At what temperature should soil samples be dried in the oven?

The appropriate temperature for drying soil samples in the oven is 110 ± 5 °C. This temperature range is commonly specified in various soil testing standards, including those relevant to aggregate and soil moisture content determination. Drying soil at this temperature helps to ensure that moisture is effectively evaporated without risking thermal degradation of the soil properties or potential loss of volatile components.

Maintaining a consistent drying temperature within this range allows for accurate determination of moisture content, which is crucial for various assessments in construction, material testing, and engineering applications. If the temperature is too low, the moisture may not evaporate completely, resulting in misleading test results. Conversely, if the temperature is too high, there is a risk of altering the soil's physical or chemical properties, which can compromise the integrity of the sample.