A soil health scoring framework for arable cropping systems in Saskatchewan, Canada

Farmers are looking for appropriate tools assessing and interpreting the health status of their soils; however, there is no standardized prairie-based soil scoring framework. Accordingly, we focused on developing one arable cropping systems in Saskatchewan. In 2018, samples (0–15, 15–30, 30–60 cm depths) were collected from 55 fields across Saskatchewan, along with native prairie samples. Various chemical, physical, biological attributes measured (23 total). Based data distribution each attribute, developed functions. The results multivariate analyses used to determine weighting factors needed integrate individual scores attribute into a single Saskatchewan Assessment Soil Health score. carbon (C) nitrogen (N) indices (soil organic C, active total N, protein) phosphorus produced highest factors. We also tested if linkages between crop productivity by cereal yields past 10 years as reported same rural municipalities where collected. A positive relationship was most apparent during dry years; thus, recommend further research explore this linkage at finer scale. Overall, forms foundation promising framework that can be built upon, due course, lead development tool producers who interested tracking using inform management.