Intensive Agriculture - Soil Quality

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Soil quality is an assessment of how well soil performs all of its functions now and how those functions are being preserved for future use . It cannot be determined by measuring only crop yield , water quality , or any other single outcome

The ultimate purpose of assessing soil quality is to provide the information necessary to protect and improve long-term agricultural productivity , water quality , and habitats of all organisms including people

People have different ideas of what a quality soil is . For example

p for people involved in farming , it may mean a land that is highly productive , sustaining or enhancing productivity , maximizing profits , or maintaining the soil resource for future generations

for consumers , it may mean plentiful , healthful , and inexpensive food for present and future generations

for naturalists , it may mean soil in harmony with the landscape and its surroundings

for the environmentalist , it may mean soil functioning at its potential in an ecosystem with respect to maintenance or enhancement of biodiversity , water quality , nutrient cycling , and biomass production

ABSTRACT

Soil has both inherent and dynamic qualities . Inherent soil quality is a soil 's natural ability to function . For example , sandy soil drains faster than clayey soil . Deep soil has more room for roots than soils with bedrock near the surface . These characteristics do not change easily

Dynamic soil quality is how soil changes depending on how it is managed Management choices affect the amount of soil organic matter , soil structure , soil depth , water and nutrient holding capacity . One goal of soil quality research is to learn how to manage soil in a way that improves soil function . Due to the inherent variation in the properties of the soil and the surrounding landscape , soil management also differs

METODOLOGY

When measuring soil quality , it is important to evaluate the physical chemical , and biological properties of the soil . The kit addresses different physical properties . These include bulk density , water content , infiltration rate , aggregate stability , slaking , and morphological estimations . Soil respiration and the presence of the earthworms are the key contents that are measured under the biological properties . Soil chemical properties looked at includes pH , EC , and the soil nitrate levels . The chemical tests are also useful to evaluate water quality of well-water , tile drainage waters , and other water bodies related to farm activities

Measuring Soil Quality

The chemical , biological and physical features make the basis of the soil quality . This is due to their interactions . Therefore , to capture the holistic nature of soil quality or health , all of the parameters in the kit should be measured . However , not all parameters have equal relevance to all soils and situations . For example , the EC test for salinity may not be useful in the eastern part of the U .S . where salinity is not a problem

A minimum data set of soil properties , or indicators , from each of the three soil components are selected based on their ability to indicate the capacity of the soil to function for a specific land...