Soil quality and health key indicators

The concepts of soil quality and soil health concern the ability of soil to function and provide ecosystem services. This chapter reports a historical and critical overview of the two terms and a review of the methods and indicators currently used to assess and monitor soil quality and health. Different approaches are described and guidelines on the selection and use of indicators across spatial and temporal scales are provided. Key indicators are introduced, grouped according to their relevance to provide 10 specific soil functions, with their main references, sensitivity to changes, and relative cost of sampling and analysis.