TAF PUBLISHING

The technique developed to assess or measure soil health in Indonesia proposed by the author is to use soil health index by using a minimum data set consisting of 13 (thirteen) main parameters of soil equipped with the function or role of each parameter along with its weighting coefficient and how to assess each parameter and calculate the total health score of the soil studied. Furthermore, the total health score of the soil then classified into 5 levels of soil health, varying from very well to very poor levels. To select indicators used for assessment or measurement of soil health in Indonesia, the author uses some criteria proposed by some authors formerly. The author selects a technique proposed to develop SHI. The technique is "score-based" and operates in two synergistic steps. The findings show that soil health basically reflects the character and dynamics of the soil in fulfilling its functions. However, a variation on the function of soil causes difficulties in compiling a soil health assessment that can measure to which extent the soil can fulfill all of its dedicated functions. Ironically, in Indonesia, there are no tools that have been developed and used extensively, and standardized to assess soil health. Thus the development of tools to assess soil health is an urgent need in Indonesia.