Definition
Soil testing refers to laboratory testing of a soil sample from a farmer's plot. Soil testing determines the condition of a farmer's soil, including the presence of certain chemicals, minerals and organic matter content. The purpose is to help farmers recognise their soil condition, and thus reduce agrochemicals usage, use appropriate amount of fertiliser, minimise input costs, and achieve higher yield.
Lead Actors
Off-taker; Other Service Provider
Target Demographics
Smallholder Farmers
Objectives addressed
Farmer related
Improve yields:
Farmers can use soil testing results to optimise their input use during cultivation thus resulting in better productivity.
Increase climate resilience:
Farmers with a deeper knowledge of their soil are more likely to use the appropriate inputs to improve their soil and generate a healthier crop that is more resistant to pests and diseases. They are also more likely to increase their incomes, leading to improved cash flow for investing in drought resistant seeds or irrigation technologies.
Increase farmer income:
The ability to optimise their soil quality through tailored inputs allows farmers to benefit not only from increased yields but also from increased consistency and predictability, potentially improving their relationships with off-takers and making them better candidates higher income markets.
Business related
Address sourcing needs:
For farmers optimising farming practices based on soil testing, increased consistency and quality can make them better business partners for off-takers.
Contexts Best Suited to
Higher value crops: where the added benefit is more likely to covers the cost.
Areas where soil degradation is a concern: to facilitate a plan for restoring soil health.
Models that make use of demo plots or farmer field schools: as a testing ground.
Areas where soil degradation is a concern: to facilitate a plan for restoring soil health.
Models that make use of demo plots or farmer field schools: as a testing ground.
Key Risks
Uncertainty about cost recovery: there are many steps between soil testing and market where things can go wrong.
Results may not be available in time for use: many labs are backed up and delayed during high seasons.
Insufficient knowledge to translate results to appropriate inputs: having a report of the soil composition does not always mean that a farmer knows how to fix it.
Results may not be available in time for use: many labs are backed up and delayed during high seasons.
Insufficient knowledge to translate results to appropriate inputs: having a report of the soil composition does not always mean that a farmer knows how to fix it.
Environmental Impact
Positive:
When farmers are aware of the specific deficiencies in their soil, they can adopt targeted, responsible strategies to resolve those deficiencies. Even if those strategies involve the continued use of synthetic fertilisers, overapplication that leads to acidification/eutrophication would be limited. Additionally, when a plant's nutritional needs are being met, it is healthier and more resilient to pests and diseases, facilitating the reduced use of crop protection agrochemicals. Overall, soil testing is a key component of responsibly reaching higher yields, which reduces land pressure and expansion, thus improving space for nearby ecosystems.
Ambition level
Medium
Time
Typically there is a turnaround time of around 2 weeks under ideal circumstances but logistics and lab overcrowding leads to further delays. Newer technology can make this faster.
Investment Need
Though costs can vary per region, the average cost of soil testing is around 50USD per acre. As such, for a company working with thousands of farmers, this can be cost prohibitive. A more affordable approach could be to test the soil of key farmers in each region (for example, demo farmers or farmers engaging in seed multiplication) but limiting testing in this way would also limit impact.
