The stainless steel peat sampler is in fact a kind of gouge auger. The peat sampler is pushed into the soil manually. The sample containing part is a half cylinder. The peat sampler distinguishes itself from the standard gouge auger as its cone is massive. The sample containing section is sealed off by a plate (fin) that can pivot around the axle in the middle of the sampler and that is fitted with a cutting edge on one side. Having arrived at the correct sampling depth the complete sampler is given half a turn clockwise (180). During the turning the fin remains in position which allows the half cylinder to be filled and closed again. The half circular sample cylinder is kept closed by the other side of the fin during extraction.