A healthy soil is a soil that is productive and easy to manage under the intended land use. It has biological, physical and chemical properties that promote the health of plants, animals and humans while also maintaining environmental quality. Soil is composed of minerals, organic matter, water and air. The part of soil that remains largely concealed (but is the powerhouse of a healthy soil) is the organisms - small animals, worms, insects and microbes.

Source: Land & Water Australia

Soil properties are rate limiting factors which affect soil processes, in turn driving soil function and productivity. They provide a 'snapshot' of the current soil condition and can be used to monitor the change in soil properties through time. This website provides a general outline of 13 key soil properties which can constrain productivity, providing a range of consolidated information on various aspects of each soil property including identifiable features, prevention and management practices, example case studies, profitability and has a search function that enables a unique filter system to search for information on regionally or industry specific information.

Often soil constraints can be associated with symptoms that are visible to the naked eye either within the paddock or in the near surrounds. However, as symptoms can be caused by more than one factor, further investigation and testing is required. Landholders should seek information and expert advice prior to undertaking management solutions.