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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Raleigh, North Carolina » Plant Science Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #406506
Research Project: Strategies to Support Resilient Agricultural Systems of the Southeastern U.S.

Location: Plant Science Research

Title: Sunrise on soil – Soil health’s biological basis

Author
item Franzluebbers, Alan

Submitted to: Hay and Forage Grower
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/15/2023
Publication Date: 3/1/2023
Citation: Franzluebbers, A.J. 2023. Sunrise on soil – Soil health’s biological basis. Hay and Forage Grower. https://hayandforage.com/article-4342-soil-health%E2%80%99s-biological-basis.html.

Interpretive Summary: Soil acts as a living entity to support ecosystem services. An ARS scientist in Raleigh North Carolina described the biological basis of soil health through the measurement of soil-test biological activity. A standardized approach is important to control all the factors affecting biological activity. Measurement of soil-test biological activity can indicate nitrogen supplying capacity of soil, as well as general index of soil health condition.

Technical Abstract: Soil acts as a living entity to support ecosystem services. An ARS scientist in Raleigh North Carolina described the biological basis of soil health through the measurement of soil-test biological activity. A standardized approach is important to control all the factors affecting biological activity. Measurement of soil-test biological activity can indicate nitrogen supplying capacity of soil, as well as general index of soil health condition.