This guide to soil health testing was created to simplify soil health and make soil health more accessible for both educators and stakeholders. This resource is not exhaustive; the emphasis is on simple, free, chemical and physical assessments. Additional information is provided about fee-for-service laboratory tests where appropriate.
Some users may find value in reviewing the complete guide for a refresher, as a decision support tool, or to build a workshop. Other users may find the most value in simply reviewing methods and required tools. This guide is meant to be universally applicable, from vegetable farmers to community gardeners, from pasture managers to turf managers. Adapt considerations and interpretations as needed.
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This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.