walk the field - soil health institute...2020/03/05 · gentle rain so the soil is moist.) can...
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WALK THE FIELD
Supported through the generosity of the Wrangler® brand, the VF Corporation Foundation, and the Walmart Foundation.
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The Soil Health Institute is a non-profit organization that works with its many stakeholders to identify gaps in research and adoption; develop strategies,
networks and funding to address those gaps; and ensure beneficial impact of those investments to agriculture, the environment, and society.
To become even more involved in SHI activities, please contact us at soilhealthinstitute.org.
OUR MISSION: SAFEGUARD AND ENHANCE THE VITALITY AND PRODUCTIVITY OF SOIL THROUGH
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND ADVANCEMENT
ABOUT THE SOIL HEALTH INSTITUTE
2803 Slater Road | Suite 115 | Morrisville, NC 27560 | 919-230-0303 | soilhealthinstitute.org
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SOIL SURFACE CONDITION Well aggregated* Crumbles easily Darker at the surface Signs of soil creatures Feels a little spongy
when you walk on it
* Well aggregated soil holds together against the force of a hard rain.
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RESIDUE Covers >70% of field Residue looks shredded Can see various stages
of decay Minimal residue from
older crops
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WATER INFILTRATION No ponding 24 hours
after a rain No evidence of surface
crusting No run-off channels No soil movement
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SOIL COMPACTION(Measure in 8-10 different areas of the field, preferably after a gentle rain so the soil is moist.)
Can easily push a spade, flag, or soil probe down 8”
Feels a little spongy when you walk on it
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Phot
o: U
SDA
-NR
CS
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SOIL STABILITY About 90% of a golf-
ball-sized clod remains after being submerged in water for 60 seconds
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SOIL BIOLOGY Millipedes, centipedes,
pill bugs, springtails and other soil critters are present
Fungal hyphae (cobwebs) present on residue and soil aggregates
Earthworms, channels, and huts are easily seen and counted (>5 per foot)
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SOIL TEMPERATURE Soil warms up earlier in
Spring Summer soil
temperature at 2” deep is <95°
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Healthy Degraded
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ROOT GROWTH Roots are straight, no
sign of restricted growth Lots of root hairs Deep roots
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ORGANIC MATTER Soil is darker than soil
outside the field Topsoil is easy to
distinguish from subsoil Topsoil is deep: >6”
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SOIL SMELL Earthy Sweet No metallic odor No rotten egg odor
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