Cited by 75Soil Management and Crop YieldSoil Science and Environmental ManagementSoil erosion and sediment transport

A review of visual soil evaluation techniques for soil structure

Emmet‐Booth, J. P., Forristal, P. D., Fenton, O., Ball, B. C., Holden, N. M.·2016·Soil Use and Management

Abstract

Abstract Soil structure forms a key component of soil quality, and its assessment by semi‐quantitative visual soil evaluation ( VSE ) techniques can help scientists, advisors and farmers make decisions regarding sampling and soil management. VSE techniques require inexpensive equipment and generate immediate results that correlate well with quantitative measurements of physical and biochemical properties, highlighting their potential utility. We reviewed published VSE techniques and found that soils of certain textures present problems and a lack of research into the influence of soil moisture content on VSE criteria. Generally, profile methods evaluate process interactions at specific locations within a field, exploring both intrinsic aspects and anthropogenic impacts. Spade methods focus on anthropogenic characteristics, providing rapid synopses of soil structure over wider areas. Despite a focus on structural form, some methods include criteria related to stability and resiliency. Further work is needed to improve existing methods regarding texture influences, on‐farm sampling procedures and more holistic assessments of soil structure.

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Crossref · 10.1111/sum.12300

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  • Visual soil assessment provides different information than laboratory approaches.

    “Because visual soil assessment provides di ff erent information than laboratory approaches (Emmet-Booth et al., 2016)”

    From Soil quality – A critical review (2018) · cites this paper as Emmet-Booth et al., 2016

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Authors
Emmet‐Booth, J. P., Forristal, P. D., Fenton, O., Ball, B. C., & Holden, N. M.
Affiliations
  • University College Dublin (IE)
  • Teagasc - The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (IE)
  • Scotland's Rural College (GB)
Corresponding author
Emmet‐Booth, J. P.
Venue
Soil Use and Management
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2016-10-04
Volume
32
Issue
4
Pages
623-634
ISSN
  • 0266-0032 (ISSN-L)
  • 1475-2743
OpenAlex
W2528776655
Cited by
75
References
42
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 10 · 2017: 2
FWCI
8.17
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Soil Use and Management (publishedVersion)
Funders
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (13S/468)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Soil Science › Soil Management and Crop Yield
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Soil Science › Soil Science and Environmental Management
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Soil Science › Soil erosion and sediment transport
Keywords
soil structure, soil quality, soil texture, soil moisture, profile method, soil stability, soil management

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