Soil structural stability is vital for resilience and erosion prevention, with the Slake Test Method offering a cost-effective solution. This method assesses soil aggregates' resistance to erosion through rapid wetting, involving steps like drying aggregates, immersing them in water, and grading their stability. Scores range from 0 to 6, with lower scores indicating reduced stability and higher scores (>5) indicating good resistance. It's applicable to both surface and sub-surface layers, though sandy soils may not achieve the maximum score. Factors like soil texture, organic matter, and compaction influence stability, cautioning against comparisons between different plots. Monitoring stability changes over time within the same plot is advised. Additional resources for conducting the test and assessing soil quality are provided, including a French video demonstration and a guide from the NRCS.
Soil Physic Fertility: Slake Test
Content Author: Arvalis