This paper deals with the problem of determining the particle size distribution of selected organic soils from the vicinity of Rzeszów (Poland), using a laser diffractometer method, the knowledge of which will allow to determine the degree of differentiation or similarity of the tested organic soils in this aspect. The HELOS Laser Diffractometer manufactured by Sympatec GmbH was used for the tests. For proper analysis, the researches results in the form of graphs were grouped according to the content of organic substances in accordance with the standard classification. The conducted research was primarily aimed at presenting the grain differentiation and particle size distribution in terms of the applied method and comparing the test results of samples of selected, different organic soils, prepared using the same dispersion procedure and carried out in exactly the same test conditions, generated using capabilities of a diffractometer. Summing up, the laser diffractometer method presented in the article, although not fully verified in the case of organic soils, seems to be a the perspective method with capabilities allowing it to be nominated as an exceptionally useful method for the investigations of soft soils, including organic soils.

This paper discusses the use of the Casagrande Cup and Cone Penetrometer Methods for determining the liquid limit of selected organic soils in in the south-eastern region of Poland in laboratory conditions in accordance with the latest standard guidelines. 10 methods established on the basis of literature materials were used to interpret the test results: 4 for test in the Casagrande Cup and 6 for the Cone Penetrometer. The results were compared and used to determine the parameters necessary to assessment of consistency of all type of soils, e.g.: plasticity index ���� (%), consistency index ���� (–) or liquidity index ���� (–). The knowledge of these parameters makes it possible to determine the degree of plasticity of the tested soils using the Cassagrande chart. The conducted research and analyses have shown that the results of determining the liquid limit using the selected methods are not always comparable. The application of calculation methods based on the results of laboratory tests organic soils carried out in accordance with the procedures of the one standard (PN-B-04481: 1988), in the case of interpretation with Method No. 5 and Method No. 7, generated results with the widest range and the highest values in relation to the reference values (Method No. 1). In terms of the suitability of a given method, the type of tested soil, extremely complicated, diverse and heterogeneous structure turned out to be important, and most importantly, the content of organic parts, as evidenced by the results of consistency determination.