Survey of Soil Health Assessment across the USA.

Soil samples (0-15cm) from across the USA were collected and submitted for the following suite of soil health measurements: Cornell’s Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health (CASH), Soil Health Nutrient Tool, phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiling of the microbial community, and beta-glucosidase activity (BG). Approximately 500 samples were collected from a variety of soil types and climate zones and under a suite of agronomic and rangeland practices. Data were clustered into soil health principle categories (i.e., minimal disturbance, maximum cover, duration of plant growth, and increased biodiversity). Trends and key indicators within the soil health evaluations will be presented along with suggested future directions for an approach to assess soil health nationally.