Farmers in Carmen, Davao del Norte, are now gaining direct access to modern soil testing services as the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Davao Region deployed its Mobile Soils Laboratory (MSL) on Thursday.

The MSL, a state-of-the-art 10-wheeler laboratory truck, is equipped with advanced analytical instruments that provide on-site soil testing and diagnostic services.

It can analyze soil chemical, physical, and microbiological properties, conduct water quality assessments, and perform rapid tests using soil and water test kits.

In a statement, DA Regional Soils Laboratory Chief Maria Geneva Depra said the initiative aims to bring soil health monitoring closer to farmers, support science-based nutrient management, and promote sustainable agriculture.

“It brings soil diagnostic services directly to farming communities, allowing farmers to obtain science-based information about the condition and fertility of their soil without having to travel to a stationary laboratory,” Depra said.

She added that by the first week of October, the DA will also turn over soil test results and soil test kits (STKs) to Davao del Norte municipalities.

“The results will form part of the soil analysis bank of the country. Moreover, the STKs will help local agriculture offices continue providing basic soil assessment services to farmers even after the mobile laboratory leaves the province,” she said.

Depra emphasized that the arrival of the MSL in Carmen means farmers can now gain better knowledge of their soil, helping them maximize fertilizer use and improve productivity per hectare. (PNA)