Assessing soil organism diversity
1
Dig out an intact sample of topsoil at
least 10cm deep and 15cm square.
Allow your eyes to adjust to the soil
scale and do not move the
soil around.
4
Spend five minutes observing the
different types of organisms present.
Occasionally gently shift and spread the soil
sample around to help disturb the sample.
A hand lens or magnifying glass can
be used.
5
2
Carefully take off the top 5cm layer of
the sample with a spade.
Count how many different types of soil
organisms are visible. Use the table
opposite or a Field Guide to Insects to help
identify them.
6
3
Spread the sample out thinly leaving
bare spaces between the soil.
Scoring soil organism diversity
Score results using the table below:
Results Nil seen 1 to 2 types only 3 to 5 types More than 5 types
Scoring guide Poor Moderate Good Very good
Score 0 1 2 3
Write the soil organism diversity score on the Bullseye Score Card and fill
in the bullseye. If three tests were conducted, use the average score for
the bullseye.
RASH MANUAL - 19