How is Healthy Soil Measured?

The Cornell Soil Health Testing Lab uses these indicators to provide a comprehensive assessment of soil health:

CHEMICAL MAKEUP

• pH phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and zinc

BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Organic Matter: Carbon-rich material derived from living organisms
• Soil Protein: Nitrogen bound in the soil
• Soil Respiration: Rate at which the microbial community breaks down organic matter
• Active Carbon: Organic matter that can serve as a food source for soil microbes

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

•  Soil Texture: Makeup of sand, silt, and clay
• Water Capacity: How much plant-available water the soil can hold
• Aggregate Stability: How well soil particles can hold up to disturbances
• Soil Compaction

FOUR SOIL HEALTH PRINCIPLES

1. Minimize Disturbance
2. Maximize Continuous Living Roots
3. Maximize Biodiversity
4. Maximize Cover