A review of visual soil evaluation techniques for soil structure

作者：Emmet Booth J P; Forristal P D; Fenton O; Ball B C; Holden N M

来源：Soil Use and Management, 2016, 32(4): 623-634.

DOI：10.1111/sum.12300

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Soil structure forms a key component of soil quality, and its assessment by semi‐quantitative visual soil evaluation (<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">VSE</jats:styled-content>) techniques can help scientists, advisors and farmers make decisions regarding sampling and soil management. <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">VSE</jats:styled-content> techniques require inexpensive equipment and generate immediate results that correlate well with quantitative measurements of physical and biochemical properties, highlighting their potential utility. We reviewed published <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">VSE</jats:styled-content> techniques and found that soils of certain textures present problems and a lack of research into the influence of soil moisture content on <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">VSE</jats:styled-content> criteria. Generally, profile methods evaluate process interactions at specific locations within a field, exploring both intrinsic aspects and anthropogenic impacts. Spade methods focus on anthropogenic characteristics, providing rapid synopses of soil structure over wider areas. Despite a focus on structural form, some methods include criteria related to stability and resiliency. Further work is needed to improve existing methods regarding texture influences, on‐farm sampling procedures and more holistic assessments of soil structure.</jats:p>

• 出版日期2016-12