1、Designation: D5539 13D5539 14Standard Specification forSeed Starter Mix1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5539; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses i
2、ndicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1. Scope*1.1 This specification covers the material characteristics, physical requirements, and sampling appropriate to the designation ofa soil or soil-like material for
3、 seed starting purposes. This would consist of the duration of germination ending after the cotyledonstage (at the opening of the first true leaves).1.2 Seed starter mix may include natural soils and artificial mixtures of natural or artificial materials used for the initialgermination of seeds to t
4、he cotyledon stage.1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.Alternate sieve designations in parentheses are as provided in Specification E11.1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
5、if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibilityof the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatorylimitations prior to use.1.5 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory mate
6、rial. These notes and footnotes(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2C330 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Structural ConcreteC331 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Concrete Ma
7、sonry UnitsD653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained FluidsD2607 Classification of Peats, Mosses, Humus, and Related Products (Withdrawn 1990)3D4531 Test Methods for Bulk Density of Peat and Peat ProductsE11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves3. Terminology3.1
8、DefinitionsFor definitions of general terms, refer to Terminology D653.Definitions:3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms, refer to Terminology D653.4. Material and Manufacture4.1 The success of a seed starter mix is measured in its ability to provide a germinating seed with certain basic n
9、eeds, that areoutlined as follows. A variety of materials, both natural and artificial, can be employed to provide the characteristics that will fillthe need.4.2 FunctionA seed starter media provides a seed (seedling) with four basic needs:4.2.1 Aeration to permit an exchange of gases between the em
10、erging roots and the surrounding medium,4.2.2 Adequate seed (seedling) to starter media contact to permit water to flow to the seed and seedling root. This function alsorelates to the media having a sufficient amount of water retention to maintain the amount of moisture needed for plant use,4.2.3 A
11、surface that does not inhibit emergence. This relates to the medias ability to resist surface crusting, and1 This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.22 on Soil as a Mediumfor Plant Growth.Current edition
12、 approved June 15, 2013Nov. 1, 2014. Published July 2013November 2014. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2013 asD5539 94 (2013).D5539 13. DOI: 10.1520/D5539-13.10.1520/D5539-14.2 For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer S
13、ervice at serviceastm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standardsvolume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on the ASTM website.3 The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide
14、 the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Becauseit may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current versionof the sta
15、ndard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standardCopyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States14.2.4 A bulk density that does not inhibit root elon
16、gation and proliferation.4.3 MaterialWhile one material may be able to provide all of the needs of a seed (seedling), a mixture of varying percentageof at least two of these materials has been found in practice to yield more consistent results over a wide range of managementpractices. Therefore, see
17、d starters are generally mixtures of materials. The following is a list of materials that have been used asor in seed starter mixes:4.3.1 VermiculiteThis is a natural mineral that has been treated with heat until it becomes porous. This material has the abilityto hold a significant amount of water a
18、nd still allow for excellent drainage. However, it does not provide for good seed-mediacontact.4.3.2 Sphagnum Peat MossThis is a natural accumulation of plant material decayed and decaying under anaerobic conditions,and meeting the specifications outlined in Classification D2607. Industry-wide, this
19、 seems to be the one material that has nosubstitute.4.3.3 PerliteThis is a volcanic ash that looks like small beads of plastic. Similar to vermiculite, it holds less water but providesmore seed-media contact.4.3.4 Coarse SandThis is mineral soil material that passes through a 2.0-mm (No. 10) sieve b
20、ut is retained on a 425-m (No.40) sieve. It provides good drainage and maintains friability. Sieve designations are reported as outlined in Specification E11.4.3.5 Expanded Shale, Clay, or SlateThese are engineered materials that are structural grade, inert, porous lightweightaggregates with propert
21、ies meeting the requirements of Specification C330 and C331. Because of their particle strength, theseaggregates do not consolidate after initial compaction and are thus free draining.4.3.6 Peat Humus and Other Peat ProductsThis material is more highly decomposed than the sphagnum variety. It meets
22、thespecifications outlined in Classification D2607. While it may be used in the mixture, it tends to compact easily.4.3.7 Composted Organic MaterialsThis material has desirable nutrient qualities if the seedling is not to be transplanted;however, it has the same drawbacks as the peat humus. Other pr
23、operties of this material may or may not be desirable dependingon the organic parent material and the manner of composting.4.3.8 Other Organic MaterialsWhile raw organic matter may be tempting from the standpoint of increased friability, it maylead to nitrogen depletion and pest (disease and insect)
24、 problems. Also, some wood products contain natural and artificial toxinswhich are lethal to plants. As such, each material would have to be evaluated on its own merit.4.3.9 Other Inorganic MaterialsThis category includes cinders, ashes, and a variety of artificial inert soil-like material. Eachof t
25、hese materials would have to be evaluated based on its ability to hold moisture, soluble salt content, resistance to compaction,and pH.4.4 DensityThe bulk density of the media must be such that it does not inhibit plant emergence or root elongation. A bulkdensity less than 1.3E+03 kg/m3 (on an oven
26、dry basis (1.3 g/cm3) has been found in practice to provide adequate results. Thismeasurement is made using Test Method D4531 for the dry density of the media.4.5 pHThe optimum pH for a seed starter media varies by the species of the plant being grown. Thus, a specific optimumrange of pH is not appr
27、opriate for this specification. However, the pH must not be extremely acidic or basic.4.6 Soluble SaltsThe concentration of soluble salts must be such that it will result in a conductivity less than 0.35 S/m (3.5mmhos).mmhos) (see Note 1). Also the portion of the concentration of salts attributable
28、to sodium (Na) or chloride (Cl) must notexceed 10 % of the total salt concentration. Conductivity measurements are made by Method 10-3.3 in Agronomy No. 9, Part 2.4NOTE 1Aconductivity of 0.35 S/m (3.5 mmhos) is safe for most plants; however, some salt sensitive plant species can be damaged by a cond
29、uctivityof 0.35 S/m.4.7 NutrientsSince seeds contain their own food supply, the nutrient content of the growth media is not an issue. Over thegermination period covered by this specification, seeds will sprout and form healthy seedlings in a mixture totally devoid ofnutrients. However, low concentra
30、tions of nutrients in the mixture pose no drawbacks in the stage of seedling growth covered bythis specification and may yield certain advantages. Nutrients in a starter mix also allow a seedling to remain in the same mediafurther into its life, reducing the need for transplanting. Since nutrients p
31、ose no harm and are beneficial to the plant in later seedlinggrowth stages, the issue of plant nutrients in the seed starter mix is left to the individual manufacturer or user.4.8 SanitationGerminating seedlings are extremely vulnerable to insects and diseases. To protect the seedling through thispe
32、riod, handling of the media must be as sanitary as practical to reduce the amount of harmful insect eggs and larvae, nematodes,viruses, and microbes. Further sterilization techniques can be used, if desired.5. Rejection and Rehearing5.1 The mixture cannot be labeled as a seed starter mix if it fails
33、 to conform to any of the requirements of this specification.5.2 Material that fails to conform to the requirements of this specification may be rejected. Rejection should be reported to theproducer or supplier promptly and in writing. In case of dissatisfaction with the results of tests, the produc
34、er or supplier may makeclaim for a rehearing.4 “Methods of Soil Analysis,” Method 10-3.3, Agronomy No. 9, Part 2, American Society of Agronomy, Madison, WI, 1982.D5539 1426. Packaging and Package Marking6.1 Unless otherwise specified in the purchase contract or by the purchaser, the prepared mix is
35、packaged in various quantities.Bales and bulk sales are also allowed.6.2 Unless otherwise specified in the purchase contract or by the purchaser, the name of the manufacturer, name of product, netvolume, and a statement denoting compliance with this specification shall be legibly marked on each pack
36、age.7. Keywords7.1 horticulture; peat; seed starter; seedlings; soilSUMMARY OF CHANGESCommittee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (D5539 94(2013)D5539 13) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved June 15, 2013.)(November 1, 2014)(1)
37、Updated Section 1.(2) Updated Section 3.(3) Updated Section 54.ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentionedin this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such
38、 patent rights, and the riskof infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years andif not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn.Your comments are invited
39、either for revision of this standard or for additional standardsand should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of theresponsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fa
40、ir hearing you shouldmake your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this st
41、andard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the aboveaddress or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or serviceastm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http:/ A conductivity of 0.35 S/m (3.5 mmhos) is safe for most plants; however, some salt sensitive plant species can be damaged by a conductivity of 0.35 S/m.D5539 143
