Previous studies of soil used for cotton production has highlighted that soil structural decline may be a potentially one of the limiting factor restricting cotton growth (CRDC report MCK IC & MCK 2C). Surface soil aggregates of soil used for cotton production will slake and/or disperse in water. The implications vary according to the scale at which this phenomenon occurs. Generally slaking is a desirable process in terms of surface soil structural regeneration, a process termed self-mulching. If slaking is excessive, resulting in aggregates < 100 pin in diameter, there is a chance that a temporary surface crust may form (Loch, 1995). Further, if the slaked aggregates disintegrate to producing sand, silt and clay, an undesirable massive structure may result. Water and air movement, root penetration and function, and seedling establishment often are affected adversely (Field, 2001). In order to identify the potential for surface soil structural decline two soil stability procedures have been identified by the industry. One of the procedures is termed the aggregate stability in water test (ASWAD, developed by Field et al. (1997), which is a diagnostic procedure used to assesses the degree of dispersion aggregates experience when immersed in water. The advantage of the test is it requires little specialised equipment, is relatively expedient making it satisfactory for routine use by land managers in the field or at home. Consequently the ASWAT procedure has been incorporated into SOILpak for cotton growers (3&#39rd edition) making it accessible to workers in the cotton industry. The other procedure identified by industry is a modified end-over-end technique. This procedure is used to assess the rate at which surface soil slakes and/or disperses. By comparing these surface soil breakdown dynamics it is possible to assess the potential for a surface crust to form.