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Physical and Chemical Properties of Some Peats Used as Soil Amendments¹

ABSTRACT

More than half a million tons of peat are sold annually in the United States for soil improvement. The properties of interest to the buyer and seller are discussed and data for these properties given. Dry organic matter of peats as sold are reported as follows: bulk 26.6, bale 66.4, and moisture-proof packages 37.7 pounds per 100 pounds of peat. The pressure-plate and pressure-membrane procedures, as used in soils work, are shown to be satisfactory for measuring moisture-retention properties of peats.

¹ Contribution from the Soil and Water Conservation Research Division, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, Md. The assistance of several people is gratefully acknowledged. Frederick J. Hermann, Crops Research Division, ARS, identified the plant remains in the peats. L. T. Alexander, Soil Survey Laboratories, SCS, loaned the moisture-retention equipment. Benny R. Brasher, Soil Survey Laboratories, SCS, assisted in the moisture-retention determinations. W. M. Hoffman and R. J. Ferretti of this Division determined the moisture content as received, ash content, and pH of the peats. M. S. Anderson collected some of the samples. Presented before Div. III, Soil Science Society of America, Nov. 18, 1959, at Cincinnati, Ohio.

² Soil Scientist.

Received for publication December 4, 1959. Accepted for publication January 11, 1960.