Table of Contents

Purpose:

This test is done to determine the organic content of the soil. Organic content is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, to the mass of dry soil solids in a given mass of soil.

Standard Reference:

ASTM D 2974 Standard test methods for peat and organic soil moisture, ash and organic matter

Importance:

Organic matter affects many physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. Some of the properties affected by organic matter include soil structure, soil compressibility and shear strength. In addition, it also affects water holding capacity, nutrient contribution, biological activity, and water and air infiltration rates.

Device:

muffle furnace,
balance,
porcelain dish,
spatula,
tongs

Testing Process:

(1) Determine and record the mass of an empty, clean and dry porcelain dish (M_P,

(2) Place a portion of the moisture content experiment or the entire oven-dried test sample in the porcelain dish and determine and record the mass of the dish and the soil sample (M_{public distribution system},

(3) Place the dish in a muffle furnace. Gradually increase the temperature in the furnace to 440 . do⁰c. Leave the sample in the furnace overnight.

(4) Using tongs, carefully remove the porcelain dish (the dish is very hot), and let it cool to room temperature. Determine and record the mass of the dish containing the ash (burnt soil) (M_{the countryside},

(5) Empty and clean the vessel.

Data Analysis:

(1) Determine the mass of dry soil.

M_D= m_{public distribution system}-M_P

(2) Determine the mass of ash (burnt) soil.

M_a= m_{the countryside}-M_P

(3) Determine the mass of the organic matter

M_hey = m_D – M_a

(4) Determine the organic matter (material).

OM = (m_hey/M_D)*100

article written by

Pro. Krishna Reddy, UIC