Soil laboratories will boost yield, says DA

The Department of Agriculture is deploying Mobile Soil Testing Laboratories (MSL) nationwide to help farmers boost yields, cut costs and make data-driven decisions, the agency announced Sunday.

The MSL program, part of the National Soil Health Program, aims to make soil testing accessible, reliable and precise, especially in remote areas.

DA Officer-in-Charge and Undersecretary for Operations Roger Navarro urged farmers to take full advantage of the services to make informed decisions on seeds, fertilizers and other inputs needed to optimize their land.

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

Each mobile lab, valued at approximately P42 million, can conduct advanced analysis of up to 44 parameters, covering soil chemical, physical, microbiological and water chemical properties.

All 17 Regional Field Offices have been equipped with an MSL, supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to modernize Philippine agriculture and bring science-based services directly to farmers.

A pilot deployment in Tarlac earlier this year analyzed 543 soil samples and produced 346 fertilizer recommendations for 25 high-value crops.

In addition, 584 farmers and local stakeholders were trained in soil testing and sustainable fertilizer management. The MSL deployment also generated Soil Health and Fertility Maps, Monitoring Reports and personalized Soil Health Cards within seven weeks.

Regular soil testing allows farmers to cut input costs, improve yields and crop quality, reduce risks from drought or nutrient deficiencies, and maintain long-term soil productivity, according to the DA.