Journal of NACAA

Surveying Soil Health with the Solvita CO2 Respiration Test

ISSN 2158-9429

Volume 8, Issue 2 - December 2015

Editor: Linda Chalker-Scott

Abstract

A two-year pilot study surveyed soil respiration in a diversity of agricultural systems in Central New Jersey having sandy loam soils.  Carbon Dioxide production from soil life was measured by the Solvita® CO₂  aerobic respiration test with newly trained county extension staff.  Measurements of carbon dioxide were consistent for each respective site seasonally and year-to-year to serve as an emerging indicator of soil health.  Soil test results were characterized as marginal to moderate in less fertile areas and medium to ideal in more fertile areas. Fertile soils growing perennial crops as organic blueberries, equine pasture, bio-energy grass or residential lawns averaged 40.1, 23.9, 22.1 and 21.6 CO₂-C ppm.  This rapid, high-tech soil respiration test provides a simple quantitative and inexpensive means to assess soil health and measure changes due to farming practices over time.