Key Takeaways:
- World Soil Day Celebration: The Soil Health Institute (SHI) released the ‘Slakes’ app on World Soil Day to encourage global engagement in soil health measurement.
- Technology Accessibility: The app, available for free on smartphones, uses camera technology to measure aggregate stability, a key indicator of soil health.
- Broad Applications: ‘Slakes’ aims to serve diverse groups, including educators, farmers, conservationists, and policy stakeholders in assessing soil health impacts.
- Support and Vision: The development of ‘Slakes’ was supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation and The Ida and Robert Gordon Family Foundation, aligning with SHI’s vision of promoting soil health for sustainable agriculture.
- Global Impact: The app contributes to climate resiliency and agricultural productivity, aligning with SHI’s mission to enhance soil vitality and productivity worldwide.
Revolutionizing Soil Health Measurement with the ‘Slakes’ App
On World Soil Day, the Soil Health Institute announced the launch of ‘Slakes’, a revolutionary phone application designed to facilitate easy and accurate soil health assessment. This tool is pivotal for anyone interested in agriculture, environmental science, or sustainability.
Dr. Cristine Morgan of SHI highlighted the importance of making credible soil health measurement technology accessible to everyone. The app takes pictures of soil aggregates before and after water exposure, calculating their stability. This process is critical in determining soil health, as more stable aggregates indicate better soil health and resistance to erosion.
Engaging Various Stakeholders in Soil Health
SHI envisions a wide range of applications for ‘Slakes,’ from educational purposes in schools to practical uses by farmers and conservation professionals. It’s seen as a tool to quantify the impact of different soil management practices, fostering a broader understanding and appreciation of soil health.
Robyn Luhning of Wells Fargo, a supporter of the initiative, emphasized the role of soil health in climate resiliency. Dr. Alex McBratney shares this perspective from the University of Sydney, who sees the app as a fun and accessible way to engage with soil analysis.
Advancing Soil Health Globally
The ‘Slakes’ app, available on Google Play and the App Store, represents a significant step in SHI’s mission to enhance global soil health. It embodies the Institute’s vision of sustainable agriculture, climate stability, and environmental health, contributing significantly to global efforts in these areas.
For more information or to integrate ‘Slakes’ into your organization, visit the Soil Health Institute’s website or contact them directly. This initiative marks a significant advancement in empowering individuals and organizations to actively participate in soil health assessment and management, fostering a healthier planet for future generations.
Photo by Dylan de Jonge on Unsplash
