ASTM_D_2976_-_22.pdf

Designation:D297622Standard Test Method forpH of Peat Materials1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2976;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope*1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the pH ofpeat materials used as a growing medium.This measurementdetermines the degree of acidity or alkalinity in peat materialssuspended in water and a 0.01 M calcium chloride solution.Measurements in both liquids are necessary to fully define thepeats pH.This variable is useful in assessing the viability ofthe peat-plant environment.This test method does not apply topeat that is in paper or construction materials.Test MethodD4972 is used for pH testing of soils and Test Method G51 isused for pH testing of soils for corrosion analysis(see Note 1).NOTE1These three standards are being intentionally kept separate forclarity at the request of the various subcommittees.1.2 UnitsThe values given in SI units are to be regarded asthe standard.No other units of measurement are included inthis standard.1.3 All measured and calculated values shall conform to theguidelines for significant digits and rounding established inPractice D6026.1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated,in this standard are regarded as theindustry standard.In addition,they are representative of thesignificant digits that generally should be retained.The proce-dures used do not consider material variation,purpose forobtaining the data,special purpose studies,or any consider-ations for the users objectives;and it is common practice toincrease or reduce significant digits of reported data to becommensurate with these considerations.It is beyond the scopeof this standard to consider significant digits used in analysismethods for engineering design.1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety,health,and environmental practices and deter-mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-ization established in the Decision on Principles for theDevelopment of International Standards,Guides and Recom-mendations issued by the World Trade Organization TechnicalBarriers to Trade(TBT)Committee.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D653 Terminology Relating to Soil,Rock,and ContainedFluidsD1193 Specification for Reagent WaterD3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for AgenciesEngaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock asUsed in Engineering Design and ConstructionD4753 Guide for Evaluating,Selecting,and Specifying Bal-ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil,Rock,andConstruction Materials TestingD4972 Test Methods for pH of SoilsD6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-cords in Geotechnical DataG51 Test Method for Measuring pH of Soil for Use inCorrosion Testing3.Terminology3.1 Definitions:3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in thisstandard,refer to Terminology D653.4.Summary of Test Method4.1 Two similar test specimens are obtained from a repre-sentative sample.One specimen is mixed with test water andone is mixed with a calcium chloride solution.They are thenthoroughly stirred and both are allowed to stand for 30 minprior to testing with a pH meter.5.Significance and Use5.1 The pH of peat is a useful variable in determining thesolubility of minerals,the mobility of ions in the peat,and1This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil andRock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.22 on Media for PlantGrowth.Current edition approved Feb.1,2022.Published February 2022.Originallyapproved in 1971.Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D2976-15.DOI:10.1520/D2976-22.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standardCopyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United StatesThis international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for theDevelopment of International Standards,Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade(TBT)Committee.1assessing the viability of the peat-plant environment.pHmeasurements are made in both test water and a calciumchloride solution becaus