What is Soil Health Card?
The soil health card evaluates the health or quality of a soil as a function of its characteristics, water, plant and other biological properties. The card is a tool to help the farmer to monitor and improve soil health based on their own field experience and working knowledge of their soils. Regular use will allow them to record long term trends in soil health and to assess the effects of different soil management practices. This card is most effective when filled out consistently by the same person over time. It provides a qualitative assessment of soil health and evaluation ratings do not represent any absolute measures or value. The purpose is not to compare one soil type against another, but rather to use indicators that assess each soil’s ability to support crop production within its capabilities and site limitations.
How to use TNAU Soil Health Card?
- Divide the farm and field into separate sections for evaluation by going consideration to factors like soil type, topography, crop rotation, manure application etc.
- Select 2-3 representative spots in the field and evaluate each soil indicator
- Read the descriptive ratings for each indicator and based on your judgement rate indicator as Good and Fair or Poor by a tick mark in the box provided.
- In the notes section at the end of soil health rating table, record any observation or soil condition that will help you to receive and evaluate your ratings
- Follow changes in each of the soil health indicators over time, examine current field management practices and explore options and consider alternatives for management changes in problem areas.
Downloads:
 Click here to download TNAU Soil Health Card
TNAU Soil Test History Sheet
Click here to download Tamil Nadu Government Agriculture Department - Soil Health Card - 1
Click here to download Tamil Nadu Government Agriculture Department - Soil Health Card - 2
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