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Soil quality test kit guide

{Tool} Soil quality test kit guide. Issuing Organisation(s): USDA - United States Department of Agriculture. (2001)

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Document available online at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_050956.pdf


Summary in the original language of the document

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.


EPrint Type:Practice tool
Teaser:Assess and improve your soil quality on your own farm!
What problem does the tool address?:Soil degradation (chemical, biological, physical), productivity loss
What solution does the tool offer?:Local assessment of origin of soil degradation and promotion of sustainable soil practices
Country:United States of America
Type of Practice Tool:Leaflets & guidelines
Theme:Soil quality and fertility
Keywords:arable farming, diagnostic tool, soil degradation, soil organic matter, soil pH, soil quality, soil structure
Keywords:arable farming, measuring instruments, monitoring and evaluation, soil degradation, soil organic matter, soil pH, soil quality, soil structure, soil properties
Agrovoc keywords:
Language
Value
URI
English
arable farming
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_36528
English
measuring instruments
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_12457
English
monitoring and evaluation
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_bea12d1e
English
soil degradation
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_7168
English
soil organic matter
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_35657
English
soil pH
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_34901
English
soil fertility
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_7170
English
soil quality
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_a9645d28
English
soil structure
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_7196
Subjects: Soil > Soil quality
Soil
Research affiliation: European Union > Horizon 2020 > OK-Net Arable > Selected tools
European Union > Horizon 2020 > OK-Net Arable
European Union > Organic Farm Knowledge
Related Links:http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/national/home/, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/tool/30581
Project ID:ofk
Deposited By: Rasmussen, Ilse Ankjær
ID Code:30581
Deposited On:23 Jan 2017 13:33
Last Modified:02 May 2024 10:31
Document Language:English
Status:Published

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