Slow growth, uneven distribution, and consistently low productivity.

Uneven or stunted growth, with variable yields.

Healthy, vigorous growth with a uniform stand and consistently strong yields.

Little to no surface cover, with patches of exposed soil.

Some surface residue is present, but the soil is not fully protected.

The soil surface remains covered throughout the year, with minimal exposed areas.

Topsoil appears indistinguishable from the subsoil.

Topsoil shows some differentiation from the subsoil, with a slightly darker color, but not very pronounced.

Topsoil is clearly distinct and noticeably darker than the subsoil.

Water infiltrates the soil very slowly, leading to significant runoff, erosion, waterlogging, or ponding.

Water absorption is moderate, with some runoff, erosion, and wet spots in the field or soil profile.

Soil absorbs water quickly, very little runoff or erosion, water is evenly drained through field and soil profile

The soil has a limited capacity to retain moisture, causing plants to show stress a few days after rainfall.

The soil retains moisture for a short time but dries out within a week.

The soil retains water effectively, staying moist for an extended period without ponding.

Minimal presence of worms, insects, springtails or other visible signs of soil life per shovel.

Moderate presence of worms, insects, springtails and visible soil life per shovel, with some signs of activity.

Abundant worms, insects, and other visible signs of soil life per shovel.

Hard layers restrict root growth severely, with few roots penetrating and most spreading horizontally.

Firm soil with slightly limited root penetration, showing a mix of horizontal and vertical roots.

Loose soil allows unrestricted root growth, with both vertical and horizontal roots extending deeply.

The soil surface is compact, forms clumps that don’t easily break, and becomes very powdery when dry.

Soil partially crumbles by hand, with only a few aggregates.

The surface contains numerous soft, small aggregates that crumble easily.

Crusting, large clods, and significant difficulty during tilling.

Minor crusting, small clods, and moderate effort required for tillage.

A mellow, crumbly texture that tills effortlessly, leaving no clods.

Noticeable wind erosion, shallow or exposed topsoil, or large gullies.

Some wind erosion, shallow gullies, and discolored runoffs are observed.

No signs of wind erosion, gullies, or runoff discoloration.

Visible salt deposits and areas with dead or unhealthy plants.

Stunted growth

No visible salt deposits or plant damage observed.