The Department of Agriculture Bicol (DA-5), through its Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL), has introduced a new mobile soil laboratory from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management for precise soil health solutions to farmers.
Lovella Guarin, Chief of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section, said the mobile soil laboratory would initially serve municipalities and cities in Camarines Sur.
“In the meantime, it will assist the local government units of Naga City and Camarines Sur. The municipal agriculturists from various towns and cities in Camarines Sur are currently at the DA regional office for an orientation on how to utilize the mobile lab and understand the associated processes and protocols. This mobile lab is an additional resource to the existing laboratory at the regional office. Conducting soil sampling and testing is crucial before farmers begin planting,” Guarin said in an interview Tuesday.
Once the Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAOs) are briefed, they can start performing soil sampling in their areas and the mobile laboratory will be ready for deployment.
“Before planting, soil sampling and testing are essential to identify any deficiencies. Once these deficiencies are determined, farmers will know what types of fertilizers or interventions are needed for their soil,” she added.
RSL officer-in-charge Chief Frederick Forcadela underscored the importance of systematic soil testing as the foundation for successful agricultural production.
“Our goal is to provide our farmers not only with results but also with comprehensive recommendations for their development,” he said.
The mobile soil laboratory functions as an extension facility of the Regional Soils Laboratory, extending services to remote areas of the region.
“This initiative represents a significant step towards offering expanded services for farmers in hard-to-reach locations. With the support of our colleagues at ILD and the Division Chiefs, we can further promote sustainable land management and assess crop suitability to determine which crops are best suited for different soil types,” he added.
Forcadela said the mobile soil laboratory’s results waiting period depends on the conduct of sampling, with results possible within a day, but factors may extend the waiting time, bringing up the importance of proper sampling.
The province of Camarines Sur will be the first pilot area of the Mobile Soil Laboratory, where the following municipalities and cities are scheduled to be visited and served: Baao, Balatan, Bato, Bombon, Buhi, Bula, Cabusao, Calabanga, Camaligan, Canaman, Caramoan, Del Gallego, Gainza, Garchitorena, Goa, Iriga City, Lagonoy, Libmanan, Lupi, Magarao, Milaor, Minalabac, Nabua, Naga City, Ocampo, Pamplona, Pasacao, Pili, Presentacion, Ragay, Sagñay, San Fernando, San Jose, Sipocot, Siruma, Tigaon, and Tinambac. (PNA)
