Aaron Ristow (American Farmland Trust) and Haley Rylander (New York Soil Health) demonstrate the use of a penetrometer to test soil compaction, and teach the farmers of Gakwi:yo:h Farms how to collect soil samples for the New York Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health.
The NRCS Soil Health Division has released a series of technical notes covering various topics—from choosing a soil health testing lab to in-field assessments for cropland, rangeland, and forestland. Whether working in urban gardens, silvopasture systems, or managing cover crops, these guides offer practical, science-based insights for improving soil health across diverse landscapes. Visit the NRCS website to access the technical notes: