What is the Genesis score?
The Genesis score is an assessment of soil health. It is a universal impact measure based on the analysis of in-situ samples and contextual data. It has been developed by a team of soil and data specialists, with the support of leading global partners and a scientific advisory board of renowned experts.
It allows for measuring the environmental impact of agricultural practices on biodiversity, soil fertility, and climate.
How is the Genesis score calculated?
The Genesis score is a score between 0 and 100 and is calculated from 35 indicators. These indicators were chosen for their ability to measure soil ecosystem functions. The Genesis score contains 4 indices: biodiversity, climate, water and fertility, which integrate certain indicators through specific weightings. The overall score is a geometric mean of the 4 indices mentioned above.
The value of each index is represented by a colour:
- Green → GOOD. The soil is in good health
- Yellow → ALERT. The soil has one or more warning points
- Red → BAD. The soil is in a critical condition
The indicators are constructed from parameters measured in the laboratory from soil samples collected on the plots and standardised on a scale of 0 to 100 in relation to a reference taking into account, where possible, the pedoclimatic context of the sampled area.
Note that: The Genesis score is assigned to a Homogeneous Soil Unit (HSU). An HSU is an area that can extend over all or part of several plots, whose soil, cultivation and topographical characteristics are sufficiently similar to be sampled and analysed in the same way.
Indices
Biodiversity index | This index integrates both a measure of the specific diversity of microorganisms and the ecological functions carried by these communities and a measure of certain factors affecting the quality of the habitat (shelter and food), namely the content of bioavailable carbon, pollutants and erosion. |
Climate index | This index measures soil capacity to sequester carbon within the soil and limit greenhouse gas emissions (such as nitrous oxide). |
Water index | This index measures a contaminant risk evaluation of water by several pollutants, such as metal trace elements and nitrates, as well as the soil capacity to maintain the soil with two indicators: salinisation and water erosion. Agricultural soil loss to the river is a severe environmental risk and can cause important damage. |
Fertility index | This index measures the intrinsic fertility level of soil and therefore production potential while maintaining good soil health. The aim is to be able to continue producing in the long term while adapting agricultural practices to maintain good soil health. |
The contribution of the different indicators to each index is as follows:
Indicators | Biodiversity index | Climate index | Water index | Fertility index |
Bacterial diversity | ✅ | ㅤ | ㅤ | ✅ |
Oxygen availability | ✅ | ✅ | ㅤ | ✅ |
Nitrous oxide emission risk | ㅤ | ✅ | ㅤ | ✅ |
Balance of mineral nitrogen forms | ✅ | ㅤ | ✅ | ㅤ |
Total organic carbon | ㅤ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Bioavailable carbon | ✅ | ㅤ | ㅤ | ✅ |
Balance of carbon forms | ✅ | ✅ | ㅤ | ㅤ |
Metal trace elements | ✅ | ㅤ | ✅ | ✅ |
Nitrates | ✅ | ㅤ | ✅ | ✅ |
Salinization | ✅ | ㅤ | ✅ | ✅ |
Maximum water reserve | ㅤ | ㅤ | ㅤ | ✅ |
Water erosion | ㅤ | ㅤ | ✅ | ✅ |
Analysis types
The Genesis indicators are derived from 5 different types of analysis. They are grouped according to this logic on the page of each index in the Genesis platform, as well as in the rest of this guide.
- Biology: measurement of soil biology
- Carbon: measurement of soil carbon
- Pollution: measurement of pollution present in soil
- Water: measurement of a soil's ability to hold water
- Erosion : measurement of soil loss
Indicators
Biology indicators
- Bacterial diversity
- Oxygen availability
- Nitrous oxide emission risk
- Balance of mineral nitrogen forms
Bacterial diversity
Unit | Without unit |
Reading direction | The higher the bacterial diversity is, the higher the soil health score. |
Indicator description | This indicator measures the taxonomic diversity of bacteria and archaea taking into account the balance (relative abundance) of each species, as well as the number of species (richness). High bacterial diversity means the presence of a reservoir of bacteria and archaea capable of carrying out various ecological functions, thus providing the soil with a high level of resistance and resilience in the face of disturbance. This indicator is unitless.
The measurement of bacterial diversity is obtained by DNA analysis and then the calculation of the inverted Simpson's index. The Shotgun analysis technique was chosen because it allows, by identifying the genes represented, to have a global overview of the composition of the bacterial microbiome as well as its functional potential.
This measured value is normalized with a relative approach based on its distribution statistics within our database. |
Principal ecologic functions | - Habitat for organisms, regulation of biodiversity
- Storage and restitution of nutrients
- Storage, recycling and transformation of organic matter |
Practices that can influence the indicator | Positive practices
- Maintaining a living vegetation cover
- Supplying organic amendments
- Intervening in the field when the soil has enough bearing capacity (to avoid compaction)
- Limit inputs of pollutants
- Suitable tillage (suitable for cultivation, soil-climatic conditions, seasonality)
Negative practices
- Soil compaction
- Unsuitable tillage
- Contaminated supplies |
Oxygen availability
Unit | % |
Reading direction | The higher the oxygen availability is, the higher the soil health score. |
Indicator description | This indicator indirectly measures soil aeration and therefore the soil structure, which is essential for water dynamics, root colonisation and biological activity. The majority of soil ecological functions are initiated by aerobic microbial communities, ie. whose metabolism requires the presence of oxygen. In soils with a very degraded structure (e.g. linked to compaction) or in soils saturated with water, the diffusion of oxygen is limited, favouring anaerobic microbial communities.
The oxygen availability indicator is based on the number of genes detected that are involved in aerobic processes compared to the number of genes detected that are involved in aerobic and anaerobic processes within the bacterial and archaeal communities. Its unit is a percentage.
This measured value is normalized with a relative approach based on its statistics distribution within our database. |
Principal ecologic functions | - Habitat for organisms, regulation of biodiversity
- Storage and restitution of nutrients
- Storage, recycling and transformation of organic matter
- Water storage, circulation, and infiltration
- Filter, buffer, and degradation of pollutants
- Physical support for vegetation
- Control of the chemical composition of the atmosphere and contribution to climatic processes |
Practices that can influence the indicator | Positive practices
- Maintaining a living vegetation cover (at least soil protection by organic inputs)
- Suitable tillage (suitable for cultivation, soil-climatic conditions, seasonality), short-term aeration
Negative practices
- Maintaining a bare soil
- Soil compaction
- Tillage practices, long-term degradation of soil structure |
Nitrous oxide emission risk
Denitrification potential
Unit | Without unit |
Reading direction | The higher the potential for conversion of nitrate to nitrous oxide, the lower the soil health score. |
Indicator description | This indicator measures the potential for conversion of nitrate to nitrous oxide by soil bacteria and archaea. This process occurs mainly in an anaerobic environment. Nitrous oxide contributes significantly to the greenhouse effect (warming potential 265 times higher than CO2). Therefore, it is necessary that this transformation is limited in soils in order to maintain nitrogen in a form accessible to plants (nitrate ions) and to avoid the release of nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.
The denitrification potential indicator is based on the number of genes detected for this denitrification process compared to the number of essential genes detected for bacteria and archaea. It is unitless.
This measured value is normalised with a relative approach based on its distribution statistics within our database. |
Principal ecologic functions | - Habitat for organisms, regulation of biodiversity
- Storage and restitution of nutrients
- Filter, buffer, and degradation of pollutants
- Control of the chemical composition of the atmosphere and contribution to climatic processes |
Practices that can influence the indicator | Positive practices
- Encouraging crop rotation (with a diversity of species and optimised crop successions)
- Reduced tillage
- Management of organic and mineral inputs: balance between the different forms of nitrogen present in the soil.
Negative practices
- Inappropriate fertilisation, e.g. massive application of fertiliser at one point in the rotation. |
Balance of mineral nitrogen forms
Nitrification and nitrate ammonification potential equilibrium
Unit | Without unit |
Reading direction | The more the nitrification and nitrate ammonification potentials are in balance, the higher the soil health score. |
Indicator description | This indicator measures the balance between the potential for nitrification and nitrate ammonification by soil bacteria and archaea. Nitrification is the transformation of nitrate into ammonium and nitrate ammonification is the transformation of ammonium into nitrate, i.e. the reverse process. The aim is that both processes are represented in the community, without one process being predominant or absent from the community, which would create an imbalance in favour of one of the nitrate or ammonium forms in the soil. This imbalance could lead to a decrease in fertility affecting plant nutrition (preponderance of poorly bioavailable ammonium) or an environmental risk (preponderance of highly mobile and leachable nitrate under certain conditions).
The indicators of nitrification and nitrate ammonification potential are based on the number of genes detected for these respective processes compared to the number of essential genes detected for bacteria and archaea. It is unitless.
This measured value is normalised with an approach taking into account seasonality and values measured in permanent grasslands as reference values. |
Principal ecologic functions | - Habitat for organisms, regulation of biodiversity
- Water storage, circulation, and infiltration |
Practices that can influence the indicator | Positive practices
- Managing fertilisation: balance between the different forms of nitrogen present in the soil
Negative practices
- Inappropriate fertilisation, e.g. massive application of fertiliser at one point in the rotation. |
Carbon indicators
- Total organic carbon
- Bioavailable carbon
- Balance of carbon forms
Total organic carbon
Unit | g/kg of dry matter |
Reading direction | The higher the total organic carbon concentration, the higher the soil health score. |
Indicator description | This indicator measures the total organic carbon content of the soil, which is an essential component of soil fertility, environmental quality and is at the heart of all ecological functions of the soil. The potential of soil to accumulate organic carbon is strongly dependent on its clay content. The reaction between organic carbon in the form of organic matter and clay leads to the formation of clay-humus complexes (organomineral) which are key elements of soil fertility (e.g. water and nutrient dynamics, biological activity). Depending on their residence time in the soil, different forms of organic carbon are identified with different properties and agronomic interests.
The total organic carbon indicator is based on a dry combustion analysis by a CHN analyser. It is expressed in g/kg of dry matter.
The measures value is currently contextualized using a clustering approach that takes into account climatic and soil data to produce the normalized value. |
Principal ecologic functions | - Storage, recycling and transformation of organic matter
- Habitat for organisms, regulation of biodiversity
- Control of the chemical composition of the atmosphere and contribution to climatic processes
- Water storage, circulation, and infiltration
- Physical support for vegetation |
Practices that can influence the indicator | Positive practices
- Maintainance of vegetation cover,
- Application of organic amendments,
- Limitation of the export of crop residues,
- Limitation of the frequency and intensity of tillage,
- Crop rotation
Negative practices
- Tillage (increases mineralization of organic matter)
- Compaction of soil |
Bioavailable carbon
Active organic carbon content
Unit | g/kg of dry matter |
Reading direction | The higher the concentration of active organic carbon, the higher the soil health score. |
Indicator description | This indicator measures the active organic carbon content, which is the portion of organic carbon that has a residence time in soils of less than 100 years in a temperate climate. It is the source of energy for biological activities and its decomposition releases nutrients for plants. If the proportion of active carbon is too low, the activities of organisms and the release of nutrients from the mineralisation of organic matter are reduced. This more "reactive" fraction, i.e. compared to the stable fraction, is the most sensitive to agricultural practices. Note that active carbon includes labile carbon with a residence time of less than one year.
The active organic carbon indicator is based on a thermal analysis (Rock-Eval) coupled with modelling (PartySOC). It is expressed in g/kg of dry matter.
The measured value is normalised with an expert approach, based on research work on the dynamics of organic matter. |
Principal ecologic functions | - Storage, recycling and transformation of organic matter
- Habitat for organisms, regulation of biodiversity
- Control of the chemical composition of the atmosphere and contribution to climatic processes |
Practices that can influence the indicator | Positive practices
- Maintainance of plant cover (root exudate)
- Application of organic amendments
- Limitation of the export of crop residues
- Maintainance of soil structure
- Limitation of the intensity and frequency of tillage
- Crop rotation
Negative practices
- Tillage (increases mineralization of organic matter)
- Compaction of soil |
Balance of carbon forms
The ratio of stable organic carbon to total organic carbon content
Unit | % |
Reading direction | A balanced ratio represents a good balance between bioavailable and stable organic carbon forms. A high ratio reflects a low proportion of active organic carbon, which limits biological activity and leads to a loss of chemical fertility of the plot. Conversely, a low ratio indicates a risk of massive destocking of soil organic carbon. |
Indicator description | This indicator measures the ratio of stable organic carbon to total organic carbon. Stable organic carbon, due to its role in the aggregation process, is an essential component of soil fertility. The stability of carbon, mainly linked to its physical protection, allows it to remain in the soil for several decades or even millennia. Increasing the amount of stable carbon in the soil corresponds to the process of sequestration. However, the proper functioning of soil requires a balance between the stable and bioavailable factions, i.e. accessible to organisms, in order to maintain a good organic matter dynamic on the plot, and all the functions induced.
The ratio of stable organic carbon to total organic carbon is based on a thermal analysis (Rock-Eval) coupled with modelling (PartySOC). It is expressed in %.
The measured value is normalised with an expert approach, based on research work on the dynamics of organic matter. |
Principal ecologic functions | - Control of the chemical composition of the atmosphere and contribution to climatic processes
- Storage and restitution of nutrients
- Storage, recycling and transformation of organic matter
- Physical support for vegetation |
Practices that can influence the indicator | Positive practices
- Application of organic amendments or straw restitution
- Limitation of soil tillage
- Increase diversity in the rotation and plant cover
Negative practices
- Tillage increases the ratio through the loss of soil active organic carbon from the soil
- Mineral fertilisation |
Pollution indicators
- Trace metal elements (TMEs)
- Nitrates
- Salinisation
Trace metal elements (TMEs)
Unit | mg/kg of dry matter |
Reading direction | The higher the score, the lower the MTEs concentration. |
Indicator description | This indicator is a measure of the total TME content (cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, nickel, lead, zinc) of the soil. TMEs are present in the soil in its natural state in varying quantities (geochemical background) or through inputs (amendment, fertilisation, phytosanitary treatment) or atmospheric fallout (industry). In high quantities, these compounds can be toxic for plants and organisms, thus affecting their activities and the functions they carry. In addition, depending on local conditions (pH, oxidation-reduction potential, etc.), these compounds can be mobile and transferred to groundwater or to the plant, thus representing an environmental and health risk.
The TME indicator is based on a two-step analysis, a light water extraction phase followed by a mass spectrometry analysis. It is expressed in mg/kg of dry matter.
The normalisation of this indicator is based on a European standard and integrates the natural content of the soil. |
Principal ecologic functions | - Habitat for organisms, regulation of biodiversity
- Filter, buffer, and degradation of pollutants |
Practices that can influence the indicator | Positive practices
- Reasoned fertilisation and amendments. In particular, in order to limit inputs and associated contaminants, favour practices that promote the "natural" cycle of elements.
- In case of proven pollution, stabilisation of the element in the soil (e.g. pH management, phytostabilisation) or decontamination (e.g. phytoremediation)
Negative practices
- Inappropriate fertilisation and amendments
- All practices that will massively mobilise TMEs, e.g. excessive input of sewage sludge or other |
Nitrates
Unit | mg/kg of dry matter |
Reading direction | The higher the score, the lower the nitrate concentration. |
Indicator description | This indicator corresponds to the measurement of the nitrate (NO3-) content in the soil. Compared to the other mineral form of nitrogen in the soil, ammonium (NH4+), nitrates are very mobile in the soil and therefore very available to the plant. This high mobility leads to a strong risk of nitrate leaching into the soil and contamination of groundwater if inputs are not adapted to the needs of the crop (quantity, periodicity). Its interpretation must therefore take into account the needs of the crop, the type and the growth stage of the crop at the time of sampling.
The nitrate indicator is based on an ion chromatography analysis. It is expressed in mg/kg dry matter.
The measured value is standardised from European, French and American regulations. |
Principal ecologic functions | - Storage and restitution of nutrients
- Habitat for organisms, regulation of biodiversity
- Control of the chemical composition of the atmosphere and contribution to climatic processes |
Practices that can influence the indicator | Positive practices
- Fertilisation adapted to the needs of the plant and the soil and climate context
- Maintenance of living soil cover, especially in winter
- Optimal crop succession
Negative practices
- Inappropriate fertilisation: massive inputs |
Salinisation
Unit | Without unit |
Reading direction | The higher the score, the lower the salinisation. |
Indicator description | This indicator is a measure of the level of salinisation/sodification of soils. Salinisation is the accumulation of water-soluble salts (potassium, magnesium, calcium, chlorine, sulphate, carbonate, bicarbonate) in soils to levels toxic to most plants, animals and fungi. Sodification is the increase in soils of salts with high sodium content. It involves a measurement of the electrical conductivity of the soil and an assessment of the proportion of the Na+ ion in relation to other cations (Mg2+, Ca2+ and Fe2+). The divalent ions interact strongly with negatively charged organic matter and clays. In contrast to these ions, Na+ does not promote the formation of aggregates in the soil, so its high presence affects the stability of the soil structure. Furthermore, at high levels in the soil, Na+ becomes toxic to most plants and organisms. In France, the main risk of salinisation lies in irrigation with water enriched with Na+ ions.
The salinisation indicator is based on three parameters: electrical conductivity, the calculation of the sodium absorption ratio (SAR) and the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP). Both laters are determined by spectrometric analysis after an extraction phase of exchangeable cations with BaCl2. It is unitless.
The measured value is normalized via degradation steps from the 3 parameters mentioned above. |
Principal ecologic functions | - Physical support for vegetation
- Habitat for organisms, regulation of biodiversity
- Storage and restitution of nutrients |
Practices that can influence the indicator | Positive practices
- Reasoned irrigation: quantity and periodicity (avoid precipitation of salts)
- Maintainance of soil cover to control evapotranspiration
- Maintainance of soil structure
- Limitation of soil tillage (promotes evaporation)
Negative practices
- Inadequate irrigation |
Water indicators
- Maximum water reserve
Maximum water reserve
Maximal soil water holding capacity
Unit | mm / cm |
Reading direction | The higher the score, the greater the water holding capacity, the greater the water retention capacity of the soil. |
Indicator description | The maximum soil water holding capacity is the maximum amount of water available to plants (between wilting point and field capacity) that a soil can hold. The water-holding capacity acts as a buffer against droughts and limits the need for irrigation. It is conditioned by numerous parameters such as texture, organic matter content, root exploration depth, coarse fragments and bulk density.
This indicator is calculated from a pedotransfer function. The chosen soil pedotransfer function uses the following parameters: proportion of fine soil fraction, texture and total organic carbon content. This volume, or water stock, is usually expressed in terms of water depth (in mm of water per cm of soil or in mm of water for a given soil depth).
This indicator is normalized by taking permanent grasslands with the same textural class as reference values. |
Principal ecologic functions | - Water storage, circulation, and infiltration |
Practices that can influence the indicator | Positive practices
- Maintainance of a vegetation cover: promotes soil structuring, infiltration and water retention
- Addition of organic amendments: especially the more stable form (but good balance required)
- Limitation of tillage: affects the structure and biological activity
- Limitation of inputs: maintain good biological diversity and activity, e.g. mycorrhizal fungi which improve structure and access to soil resources
Negative practices
- Soil tillage that will break up the aggregates: loss of "good" porosity (mesoporosity for capillary water) to the detriment of macroporosity
- Soil compaction: will cause the loss of microporosity, which will limit the extraction of water because it is retained by the soil (pellicular water) |
Erosion indicators
- Water erosion
Water erosion
Estimated erosion risk
Unit | t/ha/year |
Reading direction | The higher the erosive risk score, the lower the risk of soil loss for the plot. The lower the erosive risk score, the higher the risk of soil loss on that homogeneous soil unit. |
Indicator description | This indicator estimates the soil loss due to water erosion modelled by the RUSLE model taking into account agricultural practices. The RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model, widely used in this sense throughout the world, estimates an annual soil loss, expressed in tonnes per hectare per year. The model takes into account the following information: climatic data (rainfall intensity), slope, crop management factors (practices and crop cover), measured soil characteristics (texture and structure classes).
This measure is an erosive risk that takes into account the crop management (tillage, plant cover, type of crop) that is implemented on the homogeneous soil unit.
The measured value is standardised by experts, based on research on the impact of water erosion on soil fertility and health. |
Principal ecologic functions | - Control of the chemical composition of the atmosphere and contribution to climatic processes
- Water storage, circulation, and infiltration
- Habitat for organisms, regulation of biodiversity
- Storage, recycling and transformation of organic matter
- Filter, buffer, and degradation of pollutants
- Physical support for vegetation |
Practices that can influence the indicator | Positive practices
- Soil cover
- Reduction of tillage. For sloping plots, if tilling, follow the direction of the contour lines
- Implementation of practices to limit runoff (hedges, stone walls, soil cover)
Negative practices
- Leave the soil bare during heavy rain
- Tilling the soil in the direction of the slope |