Linkedin Facebook Instagram Vimeo
Find a CPSS
Find a RSP
Join
Suggest a Resource

Visual soil assessment field guides (Webpage)

This Food and Agriculture Organization webpage contains links to books that explain how to conduct a simple visual soil assessment for 7 different agricultural activities. This method is based on the visual assessment of key soil ‘state’ and plant performance indicators of soil quality, presented on a scorecard. With the exception of soil texture, the soil indicators are dynamic indicators, i.e. capable of changing under different management regimes and land-use pressures. Being sensitive to change, they are useful early warning indicators of changes in soil condition and as such provide an effective monitoring tool. While this is an international resource, the methods are applicable to Australian soils. #

Parts:
Part 1 Soil management of Annual Crops [PDF 1.6 MB, 36 pages]
Part 2 Soil management in Olive Orchards [PDF 1.6 MB, 54 pages]
Part 3 Soil management in Orchards [PDF 1.2 MB, 36 pages]
Part 4 Soil management in Vineyards [PDF 1.9 MB, 54 pages]
Part 5 Soil management in Wheat [PDF 1.8 MB, 62 pages]
Part 6 Soil management in Pastures – Part 1 [PDF 1.5 MB, 82 pages]
Part 7 Soil management in Pastures – Part 2 [PDF 615 KB, 36 pages]
Part 8 Soil management in Maize – Part 1 [PDF 1.5 MB, 75 pages]
Part 9 Soil management in Maize – Part 2 [PDF 765 KB, 67 pages]

  • Audience: RSP, tertiary students, landholders, SFSG, consultants
  • State: NSW, ACT, VIC, NT, SA, TAS, QLD, WA
  • Author/Editor: G Shepherd, F Stagnari, M Pisante and J Benites
  • Publisher: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
  • Resource Type: Webpage
  • Copyright Year: 2008-2010
  • Not Provided
Resource Link
Resource library feedback
Resource Last Updated: August 9, 2023

What's Hot Right Now

Disclaimer:
This is a carefully curated database of important soil resources. The data base is not exhaustive but rather a library of what we believe are the most useful for the audience we are trying to serve – you. Where numerous items cover the same content, we have chosen the one we believe to be the best.

Each resource has been added after careful consideration against our selection criteria; including but not limited to its scientific validity, accessibility, and readability. The library does not include scientific journal literature as this is available via a number of other channels and is not considered to be the material the core audience for this list wants.

SSA reminds user of these resources that they are a guide only and due to regular advances in our understanding of soil science it is important to check the suitability of the information for your purpose with an appropriately qualified professional such as a RSP.

SOIL SCIENCE AUSTRALIA

Soil Science Australia is the national soil science body and a not-for-profit professional incorporated association for soil scientists and people interested in the responsible management of Australia’s soil resources.

Ready to get started?

Become a Member.

Learn More

Soil Science Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future.

Sign up for Soil Brief
SSA’s public newsletter

Linkedin Facebook Instagram Vimeo
Resource Suggestion
Step 1 of 3

We welcome your suggestions about valuable soil resources that could be included in the Smart Soils Resource Library. Please read this information before proceeding. Please remember, this Resource Library does not include scientific journal articles.

New resources are evaluated by Soil Science Australia’s membership of soil specialists.

Each new library resource is added after careful consideration, it must:
1. demonstrate good quality soil science. The resources must be scientifically valid. Case studies that contribute significantly to the understanding of soil management in Australian regions are also accepted.
2. be relevant to Australian soils, condition, constraints and management practices
3. add value to the Resource Library. If there are multiple resources in the Resource Library on the same topic then the suggested resource must improve on the existing resources that address the topic.
4. be readily available preferably in an electronic version. Some books may be out of print but should be available in libraries or from second-hand booksellers. The file size of resources should enable easy downloading or streaming.
5. be written in language appropriate for the intended audience.

Preferably, the resource should also meet the requirements of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. to make web content more accessible and user friendly for everyone.

If your resource(s) meet the criteria, please complete the soil resource submission form

By completing this form, you acknowledge that Soil Science Australia may store your email address for future correspondence, in accordance with their privacy policy.