Author
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Andrews, Susan |
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Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 11/4/1999 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Evaluations of the Soil Quality Test Kit resulted in requests for a scoresheet to interpret kit measurements. Many techniques exist for assessing soil properties but most simply describe results for individual indicators without assessing overall soil quality. For example, some indicators may have favorable results while others unfavorable, with no interpretation of the "big picture." The Scoresheet attempts to fill that void by integrating indicator results into a quality statement about the soil as a whole. Scoring of indicators depends on soil type, climate, and management practice. Scoresheets will, therefore, differ by geographic region and allow for the adjustment of indicator weights according to individual user priorities. The key is to balance accurate assessment of biological, chemical, and physical properties and processes with user-friendliness. Preliminary evaluations of the Scoresheet for Test Kit results from several regions appeared accurate and were well-received. |
