DA deploys mobile soil labs nationwide to boost yields, cut farm costs

The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced Sunday that it has intensified efforts to improve farm productivity by deploying the Bureau of Soil and Water Management’s Mobile Soil Testing Laboratories (MSL) nationwide.

DA Officer-in-Charge and Undersecretary for Operations Roger Navarro urged farmers to maximize the free soil testing services to enhance yields and make informed decisions on seeds, fertilizers, and other essential farm inputs.

Each mobile lab, valued at around ₱42 million, is capable of conducting advanced analyses on up to 44 parameters—including soil chemical, physical, microbiological, and water chemical properties. The MSL is a vital component of the National Soil Health Program, which aims to make soil testing accessible, reliable, and precise, especially in remote agricultural areas.

“The DA is offering these services free of charge to farmers growing rice, corn, high-value crops, vegetables, and root crops,” Navarro said. “This is a valuable tool to help boost yields while minimizing the impact on soil health.”

All 17 Regional Field Offices of the DA have been equipped with MSLs, supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to modernize Philippine agriculture and strengthen science-based farming practices.

The pilot deployment in Tarlac earlier this year yielded encouraging results, with 543 soil samples analyzed and 346 fertilizer recommendations produced for 25 high-value crops. A total of 584 farmers and local stakeholders were trained in soil testing and sustainable fertilizer management.

Within just seven weeks, the MSL also generated Soil Health and Fertility Maps, Soil Health Monitoring Reports, and personalized Soil Health Cards for participating farmers.

Navarro emphasized that maintaining soil health is not only an environmental concern but also an economic one. Regular soil testing allows farmers to cut input costs, improve yields and crop quality, reduce risks from drought or nutrient imbalance, and ensure long-term soil productivity.

By investing in soil health, the DA aims to empower farmers to make data-driven decisions, resulting in higher profitability, greater resilience, and a stronger foundation for the country’s agricultural sector.