Soil Physical Health Assessment

Soil structure can be visually assessed in the field by carefully breaking-down a sample of soil by hand and looking at different features.  This process is known as the Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS).  The state of the different features indicates, not only the ability of the soil to function (the soil quality), but also the impact of management.

These methods are designed to evaluate both the topsoil and subsoil, with a focus on how management practices affect soil structural quality. Some procedures are semi-quantitative and use scoring systems to convert visual assessments into measurable data. Despite their simplicity, these techniques have been shown to closely align with various quantitative soil measurements. VESS methods are quick, provide a comprehensive analysis of soil structure, and deliver immediate results using low-cost, simple equipment, making them accessible to a wide range of users. As such, VESS techniques are valuable tools for both research and practical soil management.

For assessing grassland soil structure use the GrassVESS method. This assesses to 20 cm depth. All you need is a spade, a measuring tape, a plastic sheet or tray, a knife or trowel and the GrassVESS score sheet. Each assessment takes roughly 15 minutes and we recommend conducting at least 5 assessments to represent the field/paddock. The scores can be recorded on the GrassVESS Records Sheet.

For assessing arable topsoil structure we recommend using the VESS method. This assesses to 25 cm depth. If you are worried about what is happening below the cultivation zone (e.g. plough pans) use the Double Spade method which assesses to 40 cm depth. Both methods require a spade, a measuring tape, a plastic sheet or tray, a knife or trowel and the score sheets. VESS takes roughly 15 minutes and the Double Spade, 20 minutes per assessment.

For more information on how to conduct a visual examination of your soil refer to Soil Structure ABC publication.