VESS (Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure) was originally developed by SRUC & assesses soil structure based on the appearance and feel of soil dug out with a spade.
VESS allows you to observe and record how aggregated the soil structure is (aggregation is the crumb structure naturally occurs in healthy soil). The score ranges from 1 (very good structure) to 5 (poor structure). For each spade-full you are encouraged to do two VESS readings, one for the top layer of soil, and another for the soil below, as well as measure the depth of each. Usually the top layer scores better, and as the soil improves over time the top layer will get deeper, so it’s important to record the top depth.
Aggregation is a product of biological action – microbes gluing soil particles together into larger clumps (called aggregates). True biological aggregates have a rounded (crumb-like) appearance, like cottage cheese but on a smaller scale!
The Soilmentor app allows you to keep a log of your soil health results, so you can monitor your progress as you improve from a baseline. Learn more about Soilmentor here!
What to record
- VESS score (top)
- VESS depth (top)
- VESS score (bottom)
- VESS depth (bottom)
- Photos
Equipment
- Digging spade
- Tray / bin bag
- VESS score chart (initially)
- Pocket knife / trowel
- Ruler
How to do the test
