Resistivity and Physical characteristic of Meranti’s Peat

Abstract

Peat physical properties (e.g. unit weight, water content, ash and fibre content) are different from mineral soil due to it high water and organic content. Traditional method requires laboratory test which is time consuming and costly. This study attempted to estimate peat physical properties based on its resistivity value. Peat samples were obtained from several locations and various depth using peat sampler in Lukun village at Meranti Distric, Riau Province. The resistivity value measured in the field using 4 pin soil resistance meter along with the determination of moist weight and unit weight. Laboratory tests were conducted on the sample. Statistical analysis was then performed to check whether there is correlation between field resistivity value and peat physical parameters. The result revealed that water content and dry unit weight are correlated to some degree with resistivity value but not for other parameters i.e. wet unnit weight, specific gravity and ash content.