State of the Soils Assessment

The State of the Soils Assessment is a statewide, multi-year effort to establish a baseline understanding of soil health across Washington’s diverse agricultural systems. Led by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and Washington State University, the initiative has collected nearly 1,000 soil samples and management surveys spanning more than 50 cropping systems, with participation from farmers, conservation districts, and agricultural professionals across the state.

The assessment focuses on understanding how climate, crop type, and management practices influence soil health, while also developing cost-effective approaches for producers to assess their own soils. Participating producers receive customized soil health reports that contextualize their results within similar crops, regions, and statewide trends. These reports are designed to support informed management decisions through clear explanations, visualizations, and comparisons.

The website serves as a living hub for assessment results, soil sampling guidance, testing resources, interactive maps, and reporting tools, including the {soils} R package. Together, these resources aim to improve soil data access, interpretation, and practical application for Washington producers and agricultural professionals.