The OSU Soil Organic Matter Calculator - a Decision Tool to Manage Soil Health.

Soil health management is important to sustain crop production & enhance agroecosystem services. Soil organic matter (SOM) is a core indicator of soil health. However, there is a limited availability of tools & skillset to evaluate agricultural practices impact on SOM content and overall soil health. We developed the “OSU SOM Calculator” - a farm-scale carbon-modeling tool to predict SOM dynamics in response to the effects of agricultural management practices. Data from long-term studies & selected farmers’ fields under different climatic regions, soils & farming practices in Ohio, Michigan, & Illinois were used to assess the sensitivity & accuracy of the SOM decision tool. Results of evaluation & validation of the decision tool for prediction accuracy and its usability for managing farm-level soil health are presented. A set of guidelines for calibration and use of the tool are also presented.