Summary
This paper presents the development and multinational validation of an integrated, rapid soil health assessment tool that combines near-infrared spectroscopy with multi-nutrient extraction and ICP-MS analysis. The tool evaluates a comprehensive range of soil characteristics supporting ecosystem functions and sustainable agriculture with high accuracy, and delivers actionable soil health scores and management advice. Evaluation across more than 15 countries, including European, Asian, and Oceanic regions, demonstrates scalability for supporting land users, agrifood industries, and policymakers in evidence-based soil management.
UK applicability
The tool's validation across European sites suggests direct applicability to UK soil conditions and farming systems. The standardised, scalable approach aligns with UK policy drivers toward sustainable soil management and may support compliance with environmental regulations and supply-chain sustainability requirements.
Key measures
Soil physical, chemical, and biological properties; R² ≥ 0.88 for most parameters; five-level ABCDE soil health score; proportion of soils at each health level (Dutch test: 6% grade A, 2% grade E)
Outcomes reported
The study developed and validated a rapid, standardised soil health assessment tool combining near-infrared spectroscopy and multi-nutrient CaCl₂ extraction with ICP-MS analysis. The tool was evaluated across 15+ countries and generates a five-level ABCDE soil health score with tailored management recommendations.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.