Soil Quality Test Kit Tony Ingersoll NRCS Tri-State Natural Resources Technology Team
Soil Quality is: The capacity of a soil to function. It is specific to each kind of soil, or soil series.
Reasons for Testing Soil Quality To determine the existing quality of soils To evaluate the effects of management practices on the soil To determine changes in soil quality over time
Functions of Soil Sustaining biological activity, diversity, and productivity. Regulating and partitioning soil and water flow Filtering and immobilizing organic and inorganic materials, including potential pollutants Storing and cycling nutrients Providing support for construction and agriculture.
Tests Used in the Soil Quality Test Kit Soil Respiration Infiltration Bulk Density Electrical Conductivity Soil pH, Soil Nitrate Aggregate Stability Soil Slaking Earthworms Soil Physical Observations and Estimates
Why is Soil Respiration important? It is a measure of the carbon dioxide being produced as a result of biological activity in the soil. Microbiological activity in the soil is considered beneficial to crop health Soil respiration is highly variable, depending on season and soil disturbance.
Why is Infiltration important? Infiltration is a measurement of how quickly water enters the soil. Infiltration can decrease if aggregates are disrupted, as is the case during tillage.
Why is Bulk Density Important? Increases in Bulk Density may indicate increased soil compaction. Compacted soils can restrict water infiltration, root growth, and reduce the air available in the soil.
Why is Electrical Conductivity Important Electrical Conductivity measures the ions in soil. This is used to measure the salt content of soils over time. This test is most useful in soils which tend to salinity
Why is Soil pH important? The pH of the soil affects the ability of the plant to uptake nutrients. Soil pH may be modified by the use of soil additives such as lime or nitrogen containing fertilizers.
Why is Soil Nitrate Important? Soil nitrate is essential for plant growth When excess nitrates are present in the soil they can leach out of the soil and contaminate groundwater.
Why is Aggregate Stability Important? The destruction of soil aggregates leads to loss of soil structure and potential erosion. This test measures the resistance of the soil aggregates to running water.
Why is Soil Slaking Important? This also tests the ability of the soil aggregates to withstand stress from water. This test measures the stability of the soil in the face of rapid wetting of the soil fragments.
Why are Earthworms Important? Earthworms improve soil quality by –increasing nutrient availability –decomposing organic material –enhancing soil porosity
Why are Soil Observations Important? Soil development is a long term process. Only by observing changes in your soil over time will you be able to evaluate the effects of your soil practices.
Our Soil Kit Recommendations After testing the soil kit, we have compiled a list of alternate sources for the materials used in the kit, as well as evaluating the tests in the kit.
Questions?