1. Scope

1.1 This guide covers the material characteristics, physical requirements, and sampling appropriate for the designation of the material as a mineral amendment.

1.2 The presence in the topsoil of the correct nutrient and pH level is necessary for healthy plant growth. This guide does not, however, cover a determination of the nutrients, nor their availability.

Note 1The nutrient content of topsoil is important and the chemicals usually evaluated are nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. Nutrient deficiencies may be corrected by using fertilizers. Excess soluble salts should be examined as to their desirability. The acidity or alkalinity of the soil is also important. Excess acidity may be corrected by the application of lime dust. Excess alkalinity may be corrected by the application of sulfur or other suitable acidifying compounds. The latter item, in addition to lowering pH, also could be considered as an aggregate when considering the particle size distribution.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 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.

1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word 'Standard' in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

C29/C29M Test Method for Bulk Density (Unit Weight) and Voids in Aggregate

C566 Test Method for Total Evaporable Moisture Content of Aggregate by Drying

D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates

D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

D1140 Test Methods for Amount of Material in Soils Finer than No. 200 (75-m) Sieve

D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction

D4972 Test Method for pH of Soils

D5268 Specification for Topsoil Used for Landscaping Purposes

E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves

Keywords

horticulture; landscaping; mineral amendment; soil; soil amendment; modification; topsoil ;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 65.020.40 (Landscaping and silviculture)

DOI: 10.1520/D5883-96R02

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