
Soil Health Testing: A Framework for Measuring and Interpreting Soil Quality
Author: Devkant Prasad, M.C. Jerai & Binod Kumar
Soil health testing represents a paradigm shift from traditional nutrient focused soil analysis to a systems-oriented assessment of soil quality. By integrating chemical, physical, and biological indicators within a coherent framework, soil health testing provides a comprehensive understanding of soil function and resilience. Interpreting these results in the context of local environmental and management conditions enables informed decisions that support sustainable agricultural productivity and ecosystem services. As global challenges such as land degradation, climate change, and food security intensify, robust soil health testing frameworks will become increasingly vital for maintaining productive landscapes, safeguarding environmental resources, and guiding policies that promote soil stewardship. The systematic measurement and interpretation of soil health not only enhances immediate crop performance but also ensures the long-term sustainability of soils as living, functioning ecosystems essential to human well-being.