drying): this alternative method involves first air-drying the sample at room temperature and then oven-drying it at 105°C until a constant weight is reached. This method is often preferred when further tests, such as nitrogen, pH, or cation exchange capacity, are to be performed on the sample.
Ash content determination:
- Method C (ignition at 440°C): the oven-dried sample from the moisture content determination is placed in a pre-weighed dish and ignited in a muffle furnace at 440°C until a constant weight is achieved. The ash content is calculated as the weight of the remaining residue, expressed as a percentage of the oven-dried weight. This method is generally used for geotechnical and general classification purposes.
- Method D (ignition at 750°C): similar to method C, but the sample is ignited at 750°C. This method is typically used when evaluating peat for fuel applications.
Organic matter content determination:
- The organic matter content is determined by subtracting the ash content (determined by either method C or D) from 100%.
The properties measured by ASTM D2974 are essential for various applications involving peat and organic soils:
- Moisture content is crucial in determining the handling and storage requirements of these soils.
- Ash content provides insights into the inorganic component of the soil, which is valuable for geotechnical assessments.
- Organic matter content is essential for classifying peat and organic soils, influencing their suitability for different applications, such as agriculture, horticulture, and environmental remediation.
ASTM D2974 Accredited Laboratory
Applied Testing & Geosciences, LLC is accredited for performing tests using the ASTM D2974 standard.
Contact us today to discuss your testing needs and receive a customized quote.
Resources
Keywords
ash content; moisture content; organic material; organic soil; peat; percent organic matter; water content