Soil Sampling Guidelines

Table of Contents
Overview ............................................................................................................................... 2
Process for ROC Soil Sampling ................................................................................................................... 3
Lab Tests ............................................................................................................................... 4
Required & Recommended Tests .............................................................................................................. 4
Using an Accredited Lab ............................................................................................................................ 5
Where to Sample ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Number of Sampling Locations ............................................................................................................................. 6

How to Sample ........................................................................................................................................... 7

Sampling Time ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
General Sampling Process ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Submitting to the Lab ............................................................................................................................................ 7

What to Do with Your Results ................................................................................................................... 8

In-Field Tests ......................................................................................................................... 8
Field Indicators........................................................................................................................................... 8
Resources .............................................................................................................................. 9
Appendix A: Soil Sampling Protocols .................................................................................... 10
Sampling Protocol A: General Sampling ..................................................................................................10
Sampling Protocol B: Bulk Density & Available Water Capacity..............................................................12
Appendix B: Test Descriptions .............................................................................................. 15
Description of Required Lab Indicators ...................................................................................................15
Summary of Field Tests ............................................................................................................................16
FAQ ..................................................................................................................................... 18

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Overview
The Regenerative Organic CertifiedTM (ROCTM) Soil Health and Land Management Pillar requires soil
testing, both lab tests and field tests, every three years. This document provides guidance on the
requirements for those tests. Although soil testing is required, certification decisions will not be based
on soil testing improvements or results.

The ROA’s intention with soil testing is to provide valuable qualitative and quantitative information on
the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil that influence and are influenced by agricultural
practices. Lab tests of soil samples provide quantitative measures of important health metrics, such as
soil organic carbon & texture. Soil testing also enables tracking soil carbon content to potentially
measure carbon sequestration over time.

During your first ROC certification cycle, your operation must conduct soil health lab tests for five
indicators (page 4) and provide the sampling location details to your auditor during the initial audit.
After initial certification, these tests should be performed every three years. These Soil Sampling
Guidelines also provide a list of recommended indicators (page 4) to test each year—testing every year
is not required.

Field soil health testing (i.e. performed in the field without using a lab) is also required for all
operations every three years. Operations may choose six of 10 recommended field tests (page 9). An
overview of recommended in-field testing indicators is included in this document. For additional
guidance, please refer to the resources provided at the end of this document (starting on page 10) and
at RegenOrganic.org/resources, a local agriculture research or support agency, and/or your accredited
soil health testing lab.

Please record the GPS coordinates of your sampling locations at the time of sampling. You will be
asked to submit these at the time of audit to your auditor and record them on your in-field soil test
worksheet. Most smartphones allow you to drop a pin and see coordinates.

Soil science is a rapidly evolving field. As our understanding of the relationship between regenerative
organic management practices, soil health, and soil carbon changes, the ROC Soil Sampling Guidelines
and ROC Framework will be updated as needed to incorporate new insights, methods, proxies and
technologies for measuring and interpreting soil health.

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Process for ROC Soil Sampling

1. Find an accredited lab and ensure they are capable of performing all required ROC soil
tests

2. Determine sampling locations and follow the ROC sampling protocol (page 11)

3. Submit samples to the lab, record results, and identify areas for improvement

4. Conduct field tests to measure progress

5. Repeat and record the soil health lab and field tests every three years

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Lab Tests
Soil lab tests help your operation understand the physical, chemical, and biological composition and
characteristics of your soil. Having your soil professionally tested helps you identify deficiencies,
troubleshoot problem areas, and optimize soil amendments based on your land’s specific needs. In
addition, regular soil tests can demonstrate progress and the effectiveness of regenerative organic
practices over time.

Required & Recommended Tests

The ROC requires five lab tests to be conducted at initial certification and four tests every three years
thereafter. Other lab tests are recommended to improve the overall picture of your soil health but are
not required.

Recommended
Required indicators (first Required indicators Recommended
(every three years,
year) (every three years) (every three years)
must pick one)
pH / Electrical pH / Electrical
Conductivity (for semi- Conductivity (for semi- Aggregate Stability Extractable P
arid environments) arid environments)
Soil Organic Carbon (Soil Soil Organic Carbon (Soil
Organic Matter is Organic Matter is
acceptable if SOC is not acceptable if SOC is not Total Soil Nitrogen Extractable K
available, accompanied available, accompanied
by letter from lab) by letter from lab)
Total Microbial Cation Exchange
Bulk Density Bulk Density
Biomass Capacity
Extractable
Soil Texture
Micronutrients
Active Carbon – PoxC
Water Holding
Capacity

A full list with descriptions of the required and recommended indicators is provided in Appendix B. For
more detail on the indicators and interpretation of results, contact your lab or consult the resources
provided at the end of this document.

Testing Availability
Some soil testing labs may not offer or be capable of performing all the required tests. If this is the case,
you may need to contact multiple labs in your region to complete testing for all of the required
indicators.

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In cases where a certain indicator(s) is unavailable at testing facilities within a reasonable distance, you
must provide proof to the auditor in the form of a letter from the accredited lab(s) in your region that a
test is not available.

Soil Organic Carbon

There are two analysis methodologies to test for soil organic carbon: 1) Automated Dry Combustion
(Automated DC) and 2) Loss on Ignition (LOI) methods.

ROC requires that the Automated DC method be used where available. This testing method provides the
most accurate and consistent results for soil organic carbon. You may need to contact your testing
provider directly to ask if they can perform the Automated DC test.

In cases where the Automated DC method is unavailable at testing facilities within a reasonable
distance, you must provide proof in the form of a letter from the accredited lab(s) in your region. If
Automated DC is unavailable, the LOI method may be used.

During your ROC audit you must provide evidence of the testing method (DC or LOI) used by your lab.

Using an Accredited Lab

The lab tests for the required soil health indicators should be performed by an accredited laboratory
such as a university, state agricultural agency, or private organization with soil analysis expertise. The
testing organization should comply with one or more of the following:
• Adhere to the guidelines in the ISO 18400 series of standards (Soil Quality Sampling)
• Participate in the North American Proficiency Testing Program (NAPT) or an international
equivalent
• Follow the protocols outlined by a reputable organization with soil testing expertise, such as:
o Cornell University’s Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health (CASH) -
https://soilhealth.cals.cornell.edu/
o Soil Science Society of America – Methods for Soil Analysis -
https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/books/methods-soils
o The FAO Global Soil Laboratory Assessment -
http://www.fao.org/3/ca7091en/CA7091EN.pdf

Where to Sample
Soil sampling should occur on the same fields or areas for each sampling cycle (every three years).* For
operations larger than one hectare, choose three sampling locations: one representative plot, your best
plot, and your worst plot. For operations less than one hectare, sample from two locations: your best
and worst plots. Guidance for how to best determine these plots is provided below. A field or parcel
where sampling consistently takes place is referred to in this document as a “sampling location”.

* Note: For shareholders, co-ops, and grower groups where the ROC Group Sampling Methodology is applied, soil
sampling must be conducted at the same farms for each three-year sampling cycle. Soil sampling should be

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conducted at farms that provide a representative sample of soil health for the grower group and region(s), based
on soil types and morphology, crops and growing practices, geography, and other relevant land characteristics.

How to determine sampling plots:

Representative plot Best plot Worst Plot

Representative of your Representative of your Representative of your

operation’s standard activities and operation’s best soil. Qualities operation’s worst soil. Qualities
is informed by the variation in include but are not limited to: include but are not limited to:
landscape and soil type water infiltrates well, yields are water ponds or runs off, poor
high, low pest/weed/disease yields, high pest/weed/disease
pressure, good tilth, and good pressure, hard to work up, and
germination seeds germinate slowly

Number of Sampling Locations

The number of sampling locations required to meet the ROC criteria depends on the size of your
business operation(s) within your ROC certification scope. At least two soil samples must be taken from
each distinct operation. For larger operations, an additional soil sampling location is required.

Distinct operations are those that use different management practices and/or are non-integrated.
Operations are considered non-integrated if they are physically separated and managed independently.
Non-integrated operations may include those that produce different crops or livestock, such as
perennial versus annual crops or separated crop and livestock production. For additional guidance on
determining the number of distinct operations on your farm, contact your certification body or the ROA.

Integrated operations include those that utilize crop and animal rotations through all areas of the farm.
Where operations are integrated, this should be documented and can be considered a single operation.

The table below provides examples for the required soil sampling locations based on operation type and
size. For additional guidance on determining the number of samples needed for your farm, contact your
Certification Body or the ROA.

Sampling Total
Operation Parcel Size
Description Locations Sampling
Type (ha)
Required Locations
1-ha farm with 2 non-integrated Perennial fruits 0.5 1
Farm A operations: perennial fruits and annual 2
vegetables Vegetables 0.5 1
20-ha farm with fully integrated
Farm B Integrated 20 3 3
rotational grazing and annual crops
No-till 10 1
50-ha farm with no-till and conventional-
Farm C Conventional 3
till parcels 40 2
tillage

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 Integrated
150-ha farm with rotationally grazed 120 2
livestock
Farm D chickens and cattle, and separately 3
Integrated
managed rotated annual crops 30 1
crops

How to Sample
Sampling should be conducted in the same way year-to-year to ensure consistent results. Sampling
Protocols A and B in Appendix A (page 11) provide step-by-step instructions for taking samples in-field at
each sampling location. You may follow the ROC-provided protocols or refer to your sampling lab and
the resources provided at the end of this document for accepted sampling methods.

Sampling Time
Soil sampling should occur at a time of year most reflective of typical conditions on your operation.
Sampling should not be conducted at a sub-optimal time solely for the purpose of meeting ROC
requirements. Appropriate soil sampling times will depend on your operation, location, and growing
season. Sampling should not occur shortly after disturbance or amendments to the soil, such as
primary/secondary tillage or applications of manure, compost, and fertilizer. Sampling should be
conducted at roughly the same time of year and dates and coordinates should be documented in your
testing records.

Sampling Coordinates
Please record the GPS coordinates of your sampling locations at the time of sampling. You will be asked
to submit these at the time of audit by your auditor and record them on your in-field soil test
worksheet. Most smartphones allow you to drop a pin and see coordinates.

General Sampling Process

For most soil tests, you will take a sample according to the following general process, which is outlined
in more detail in Protocol A:
1) Select a sampling location;
2) Identify five randomly located spots within the sampling location (“Subsample Locations”);
3) Dig to a consistent depth (15cm/6in) and collect soil at each subsample location (“Subsamples”);
4) Mix the subsamples together to create one composite sample for that sampling location.

Please note that the Bulk Density and Available Water Capacity tests require a different sampling
method as outlined in Protocol B.

Submitting to the Lab

For specific guidance on submitting your sample(s), contact your testing lab. General recommendations
are provided here.

1) All samples should be stored and shipped in individual sealed plastic bags, preferably with a
secondary container (e.g. double-bagged).
2) Label each sample clearly with the name of your farm, date, time, and location the sample was
taken.

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 3) If possible, wear gloves when handling samples.
4) As much as possible, keep samples out of direct heat and sunlight. Refrigerate or otherwise keep
samples cool before transporting to the lab.
5) Mail samples to the lab as soon as possible after collection and use rapid delivery where
available.

What to Do with Your Results

Documentation of completed testing and all results must be documented in your Regenerative Organic
System Plan and provided to your auditor for certification and re-certification.

The results of your soil test can provide valuable information on your land’s health as well as monitor
the effectiveness of any management practices you have in place to improve certain aspects of your soil.
For detailed guidance on interpreting the results of your soil tests, consult your testing lab, local
agricultural agency, or the resources listed at the end of this document. If your tests identify deficiencies
or areas to improve, these resources can also help you understand what soil amendments or
management practices are needed to improve soil health and crop performance.

In-Field Tests
Field tests are more qualitative than lab tests and can be performed right on your farm without special
equipment. In-field tests can provide valuable insights into your operation’s soil health and help inform
adaptive management decisions.

This section provides some basic guidance on recommended field tests and how to interpret your field
test results. For more information, we recommend contacting a local resource such as an agricultural
research institution or extension office.

Producers are required to choose six of the following 10 field indicators. See “Summary of
Recommended Field Tests” in Appendix B (page 16) for a summary of recommended field test details,
how to assess them, and what the results mean for your soil. The ROA has also developed a video series
explaining how to easily conduct these field tests and how they can inform management decisions—you
can find these videos at RegenOrganic.org/Resources.

Please record the GPS coordinates of your sampling locations at the time of sampling. You will be
asked to submit these at the time of audit by your auditor and record them on your in-field soil test
worksheet. Most smartphones allow you to drop a pin and see coordinates.

Field Indicators
1. Compaction 6. Plant health
2. Crusting 7. Root growth
3. Abundance of macro-life 8. Structure/aggregation
4. Ground cover 9. Soil color
5. Infiltration 10. Soil smell/taste

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Resources
Your certification body, soil testing lab, grower’s group/co-op, or local research or extension agency are
good resources to contact for questions related to the ROC soil testing requirements and completing the
required lab tests. Additionally, the following resources may provide additional guidance and
information related to soil sampling and interpreting results of your lab tests.

Cornell University

• Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health - The Cornell Framework

(http://soilhealth.cals.cornell.edu/training-manual)
• College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and Testing Laboratory (https://soilhealth.cals.cornell.edu)

European Soil Data Centre (ESDC) - https://esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu

ISO

• Soil quality- vocabulary (https://www.iso.org/standard/59259.html?browse=tc)

ISRIC: World Soil Information - https://www.isric.org/explore/library

The Rodale Institute - https://rodaleinstitute.org/why-organic/organic-farming-practices/soil-health/

U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) -

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/health/

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Appendix A: Soil Sampling Protocols
The following sampling protocols are intended to serve as a general overview and reference point for
collecting soil samples in accordance with the requirements of Regenerative Organic Certified. Please
defer to your specific lab’s soil sampling protocol, if available.

Sampling Protocol A: General Sampling

Follow this protocol for all ROC soil tests other than bulk density and available water capacity (to test
bulk density and available water capacity, use Sampling Protocol B). This soil sampling procedure
references page 27 from http://www.css.cornell.edu/extension/soil-health/manual.pdf.

Applicable Soil Tests

• Active Carbon • Mean Weight • Soil organic matter

• Aggregate Stability Diameter • Soil protein
• Carbon Stock • Nitrogen stock • Soil texture
• Extractable • pH • Total soil nitrogen
micronutrients • Potentially • Total soil carbon
• Extractable P, K mineralizable N • Water content
• Geometric Mean • Respiration
Diameter • Soil organic carbon

Materials/Supplies
• 1 bucket for each sampling location
• 1 bucket to hold supplies
• Marker or pen
• Straight shovel (sharpshooter or drain spade style)
• Cooler for sample storage and transfer
• Ice packs (optional); only needed for very hot days
• Gloves
• Sealable 4-liter (1-gallon) plastic bags, such as zip-top; double-bagging recommended

Definitions
Sampling Location: The field or parcel of your farm where sampling is conducted. Sampling locations
should be representative of the general activities of your operation and should be recorded using GPS
coordinates. The sampling locations you use for soil lab tests must be consistent year to year. The
number of Sampling Locations you need is determined by your farm size and number of distinct
operations.

Sub-Sample: Within each field or parcel, you will collect five “sub-samples” that represent the sampling
location. These are randomly spaced throughout the field and will be combined to form one composite
sample.

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Sample: The combined mixture of the sub-samples. This is your final “sample” that you will send to the
lab for soil chemical analyses. One sample is submitted per sampling location (i.e. field).

Selecting Sampling Locations

Samples should be taken in the same locations (i.e. field or distinct parcel) consistently to track changes
in soil health over time. Refer to page five for the required number of sampling locations for your farm.

For all sampling locations, be sure to do the following:

1) Record Sampling Location(s): Take the GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude) at the border
points of your field or parcel (four to five points). GPS coordinates can be taken using a cell
phone or an online tool such as Google Maps. You will provide the coordinates to your Soil
Health auditor along with the soil test results. The same sampling locations should be used for
all sampling in subsequent years.
2) Determine Sub-Sample Locations: For generally uniform fields (e.g., even crop performance,
etc.), select five locations that are representative of the field or plot. Follow an M- or W-shaped
pattern or select random locations spread throughout the field. Avoid borders or irregular areas.
(See Figure A)

Figure A. Examples: General field sampling

Taking Your Samples

1) Remove any debris on the soil surface. Use the drain spade to dig a hole 15 cm (6”) deep.
2) From the side of the hole, use the drain spade to take a vertical, rectangular slice of soil 15 cm (6”)
deep and about 5 cm (2”) thick.
3) Remove any extra soil to ensure that the sample is the same width at the top and bottom of the
slice.
4) Place your sample in a clean bucket.
5) Identify another sub-sample site (within the same relative sample location). Place your second
sample in the same bucket as the first sample and mix thoroughly. Repeat for all five sub-samples.
6) Place about 1-liter (4 cups) of your combined sample in a 4-liter (1-gallon) plastic bag, seal and label
with the date and sampling location.
7) Double bag your soil sample. You can either place the single sample within another plastic bag or
place multiple sample bags in a secondary, larger plastic bag.

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8) Repeat steps 1-7 for each of your chosen sampling locations.

1 2 3
,
2

4 5 6

Images courtesy of the Cornell University Soil Sampling Protocol and adapted for use by the Regenerative Organic
Alliance
Sampling Protocol B: Bulk Density & Available Water Capacity
Follow this protocol for the Bulk Density and Available Water Capacity lab tests. This soil sampling procedure
references https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_050957.pdf.

Applicable Soil Tests

• Bulk Density
• Available Water Capacity

Materials
*If you have a bulk density hand sampler or can borrow one from your testing lab, you may use that. If not, use the
following materials to collect bulk density samples:
• Metal pipe/ring, approximately 10 cm (4”) • Garden trowel
in length, 5 cm (2”) diameter • Flat bladed knife
• Hammer or hand sledge • Sealable plastic bag (e.g. zip top)
• Wood block

Definitions
Sampling Location: The field or parcel of your farm where sampling is conducted. Sampling locations should be
representative of the general activities of your operation and should be recorded using GPS coordinates. The

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sampling locations you use for soil lab tests will be consistent year to year. The number of sampling locations you
need is determined by your farm size and number of distinct operations.

Sample: Each bulk density core that you take represents one sample that is sent to the lab for chemical analyses.
Three bulk density samples are submitted for each sampling location (i.e. field).

Selecting Sampling Locations

Samples should be taken in the same locations (i.e. field or distinct parcel) consistently to track changes in soil
health over time.

For all sampling locations, be sure to do the following:

1) Record Sampling Locations: Take the GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude) at the border points of your
field or parcel (four to five points). GPS coordinates can be taken using a cell phone or an online tool such
as Google Maps. You will provide the coordinates to your Soil Health auditor along with the soil test
results. The same sampling locations should be used for all soil lab testing in subsequent years.
2) Determine Sub-Sample Locations: For generally uniform fields (e.g., even crop performance, etc.), select
three locations spread throughout the field that are representative of the field or plot. Avoid borders or
irregular areas.

Taking Your Samples

1) Remove any vegetation, rocks, or debris from the soil surface. Place the metal pipe/ring on the flat field
surface.
2) Place the wood block on top of the metal pipe/ring.
3) Using the hammer, drive the pipe fully into the ground, to a depth of approximately 10 cm.
4) Using the garden trowel, dig around the pipe.
5) With the trowel underneath the pipe, carefully lift it out to prevent loss of soil.
6) Remove excess soil with the flat-bladed knife, ensuring the sample is flat and even with the edges of the pipe.
7) Using the flat-bladed knife, push the sample into a plastic sealable bag. Alternatively, you can leave the sample
in the pipe and request the lab to send it back.
8) Seal and label the bag with the date and location.
9) Repeat steps 1-8 for your other sub-samples.

Sampling materials: trowel, metal pipe, wood

block, and plastic bag 1 2

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 3 4 5

6 7 8
Photos courtesy of the Rodale Institute

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Appendix B: Test Descriptions
Description of Required Lab Indicators
Required or
Soil Health Indicator Units Measures Interpreting Results
Recommended
Largely responsible for fueling microbial activity;
The proportion of improves with additions of “fresh” organic
ACTIVE CARBON – organic matter that is material (manure, leguminous cover crop
Recommended ppm
POXC highly labile and readily residues, continual plant input through roots).
available to microbes. Like soil respiration, active carbon can be a quick-
to-respond soil health indicator.
An indicator of soil An indicator of soil structure, higher aggregation
structure and resistance indicates optimum air and water movement
AGGREGATE
Recommended % to intense "wetting" through soils; aggregation generally improves
STABILITY
episodes like heavy rain with no-till and the addition of organic matter;
and irrigation. can be directly reduced by physical disturbance.
Largely determined by soil texture (clay content);
The amount of plant Generally, increases with the addition of organic
WATER HOLDING
Recommended g H2O/g soil available water in the matter in both the short and long-term;
CAPACITY
soil. important to gauge a soil's resistance and
resilience to drought conditions.
Both an indicator of soil structure (heavily
compacted soils have higher bulk densities) and
A measure of soil also necessary to measure carbon stocks over
BULK DENSITY Required g/cm3
compaction. time. Generally, bulk density improves in the mid-
term (~2-3 years) with the addition of organic
matter and adoption of regenerative practices.
An indicator of how More is generally better, however too much can
EXTRACTABLE P Recommended ppm much P is available to cause environmental damages such as
plants. eutrophication.
An indicator of how More is generally better and can be adjusted
EXTRACTABLE K Recommended ppm much K is available to using specific amendments and organic
plants. fertilizers.
Soil acidity can impact nutrient availability (at low
pH values, certain nutrients can become
unavailable to plants). Specific crops can require
A measure of soil
PH Required log-scale specific pH ranges, and the pH of a soil can be
acidity.
adjusted through the use of amendments (e.g.
lime additions for very acid soils, or sulfur
additions for basic soils).
Generally, more respiration means more
biological activity, and thus indicates nutrient
A measure of how flows and availability (as microbes decompose
mg CO2/kg active the microbial organic matter to make nutrients available to
RESPIRATION Recommended
soil community is within a plants). Generally, improves with the addition of
given soil. organic materials and is one of the indicators
most sensitive and fastest to respond to changes
in management.
Necessary to accurately measure carbon stocks
The amount of organic over time. Significant (and meaningful) changes in
SOIL ORGANIC
Required g C/g soil carbon within a gram of carbon stocks are very difficult to detect over
CARBON (SOC)
soil. short time scales (<5 years). SOC makes up about
58% of soil organic matter.

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 Confers a host of beneficial biological (food
source for microbes), physical (improves soil
A measure of all structure, holds onto water, improves aeration),
material and chemical (binds nutrients) properties. In the
SOIL ORGANIC
Required % that was or is living in short-term (1-3 years), soil organic matter levels
MATTER
the can increase with the addition of compost,
soil. manure, and crop residues, but to sustain and
build levels over time, continued regenerative
practices are necessary.
An important mediator variable to determine a
soil's potential for accumulating organic matter;
% sand, % The percent sand, silt,
SOIL TEXTURE Required an inherent soil characteristic, soil texture
silt, % clay and clay in the soil.
generally does not change in response to
management.
Different forms of nitrogen can be converted to
The concentration of plant-available nitrate. More is generally better
TOTAL SOIL
Required g N/g soil total nitrogen present in for plant growth, though excess amounts can
NITROGEN
the soil. cause environmental damage through runoff
leaching or greenhouse gas emissions.
CEC is an inherent soil characteristic that is
meq/100 g The total capacity of a predominantly controlled by clay content; adding
CATION EXCHANGE
Recommended or soil to hold organic matter can increase CEC; Sandy soils rely
CAPACITY (CEC)
cmol(+)/kg exchangeable cations. heavily on the high CEC of organic matter for the
retention of nutrients.
The microbial biomass decomposes plant and
animal residues and soil organic matter to release
A measure of the mass
TOTAL MICROBIAL carbon dioxide and plant available nutrients; Soil
Recommended mg/kg soil of the living component
BIOMASS clay content, pH, and the availability of organic
of soil organic matter.
carbon all influence the size of the microbial
biomass.
Essential nutrients
Micronutrients play an important role in crop
(including Cl, Fe, Mn, Zn,
EXTRACTABLE production; crop yield or quality will decline if any
Recommended ppm Cu, Bo, Mo) taken up by
MICRONUTRIENTS of the micronutrients are deficient; toxicities can
plants in relatively small
also occur if concentrations are too high.
amounts.

Summary of Field Tests

INDICATOR MEASURES UNITS RATING INTERPRETING RESULTS
POOR: Wire probe will not penetrate A heavily compacted soil can restrict
How easily Measured FAIR: Wire probe penetrates with root growth and limit air and water
COMPACTION penetrable the soil using a wire difficulty to less than 20 cm (8 in) movement in soil. This is a simple
surface is probe GOOD: Wire probe penetrates to 20 field measure of surface and sub-
cm (8 in) or more very easily surface hardness.
POOR: Surface seals after rain Surface crusting can indicate poor
FAIR: Some surface sealing, minimal water and air movement in soils and
Measured by
A measure of the restriction of seedling emergence is generally associated with high
CRUSTING visual
soil’s surface crust levels of tillage and poor structure.
observation GOOD: Open, porous soil; seedlings
This is a qualitative assessment of
emerge without any restriction
aggregate stability.
Number of POOR: <2 kinds of soil animals A higher diversity of soil animals
The number of
DIVERSITY OF unique soil indicates a healthier, more robust
different soil FAIR: 2-5 kinds of soil animals
MACRO-LIFE animals per soil food web, which fuels nutrient
animals present GOOD: >5 kinds of soil animals
shovel full availability.

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 A higher percentage of ground cover
Percentage of POOR: <35% ground cover protects soil from erosion, provides
ground covered by % cover per soil animals with a food source, and
GROUND COVER
plants, plant unit FAIR: 35-50% ground cover improves soil structure. Observations
residues, or mulch should be conducted for each
GOOD: >50% ground cover
distinct field within the operation.
A field ponding test can provide an
POOR: Water ponds on the soil indication of how easily water moves
Visual surface through the soil; less surface ponding
How easily water assessment means water can easily infiltrate and
PONDING
enters the soil of surface FAIR: Some ponding on the surface provide water for plants. This field
ponding measurement is related to available
GOOD: No ponding water capacity and aggregate
stability lab tests.
POOR: Yellow, stunted growth;
Identifying zones of uneven or
variable stand height; spotty
Visual measure of stunted crop growth can help a
germination
crop leaf color, Visual farmer locate problematic areas on a
PLANT HEALTH FAIR: Variation in color, height, and
height, and assessment farm that may require specific
germination
uniformity attention and management
GOOD: Dark green, even growth and
interventions.
germination
Inspecting fine root growth provides
POOR: Restricted roots, few fine roots an idea of how well the plants are
Visual measure of
able to put out roots and can
fine root growth in Visual
ROOT GROWTH FAIR: Somewhat restricted roots; indicate whether or not there are
the surface soil (0-5 assessment
some fine roots restrictions to root growth either
cm)
GOOD: Healthy, uninhibited roots, lots physically (poor soil structure) or
of fine roots chemically (nutrient deficiencies).
A soil that crumbles easily promotes
air and water movement and
How easily a soil Measured by
indicates robust biological activity (as
crumbles, the touch, feel,
STRUCTURE/ POOR: Hard soil, lots of clods; difficult microbes generate soil aggregates).
amount of soil and
AGGREGATION to break apart This qualitative assessment is related
bound up in observation
to aggregate stability and should be
aggregates of the soil
assessed for each distinct field within
an operation.
Darker soils are generally richer in
Measured by Please indicate the color as best you
Description of soil carbon. Soil color can also indicate
SOIL COLOR observation can (ranging from black to
color the clay content informing of the
of the soil orange/beige)
nutrients available.
Measured
Please describe the smell/notes as Soil smell can help indicate what
Description of soil through
SOIL SMELL best you can (i.e. minerally, earthy, minerals or substances are prevalent
smell smelling the
sewage, etc.) helping to inform the nutrient load.
soil

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FAQ
Why lab testing?

One of the goals of Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) is to build soil organic matter (SOM) overtime
and to increase soil carbon sequestration, drawing carbon out of the atmosphere and into the ground.
In order to achieve this goal, we need to measure soil carbon as it changes over time.

Soil health as we define it is dependent on myriad biotic and abiotic factors such as nutrient availability,
water holding capacity, micro-organism presence and biodiversity and much more. That is why we
require a number of tests. In order to gain the best understanding of soil health we need to measure
and record. A number of different indicators. The results from these soil tests when incorporated with
other influences such as geographic location and crop type can help give farmers, ranchers, researchers,
and the ROA an overview of soil health and how it can be improved through regenerative organic
practices.

Why in-field testing?

Through requiring in-field testing every year for ROC participants, we hope to encourage farmers to
monitor their land and soil health on a more consistent basis and for these observations to inform
better management decisions. All of the required soil tests can be done with equipment found on farm
or at home. We encourage producers to perform these tests more often, but we only require they
submit their results on a yearly basis. Instructional videos on how to best perform these in-field soil tests
can be found at RegenOrganic.org/Resources.

Why 15cm?

Much of the feedback we received from our pilot participants was that the required soil testing for ROC
was cost and equipment prohibitive. In order to honor this feedback, we discussed the depth of soil
tests with our Soil Health Advisory Council (SHAC) – comprised of soil scientists and industry experts.
This group decided that although studies are showing variation in soil carbon storage between 30 –
100cm, studying carbon at these depths is the job of academia and is both cost and equipment
prohibitive for farmers and ranchers participating in ROC. With this decision to take lab samples from
15cm depth, we intend to connect ROC participating farms who express interest with academic
institutions around the world that are doing this important soil carbon research. We also intend to
explore developing other soil carbon programs as the ROA evolves and grows.

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