Summary
This Cornell University guidance document, likely produced as part of the Cornell Soil Health Testing Laboratory framework, describes the standardised protocol for assessing soil aggregate stability as a component of broader soil health evaluation. Aggregate stability reflects the capacity of soil aggregates to resist disruption by water, and serves as a proxy for soil organic matter, microbial activity, and management history. The document is intended to support consistent measurement and interpretation of this indicator across farm and research contexts.
UK applicability
This protocol originates from Cornell University's US-focused soil health programme; whilst the underlying science of aggregate stability is directly applicable to UK soils, practitioners should note that reference thresholds and calibration data may reflect North American soil types and conditions, and UK users may wish to cross-reference with Defra or AHDB soil health guidance.
Key measures
Aggregate stability (% stable aggregates); soil structural resilience indicators
Outcomes reported
The document sets out a standardised laboratory protocol for measuring soil aggregate stability, a key indicator of soil structure and biological activity. It likely describes procedures for wet sieving or slaking tests, threshold values, and interpretation guidance for practitioners and agronomists.
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