The Department of Agriculture (DA) has intensified its efforts to enhance farm productivity through the deployment of mobile soil testing laboratories nationwide.
Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro urged farmers to take advantage of the Bureau of Soil and Water Management’s mobile soil testing laboratories (MSL) services to improve crop yields.
He noted that the MSL would also allow them to make informed decisions on the right seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs that would optimize their land.
Each mobile lab, worth P42 million, can conduct advanced analysis of up to 44 parameters that would cover soil chemical, physical, microbiological, and water chemical properties.
The DA said MSL is a key component of the National Soil Health Program, which aims to make soil testing accessible, reliable, and precise, particularly 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.’
The agency noted that all its Regional Field Offices (RFOs) have been equipped with an MSL.
It added that the pilot deployment of the MSL in Tarlac earlier this year demonstrated ‘promising results’ after analyzing 543 soil samples and producing 346 fertilizer recommendations covering 25 high-value crops.
The DA said 584 farmers and local stakeholders were trained in soil testing and sustainable fertilizer management.
Following this, the MSL deployment also generated Soil Health and Soil Fertility Maps, Soil Health Monitoring Reports, and personalized Soil Health Cards.
‘Soil health isn’t just about sustainability-it’s a sound financial strategy. With regular soil testing, farmers can cut input costs, improve yields and crop quality, reduce risks from drought or nutrient deficiencies, and ensure long-term soil productivity,’ the DA said.
‘By investing in soil health, the DA empowers farmers to make smarter decisions-leading to yield increment translating to greater profitability, improved resilience, and a stronger foundation for Philippine agriculture.’