Laserfiche WebLink
peats, but becomes less useful when the objective is to make <br />finite distinctions based on specific criteria. The system based <br />on organic matter content applies such specific criteria and is <br />therefore better suited to such an objective. <br />4.1.2 Characteristics of Colorado Peat Soils <br />Colorado peat soils originate from grasses, sedges, and <br />shrubby plant species. As such they are considered reed - sedge, <br />or woody- reed -sedge peats. The organic matter content is quite <br />variable, and may occasionally fall below the minimum organic <br />matter content level specified in the SCS definition of organic <br />soils. <br />An analysis of peats from excavations in Park County showed <br />that in practice what is sold as peat fits within the above <br />definition provided by the SCS. Organic matter contents of the <br />samples analyzed ranged from 21 to 83 percent. The majority of <br />what is sold as peat probably has an average organic matter <br />content of around 50 percent. At the lower end of the percent <br />organic matter range are the soils which are commonly termed <br />topsoil, and at the high end are those that are commonly thought <br />of as peats. Other than a difference in the mineral fraction, <br />there is no clear distinction between what one might consider <br />topsoil and what might be considered peat. The exception with <br />regard to terminology, however, concerns the use of terms like <br />• 31 <br />