Summary
This peer-reviewed study provides the first direct comparison of two widely-used soil health assessment frameworks—SMAF and CASH—using identical datasets across eleven sites representing diverse land uses and management practices in the United States. The findings indicate that managed pastures achieved the highest overall soil health scores in both frameworks, whilst certified organic cropland outperformed conventional crop systems. The study reveals important differences in framework sensitivity and indicator responsiveness, highlighting that whilst most soil health indicators are responsive to management, active carbon and β-glucosidase show limited discriminatory power, suggesting the need for refinement in soil health assessment methodologies.
UK applicability
The comparative framework assessment is methodologically relevant to UK soil health monitoring and agricultural policy, though the specific land use contexts (deciduous/evergreen forests, US-managed pastures) and soil types may differ from UK conditions. The findings on managed pasture performance and organic system benefits could inform UK soil health policy and farm management guidance, though UK-specific validation across British soil types and climates would be prudent.
Key measures
Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) scores, Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health (CASH) scores, soil organic carbon (SOC), active carbon, β-glucosidase activity, soil pH, and composite soil health indicators across deciduous forest, evergreen forest, beef pasture, hay pasture, and cropland sites
Outcomes reported
The study compared two soil health assessment frameworks (SMAF and CASH) across eleven sites with different land uses and management practices, measuring soil health indicator responsiveness and overall soil health scores. Most soil health indicators were sensitive to land use differences, with managed pastures demonstrating the highest soil health scores in both frameworks.
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