User:Weepingbeech/Soil quality

Article Draft
Soil quality refers to the condition of soil based on the needs of human and non-human life.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, "Soil quality is the capacity of a specific kind of soil to function, within natural or managed ecosystem boundaries, to sustain plant and animal productivity, maintain or enhance water and air quality, and support human health and habitation.

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre proposed a definition, stating that "Soil quality is an account of the soil's ability to provide ecosystem and social services through its capacities to perform its functions under changing conditions."

Physical indicators
The physical category of soil quality indicators consists of tests that measure soil texture, bulk density, porosity, water content at saturation, aggregate stability, penetration resistance, and more.

Chemical indicators
Chemical indicators include but are not limited to pH, organic carbon, and nutrient levels.

Biological indicators
Biological measures include the amount and diversity of soil organisms and fungi.

The movement and biological functions of soil organisms (including earthworms, millipedes, centipedes, ants, and spiders) impact soil processes such as the regulation of soil structure, degradation of contaminants, and nutrient cycling.