By collaborating with industry and producers, this project is assessing and exploring tools such as VESS, CSHT, scorecards, the SASH Framework and soil quality test kits to expand soil health indicators for agricultural and environmental sustainability. In addition, these tools will be tested on different land use types in Alberta and Saskatchewan and reviewed for quantitative and qualitative data.
When evaluating the other soil health assessment tools, research is assessing physical, chemical, biological, plant and environmental indicators. The results from these evaluations will be used to refine and perfect Dr. Semeton Amosu’s soil health scorecard prototype – the Olds College Assessment of Soil Health (OCASH).
Beyond Agronomy will be working with Amosu to extend the OCASH tool to farmers for initial feedback on its practical application.
Initial testing of the tools on the Olds College Smart Farm on four land use types, in correlation with other standard assessment tools.
Deployment of the tools on farmers and producers fields to receive feedback and engagements.
Converting the soil health scorecard into a smart tool.
Produce a diagnostic, cost-effective, in-field soil health assessment tool.
Increase experiential understanding of soil health by enabling producers and students to identify and measure key soil indicators.
Strengthen interaction and connections between producers, agronomists, and laboratories.
Deploy the tool in farmers’ fields for practical application and use.