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Soil Quality / Soil Health AssessmentOverviewSoil quality is an assessment of how well soil performs all of its functions now and how those functions are being preserved for future use. Soil quality or health cannot be determined by measuring only crop yield, water quality, or any other single outcome. Soil quality cannot be measured directly, so we evaluate indicators. Indicators are measurable properties of soil or plants that provide clues about how well the soil can function. Indicators can be physical, chemical, and biological properties, processes, or characteristics of soils. They can also be morphological or visual features of plants. Useful indicators:
Indicators can be assessed by qualitative or quantitative techniques. After measurements are collected, they can be evaluated by looking for patterns and comparing results to measurements taken at a different time or field. Examples of soil quality indicators
Soil Quality Indicator Information SheetsSoil Quality Indicator Guide Sheet (PDF, 740KB) - A How-to Guide Physical Properties
Aggregate Stability (PDF, 380KB) Chemical PropertiesSoil pH
(PDF, 265KB) Biological Properties
Earthworms
(PDF, 485KB) Note: Soil Quality Kit Guides that serve as soil property lesson plans for teachers and educators are available at Soil Quality for Educators. Soil Quality / Soil Health Assessment Guidelines"Guidelines for Soil Quality Assessment in Conservation Planning" describes a step-by step process for assessing soil quality. It will help you decide whether to do an elaborate or simple assessment, which tools to use, and what management practices to use to address soil quality concerns. While the guidelines are presented in the context of the NRCS 9-step conservation planning process, they are also useful in informal assessments, or as an educational resource for teaching soil quality concepts. This guide uses the terms soil quality, soil health, and soil condition interchangeably. Guidelines for Soil Quality Assessment in Conservation Planning (PDF, 564KB) For more information go to: |
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