ASTM F1647-11 (2018) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM F1647-11(2018) — Standard Test Methods for Organic Matter Content of Athletic Field Rootzone Mixes. This document defines two laboratory procedures (Method A: loss on ignition; Method B: Walkley‑Black dichromate oxidation) and the associated apparatus, sample preparation, calculations and reporting required to determine percent organic matter in volume‑ratio mixed putting‑green and sports‑turf rootzone mixes (excluding peat and highly organic soils).

Abstract

The standard specifies two accepted test methods for quantifying organic matter in rootzone mixes used on athletic fields and putting greens. Method A uses loss on ignition (LOI) and Method B uses the Walkley‑Black dichromate oxidation procedure with colorimetric determination. The standard includes required apparatus, stepwise procedures, and the calculations to report percent organic matter; it also notes limitations and recommended alternative methods for highly organic soils such as peat.

General information

• Status: Active (reaffirmed 2018).
• Publication date: Designation F1647-11 (approved 2011); reaffirmed / published as F1647-11R18 in 2018 (last updated Nov 28, 2018).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 97.220.10 (Sports facilities / athletic field testing).
• Edition / version: F1647-11R18 (original F1647-11, reaffirmed 2018).
• Number of pages: 3.

Scope

This standard covers laboratory test methods to determine the percentage organic matter in volume‑ratio mixed rootzone materials used for putting greens and sports turf. It applies to inorganic/volume‑ratio mixes and explicitly excludes peat and other highly organic soils (for which Test Method D2974 is recommended). The document requires use of SI units and includes safety/disposal notes relevant to reagents used in Method B.

Key topics and requirements

• Method A — Loss on ignition (LOI): oven drying and ignition steps to calculate mass loss attributable to organic matter.
• Method B — Walkley‑Black dichromate oxidation: chemical oxidation with colorimetric determination of reaction product.
• Required apparatus, sample collection and preparation, stepwise procedures, and standard calculations to report percent organic matter.
• Scope limitations: does not apply to peat and other organic soils; reference to ASTM D2974 for those materials.
• Units and reporting: SI units required; include precision/verification recommendations (interlaboratory precision information available in associated RR/F08 report).
• Safety and environmental notes covering handling and disposal of chemical reagents used in Method B.

Typical use and users

Used by soils and materials testing laboratories, turfgrass scientists and agronomists, golf course superintendents, sports field managers, rootzone mix manufacturers, landscape architects and consultants who specify or verify the composition of putting green and sports‑turf rootzone mixes. It is commonly used during quality control of mix manufacture, acceptance testing for installed rootzones, and research comparing rootzone formulations.

Related standards

ASTM Test Method D2974 (recommended alternative for peat and other organic soils) is explicitly referenced. The committee research report RR:F08‑1005 documents interlaboratory precision for F1647 procedures. Additional ASTM and turf‑science test methods addressing particle size, infiltration, and other rootzone properties are commonly used in conjunction with F1647 for comprehensive rootzone specification and testing.

Keywords

organic matter, rootzone, athletic field, putting green, loss on ignition, LOI, Walkley‑Black, dichromate oxidation, sports turf, rootzone mixes, ASTM F1647, D2974, soil testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F1647-11(2018) is a set of standardized laboratory test methods for determining percent organic matter in volume‑ratio mixed putting‑green and sports‑turf rootzone materials; it documents two accepted methods (LOI and Walkley‑Black) and related procedures.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample preparation, required apparatus, step‑by‑step procedures, calculations and reporting for Method A (loss on ignition) and Method B (Walkley‑Black dichromate oxidation). It excludes peat and very organic soils (see ASTM D2974).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Laboratories testing rootzone materials, turf and agronomy professionals, sports‑field and golf course managers, landscape architects, consultants and manufacturers performing quality control on rootzone mixes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation F1647-11 indicates original approval in 2011; the document was reaffirmed and published in ASTM’s system as F1647‑11R18 (reaffirmation date / last update shown Nov 28, 2018). The standard is listed as active. Users should check ASTM or an official standards subscription for any later revisions beyond 2018.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: F1647 is a stand‑alone set of test methods within ASTM Committee F08 (Sports and Recreational Facilities) but is often used together with related soil and turf standards (for example ASTM D2974 for organic soils and other turf/rootzone characterization standards). An interlaboratory research report (RR:F08‑1005) complements F1647 by documenting precision.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Organic matter, rootzone, loss on ignition (LOI), Walkley‑Black, dichromate oxidation, sports turf, putting green, ASTM F1647, D2974.