The purpose of this test method is to standardize the routine description of peat and other organic soils for various uses (such as, peatland inventories and resource evaluations). This test method is a modified version of a widely used system originally developed by L. von Post.³ This test method should be used to supplement other field information, such as, site location, surface morphology, surface vegetation, water table, moisture content, fiber content, wood content, and visually identifiable plant types and parts.

It should be stressed that this is a visual/manual method and is not meant to replace the more precise method of laboratory classification of peat (see Classification D 4427). It should also be noted that this test method is independent of the determination of whether a particular deposit contains peat that is defined in Classification D 4427 on the basis of laboratory determination of ash content (see Test Method D 2974).

Note 1-The quality of the result produced by this test method is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.