Describe before interpreting. Record what was directly noticed and the effort or conditions of observation. No category is inherently good or bad outside its ecological, cultural and practical context.
Species: possible identification is not confirmation. “Not observed” is not proof of absence.
1
Surface and soil cover
What covers the surface, and where?
Optional descriptive cue: covered · partial · bare · N/A / unknown
2
Vegetation structure
What layers or patterns are present?
Optional descriptive cue: layered · mixed · single layer · N/A / unknown
3
Water behaviour
Where does water move, remain or enter the soil?
Optional descriptive cue: infiltrates · pools / holds · runs off · N/A / unknown
4
Change and succession
What appears to establish, hold, decline or reset?
Optional descriptive cue: establishing · holding · declining / resetting · N/A / unknown
5
Species and signs
What organisms or signs were observed?
Optional descriptive cue: observed · possible ID · not observed · N/A / unknown
6
Soil signals
What did you notice in smell, texture, roots or organisms?
Optional descriptive cue: active signs · mixed · compacted / unknown · N/A / unknown
7
Organic matter
What organic matter is produced, moved, returned or removed?
Optional descriptive cue: returned · moved / retained · removed · N/A / unknown
8
Human rhythm
What did the work require from the people carrying it?
Optional descriptive cue: carried · strained · not sustainable · N/A / unknown
Notes
Keep different kinds of knowing separately readable
Direct observation / measurement and method
Lived experience / local knowledge and whose
Interpretation / working hypothesis / confidence
Source, photo or specimen reference / what remains unknown