Summary
Designed to supplement the Willamette Valley Soil Quality Card (EM 8711) by providing additional information on soil quality indicators. For each soil quality indicator, the guide contains a description, explanation of why the indicator is important for judging soil quality, discussion of how management affects the indicator, suggestions for when to assess the indicator, and instructions for performing an accurate assessment. Indicators covered include soil structure and tilth, soil compaction, soil workability, soil organism diversity, earthworm abundance, residue decomposition, plant vigor, root growth, water infiltration, and water availability. Contains an example of a completed Soil Quality Card.