Soil quality can be evaluated using the Soil Management Assessment Framework. Soil quality in agricultural terms is measured on a scale of
soil value (
Bodenwertzahl) in
Germany. Soil quality is primarily measured by chemical, physical, and biological indicators because soil function cannot easily be measured directly. Each of these categories comprises several indicators that provide insight into overall soil quality. There are very few soil quality monitoring systems that can provide near real-time information on these indicators but almost all of these systems are currently reported only to the research level.
Physical The physical category of soil quality indicators consists of tests that measure soil texture, bulk density, porosity, water content at saturation, aggregate stability, penetration resistance, and more. These measures provide hydrological information, such the level of water infiltration and water availability to plants.
Chemical Chemical indicators include pH and nutrient levels. A typical soil test only evaluates chemical soil properties. ==References==