ISSN:
1475-2743
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract. We present a semi-quantitative visual and tactile method for assessing soil physical fertility in terms of soil structure, root growth and soil surface condition. A block of topsoil is dug out with a spade. Horizontal layers (usually 2–4) are then identified as they appear. A brief one-page description of the soil is produced. Using a key, structural and rooting scores are assigned to each soil layer from the appearance of the soil and from its response to tactile assessment. These scores are then combined across depths, with weighting appropriate for the depth of each layer. A separate score was made of soil surface condition. Thus, overall soil physical fertility is assessed as three scores for topsoil structure, rooting and surface condition. The usefulness and sensitivity of the procedure were tested in two ley-arable organic rotation experiments on sandy loams in northeast Scotland.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-2743.2003.tb00279.x
