A quick field tool for assessing soil health and plant performance - structure, drainage, biology and rooting conditions.
Dig one spade of soil from a paddock and answer each question by picking the picture-description that looks most like what's in your spade. Higher score = healthier soil.
Adapted from the Visual Soil Assessment developed by Graeme Shepherd. Full reference: Shepherd, T.G.; Ross, C.W.; Basher, L.R.; Saggar, S. 2000: Visual Soil Assessment, Volume 2. Soil management guidelines for cropping and pastoral grazing on flat to rolling country. Horizons.mw & Landcare Research, Palmerston North. 44p.
A guidance tool used by Te Whenua Ora o Taranaki - not an official audit. For any concern, please seek professional advice.
How it works
Dig one representative spade of soil.
For each question, tap the description that best matches the sample.
Scores are multiplied by their weighting - a higher total is better.
The assessment
Tap the description that best matches what you see - not sure? Pick the closest one.
Soil texture
Texture is the grain size of the soil's parent material - clay, silt or sand. Roll and squeeze a moist sample to judge it.
Weight ×3
Not answered yetTap a description below, or drag the slider.
Soil structure
Whether the soil forms stable crumbs rather than hard lumps.
Weight ×3
Not answered yetTap a description below, or drag the slider.
Soil porosity
Visible holes and root channels that let air and water move.
Weight ×3
Not answered yetTap a description below, or drag the slider.
Number and colour of soil mottles
Grey or rusty blotches that hint at poor drainage.
Weight ×2
Not answered yetTap a description below, or drag the slider.
Soil colour
Darker soils generally have a higher organic matter content. A technical assessment compares your paddock soil with soil from an undisturbed area, such as beneath a fence line.
Weight ×2
Not answered yetTap a description below, or drag the slider.
Earthworms
How many worms are in the spade sample - count them all, including any curled up or inactive.
Weight ×3
Not answered yetTap a description below, or drag the slider.
Soil smell
The smell from a freshly dug sample.
Weight ×2
Not answered yetTap a description below, or drag the slider.
Average rooting depth
The depth that 80% of roots reach before they stop or turn sideways.
Weight ×3
Not answered yetTap a description below, or drag the slider.
Surface ponding
How long water sits on the surface after rain.
Weight ×3
Not answered yetTap a description below, or drag the slider.
Surface relief
Surface evenness and pugging (crusting and erosion are assessed separately).
Weight ×1
Not answered yetTap a description below, or drag the slider.
