Standard Test Method for pH of Peat Materials

Importancia y uso:

5.1 The pH of peat is a useful variable in determining the solubility of minerals, the mobility of ions in the peat, and assessing the viability of the peat-plant environment. pH measurements are made in both test water and a calcium chloride solution because the pH readings in test water can be modified by salts, such as fertilizer material, whereas the observed pH in calcium chloride solution is virtually independent of the initial amount of salts present in the peat. pH values obtained in a calcium chloride solution are usually about a 0.5 to 0.8 pH unit lower than measurements in test water due to release of more hydrogen ions by cation exchange. Both measurements are needed to fully define the character of the peat’s pH.

5.2 pH measurements are used in the agricultural, environmental, geotechnical, and natural resources fields. The pH of peat materials is helpful when evaluating a peat as a topsoil or growing medium for plants.

Note 2: 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.

Subcomité:

D18.22

Referida por:

D4427-23, F2747-19, D8202-18R24, D8198-18R24, F3339-20, F2396-11R19

Volúmen:

04.08

Número ICS:

65.080 (Fertilizers)

Palabras clave:

acidity; alkalinity; peat; pH; reaction; water penetration; water retention;