5.1 This practice separates peat material into arbitrary fractions based on particle size. Physical separation of peat material according to particle size provides a useful indicator of the properties of a peat specimen such as pore space, decomposition, etc. It provides a means of determining the amount of foreign matter not in a divided state such as sticks, stones, and glass.

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/ and the like. 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 covers measurement of the mass percentage of fractions of a peat material defined in terms of selected ranges of screen sizes.

1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are being regarded as standard. Units of inch-pound are provided for information only.

1.3 All measured and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

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.