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Article: How farmers assess soil health and quality.
- Article from:
- Journal of Soil and Water Conservation
- Article date:
- May 1, 1995
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1995 Soil & Water Conservation Society. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The requirements of agricultural and environmental sustainability have dramatically redefined soil quality. The traditional view of soil quality, as measured by soil performance and productivity, is now considered inadequate for what it does not and cannot reveal. Accordingly, the emerging definition of soil quality extends beyond crop production to issues of food safety, human and animal health. and water quality (Doran and Parkin; Parr et al.).
Concern for soil quality is not limited to agricultural scientists, natural resource managers. and policymakers. Farmers also have a vested interest in soil quality; its stewardship and maintenance have always rested with ...