Organic Soil Health Assessment Checklist
Healthy soil is the foundation of organic production. This checklist documents soil health monitoring and improvement practices required by NOP.
- Industry: Agriculture
- Frequency: Seasonal / Annual
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Role: Agronomist / Farm Manager
- Total Items: 33
- Compliance: USDA NOP (7 CFR Part 205.203), Organic Certification Standards, Soil Health Principles
Soil Testing & Analysis
Document soil test results and nutrient status.
- Most Recent Soil Test Date
- Testing Laboratory
- Soil pH
- Organic Matter %
- Nitrogen Status
- Phosphorus Status
- Potassium Status
- CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity)
Physical Soil Health Indicators
Assess physical soil properties.
- Soil Structure Quality
- Water Infiltration Rate
- Compaction layer present?
- Evidence of erosion?
- Drainage adequate?
- Typical Tillage Depth
Biological Soil Health Indicators
Assess soil biological activity.
- Earthworms per cubic foot
- Earthworm Activity Level
- Root Health Observation
- Soil Smell
- Crop Residue Decomposition
Soil Building Practices
Document soil improvement practices.
- Cover crops used this year?
- Cover Crop Species
- Compost applied this year?
- Compost Application Rate
- Green manure incorporated?
- Reduced tillage practices used?
- Crop rotation plan followed?
Initial Safety Assessment
Preliminary safety and compliance verification
- Work area safe and hazard-free?
- Required PPE available and in good condition?
- Emergency exits clear and marked?
- First aid supplies accessible?
Equipment & Tool Verification
Equipment readiness and condition check
- All equipment pre-inspected before use?
- Tools in good working condition?
- Calibration/certification current?
Related Agriculture Checklists
- Organic Water Quality Monitoring Checklist
- Organic Label Compliance Verification Checklist
- Organic Certification Audit Preparation Checklist
- Organic Input Materials Tracking Log
- Daily Farm Operations Log
- Pesticide and Chemical Application Record
- Agricultural Employee Time and Attendance Record
- Farm Inventory and Supplies Log
Related Organic Farming Checklists
- Organic Certification Audit Preparation Checklist - FREE Download
- Organic Input Materials Tracking Log - FREE Download
- Organic Buffer Zone Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Organic Contamination Prevention Checklist - FREE Download
- Organic Compost Production & Management Log - FREE Download
- Natural Pest Control Documentation Log - FREE Download
- Organic Seed Sourcing Verification Checklist - FREE Download
- Organic Records Maintenance Checklist - FREE Download
- Organic Crop Production Plan - FREE Download
- Organic Water Quality Monitoring Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Organic Soil Health Assessment Checklist?
This organic soil health assessment checklist helps agriculture teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for agronomist / farm manager professionals, this checklist covers 33 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: seasonal / annual.
Ensures compliance with USDA NOP (7 CFR Part 205.203), Organic Certification Standards, Soil Health Principles. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Organic Soil Health Assessment Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 33 inspection items across 6 sections: Soil Testing & Analysis, Physical Soil Health Indicators, Biological Soil Health Indicators, Soil Building Practices, Initial Safety Assessment, Equipment & Tool Verification. It is designed for agriculture operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed seasonal / annual. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Who should use this Organic Soil Health Assessment Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Agronomist / Farm Manager professionals in the agriculture industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.