Soil quality test kit guide

Summary

In the first section, the Soil Quality Test Kit Guide describes multiple test procedures to measure the physical, chemical, and biological properties of a soil. This includes biological activity, infiltration rate, soil compaction, salt concentration, acidity/ alkalinity, nitrate levels, aggregate stability, number of earthworms, soil structure and soil texture.
The interpretive guide in the second section helps to explain the obtained results of each test described in Section I in the context of soil quality.
In the testing section a preliminary site characterization and sampling guideline is presented. This is followed by step-by-step instructions for the tests, using pictures to allow a qualitative assessment of soil respiration, infiltration, bulk density, electrical conductivity pH, soil nitrate, aggregate stability, slake, earthworm, soil physical observation and estimation and water quality. Test can be carried out individually, but for some of the tests special devices are required.
With sections guide for testing and interpretation, this Test Kit Guide serves as a screening tool to provide results for comparing management systems, monitoring changes in soil quality over time, and for identifying improvements in management to increase soil quality.
Support by experienced farmers or advisors is recommended for the testing and interpreting.