Soil Health Assessment Checklist: Farm Fertility & Sustainable Practices

Boost your farm's productivity & sustainability! Our Soil Health Assessment Checklist guides you through vital tests for fertility, organic matter, and nutrient levels. Ensure optimal crop yields and build a healthier, more resilient farm - download now!

This Template was installed 2 times.

Visual Soil Assessment

1 of 10

Observe soil structure, color, and presence of organic matter.

Soil Color (Munsell notation or description)

Describe Soil Structure (e.g., granular, blocky, platy)

Presence of Standing Water or Puddling?

Visible Organic Matter (e.g., decaying leaves, manure)

Evidence of Crust Formation?

Describe any unusual observations (e.g., discoloration, unusual growth)

Soil Texture Analysis

2 of 10

Determine the proportions of sand, silt, and clay.

Percentage of Sand (0-100%)

Percentage of Silt (0-100%)

Percentage of Clay (0-100%)

Soil Class (Based on % Sand, Silt, Clay)

Notes on Soil Feel (e.g., gritty, smooth, sticky)

Organic Matter Content

3 of 10

Measure the amount of organic material in the soil.

Estimated Organic Matter (%)

Method of Organic Matter Determination

Notes on Visual Estimation (if applicable)

Loss on Ignition Value (%)

Upload Laboratory Analysis Report (if available)

Soil pH Measurement

4 of 10

Assess the acidity or alkalinity of the soil.

pH Reading

Measurement Method

Temperature (°C)

Calibration Solution Used (if applicable)

Notes on pH Reading & Conditions

Nutrient Levels (N, P, K)

5 of 10

Test for essential nutrient deficiencies or excesses.

Nitrogen (N) - Available (%)

Phosphorus (P) - Available (ppm)

Potassium (K) - Available (ppm)

Nitrogen Deficiency Signs?

Phosphorus Deficiency Signs?

Potassium Deficiency Signs?

Notes on Nutrient Deficiencies/Excesses

Water Infiltration Rate

6 of 10

Evaluate how quickly water penetrates the soil.

Initial Infiltration Rate (mm/hr)

After 30 Minutes (mm/hr)

After 60 Minutes (mm/hr)

Method Used (Double Ring, Single Ring, Ponded)

Ring Diameter (cm) - If Applicable

Observations During Test (Standing Water, Uneven Saturation)

Test Location Coordinates

Date of Test

Compaction Assessment

7 of 10

Check for signs of soil compaction, hindering root growth.

Soil Bulk Density (g/cm³)

Penetration Resistance (MPa)

Compaction Severity

GPS Location of Compacted Area

Description of Compaction Pattern

Erosion Assessment

8 of 10

Identify areas susceptible to soil erosion and degradation.

Slope Gradient (%)

Dominant Soil Type

Observed Erosion Features

Detailed Description of Erosion Signs

GPS Coordinates of Erosion Hotspot

Photos of Erosion Areas

Biological Activity Indicators

9 of 10

Observe earthworm presence, microbial activity, and other biological signs.

Earthworm Count per Square Meter

Qualitative Description of Earthworm Activity

Presence of Visible Fungal Hyphae?

Root Biomass Indicators (Select all that apply)

Notes on Microbial Activity (e.g., Smell, Color)

Previous Management Practices

10 of 10

Record past fertilizer application, tillage methods, and crop rotation.

Last Tillage Date

Last Fertilizer Application Rate (lbs/acre)

Previous Crops Grown (last 3 years)

Average Yield (last 3 years)

Tillage Method

Details on Pest & Disease Management

Last Cover Crop Planting Date

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