4.1 This practice provides a uniform procedure for obtaining representative samples when obtained from multiple sources. It provides a sample that is more representative of a product that may be heterogeneous in nature. Producing a representative sample of a material is central to the validity of results any testing/analytical procedure.

Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard 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 D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

1.1 This practice the covers procedure for obtaining samples for use in the determination of moisture, ash, and organic matter; volume; pH; volume weights, water-holding capacity, and air capacity of water-saturated peat materials; total nitrogen; particle size range; and sand content of processed peat materials. This procedure is valid for sampling peat materials for horticultural purposes and produces a sample that is representative of a material.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word ”Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved though the ASTM consensus process.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.