ASTM D4972-19

1.1 These test methods cover the measurement of the pH of soils that will pass the 2.00 mm (No. 10) sieve. Such measurements are used in the agricultural, environmental, geotechnical, and natural resources fields. This measurement determines the degree of acidity or alkalinity in soil materials suspended in water and a 0.01 M calcium chloride solution. Measurements in both liquids are necessary to fully define the soil's pH. This variable is useful in determining the solubility of soil minerals and the mobility of ions in the soil and assessing the viability of the soil-plant environment. A more detailed discussion of the usefulness of this parameter is given in Refs (1-6)2.