Resources to Test Soil Health
Empowering Farmers Through Soil Knowledge
Simplified, science-backed methods to test soil health for smallholder farmers and researchers across the globe.
"Land, then, is not merely soil; It is a fountain of energy flowing through a circuit of soils, plants, and animals."
Aldo Leopold
Soil Test Methods
Explore our field and lab tests. Access step-by-step written procedures, downloadable PDF guides, and instructional videos for each method.
Soil pH
Measure acidity levels to ensure optimal nutrient availability for your specific crops.
Soil Texture
Assess the proportion of sand, silt, and clay to understand water retention and responses to management.
Soil Active Carbon (POXC)
Measure the active fraction of soil organic matter that is readily available to microbes.
Soil Particulate Organic matter
Visualize coarse organic matter that feeds soil life and assesses recycling of organic resources.
Soil Aggregate Stability
Test how well soil particles bind together against erosive forces like water.
Soil Available Phosphorus
Measure levels of phosphorus, a key limiting nutrient important for vigorous crop growth and fuller yields
Soil Water Infiltration
Determine the rate at which soil absorbs water to manage irrigation and runoff.
Soil Macrofauna
Count and identify visible soil organisms like earthworms and beetles.
Download the full Manual PDF
Scientific Validation
A paper validating these methods is available by Nyamasoka-Magonziwa et al., 2020.
Soil Data Platform
Tailored from Stats4SD and applied to these methods.
Soil Data Platform
Tailored from Stats4SD and applied to these methods.