Soil Quality and Site Assessment Cards

What is the Focus?

Field assessments developed for people to evaluate a site and the quality of the soil for community gardens.

What Does NRCS Offer?

Site and soil indicator scorecards with instructions.

What is an Example of the Soil Quality and Site Assessment Cards?

NEW HAVEN, CT – The Lenzi Park neighborhood group used the cards to assess the recreational area. Lenzi Park hasn’t been developed since the 1970’s so the playground, handball courts, and lawn were in poor condition.

The Yale University Urban Resources Initiative selected the park for a community-based project for revitalization. Site analysis was conducted by professionals and remediation steps were outlined. The community group evaluated the information and did their own site and soil assessments with the cards. The information was then integrated into a design and the restoration plan was implemented.

Who are the Partners?

• Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
• Knox Parks Foundation
• New Haven Land Trust
• University of Connecticut
• USDA Farm Service Agency
• USDA-NRCS National Soil Survey Center

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