Guidelines for Soil Quality Assessment in Conservation Planning
Guidelines for Soil Quality Assessment in Conservation Planning
Guidelines for Soil Quality Assessment in Conservation Planning
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Table 1. Example of a M<strong>in</strong>imum Data Set of Indicators <strong>for</strong> <strong>Soil</strong> <strong>Quality</strong><br />
Indicator<br />
<strong>Soil</strong> organic matter (SOM)<br />
PHYSICAL<br />
<strong>Soil</strong> structure<br />
Depth of soil and root<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Infiltration and bulk density<br />
Water hold<strong>in</strong>g capacity<br />
CHEMICAL<br />
pH<br />
Electrical conductivity<br />
Extractable nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P),<br />
and potassium (K)<br />
BIOLOGICAL<br />
Microbial biomass carbon (C) and N<br />
Potentially m<strong>in</strong>eralizable N<br />
Relationship to <strong>Soil</strong> Health<br />
<strong>Soil</strong> fertility, structure, stability, nutrient retention, soil<br />
erosion, and available water capacity<br />
Retention and transport of water and nutrients, habitat <strong>for</strong><br />
microbes, and soil erosion<br />
Estimate of crop productivity potential, compaction, and<br />
plow pan<br />
Water movement, porosity, and workability<br />
Water storage and availability<br />
Biological and nutrient availability<br />
Plant growth, microbial activity, and salt tolerance<br />
Plant available nutrients and potential <strong>for</strong> N and P loss<br />
Microbial catalytic potential and repository <strong>for</strong> C and N<br />
<strong>Soil</strong> productivity and N supply<strong>in</strong>g potential<br />
<strong>Soil</strong> respiration<br />
Microbial activity measure<br />
(Adapted from: Doran et al, 1996; Larson and Pierce, 1994; and Seybold et al, 1997)<br />
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