Chapter II/15: A simple soil structure assessment for the farmer

The aim of agricultural soil use and management is to sustain the security of soil fertility and the capability of soil as a natural resource. In addition, the soil is surface for field traffic of agricultural machines and vehicles that sow, care for, and harvest the cultivated plants. Depending on the site conditions, these passages can lead to a disturbance of soil structure and growing conditions. The presented soil assessment approach should help the farmer to develop strategies for a soil conserving agricultural management to avoid undesired effects of land use. A focal point is to recognize the impacts of agricultural production and traffic on arable land and, at best, to stabilize or improve soil structure for an optimal water, air and nutrient supply and optimal plant growth. Structure identification was always a key interest of soil scientists, agricultural consultants and farmers. Missing up to now was a simple soil structure assessment for the farmer with only few values to easily judge the structural condition of his fields and soil. Prerequisite is a simple application in the fields and the reliable application after an only short instruction. It should help the farmer to plan his production measures and to document his precautions.