Statistics, Scoring Functions, and Regional Analysis of a Comprehensive Soil Health Database

• DOI: 10.2136/sssaj2016.09.0286
• Publication Date: 2017-06-16T19:43:58Z
• Authors: Aubrey K. Fine; Harold M. van Es; Robert R. Schinde...
• Keywords: Soil Quality; Predictability; Soil test

Core Ideas Summary statistics were developed from a robust multiregional soil health (SH) dataset. Active carbon, organic matter, and penetration resistance most useful indicators. Midwestern soils had relatively lower mean values for measured biological properties than Northeast or Mid‐Atlantic soils. Soil refers to the ability of function provide ecosystem services. The Comprehensive Assessment Health (CASH) is an approach that measures 15 physical, biological, chemical indicators, which are interpreted through scoring functions. This study reports on SH status 5767 samples Mid‐Atlantic, Midwest, regions USA as evaluated using CASH. Descriptive ANOVAs subdatasets by region textural group in addition correlation coefficients, principal component (PC) analysis, best subsets regression (BSR) performed. From these analyses, new CASH functions developed. Separate (fine, medium, coarse) necessary Wet Aggregate Stability (WAS), Available Water Capacity (AWS), Organic Matter (OM), Carbon (AC), Protein. Differences existed among regions, especially WAS, OM, Protein, Respiration (Resp), where Midwest compared Northeast. Biological WAS showed moderately strong correlations ( r = 0.58–0.78) highest loadings first two PCs. BSR results overall quality index response variable indicated AC accounts 45% variation, with additional predictability Penetration Resistance, Resp, (68%). These four indicators suggested simplified tests. We conclude can be successfully applied evaluate differing pedogenetic histories.