5.1 This test method can be used to determine the moisture content, ash content, and percent organic matter in soil.

5.2 The percent organic matter is 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.

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.

1.1 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.

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

1.1.2 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 ± 5°C. This method is used when the peat is to be used as fuel.

1.1.3 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 ± 40°C.

1.1.4 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 ± 38°C.

1.2 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

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

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

1.4.1 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 beyone 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.