Soil organic matter stratification as an indicator of soil quality

This paper explores the potential for using a ration of the stratification of soil organic C and N pools by depth as an indicator of soil quality. Stratification ratios offer a more universal indicator of soil quality, allowing comparison of soils across different soil types and climates. The ratios calculated for Georgia, Texas, and Alberta/British Colombia were, respectively, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.9 under conventional tillage, and 3.0, 2.0, and 2.1 under no tillage. High stratification ratios indicate soil quality; degraded soils are unlikely to have a ratio greater than 2.