Soil health is a complex web of many interrelated soil properties that are influenced by climate, soil type, and management practices. This feasibility study was conducted to examine and compile as much data as possible on soil properties, field information, and suitable indications that relate to soil health, and to gain a better understanding of their impact on crop yields. Soils were collected from many different cropped and reference sites in major production areas over two crop growing seasons in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania.

In this project, considerable attentions was given to defining the concepts of soil health and their potential indicators in layman’s terms. In general, this study highlighted the great potential of quantitative analytical measurements for determining soil factors that impact on crop productivity and for defining the status of a particular soil in relation to a healthy soil.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

• Vegetable Fund