Soil fertility
A soil mapping project in Ethiopia, and mobile laboratories for testing soil in Kenya, are helping farmers improve fertiliser use. Areas of Ethiopian soil previously affected by acidity and nutrient deficiency are becoming more balanced, while Kenyan farmers are able to test soils before planting.
A soil fertility mapping project – the first of its kind in Africa – is underway in Ethiopia. Using digital technology, the Ethiopian Soil Information System (EthioSIS) is gathering data on soil characteristics to support decision-making on balanced fertilisation. Over 40% of agricultural land in Ethiopia’s three major regions is affected by acidity. Speaking at an International Potash Institute symposium, Dr Gidena Tasew from Mekele Soil Research Centre explained, “Historically, Ethiopian soils were believed to contain certain nutrients that were actually deficient – in particular, potassium. This is changing as researchers in the country pioneer this digital soil fertility mapping project.”
“EthioSIS will drive a better fertiliser approach,” commented Professor Tekalign Mamo, EthioSIS programme leader. “Just as it is important to ensure growing children receive a healthy diet, nutrition must start in soils, in the form of balanced fertilisation.”
The project is being coordinated by the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA). Senior project officer Tegbaru Bellete comments, “We are using state-of-the-art technology that, in time, will give farmers an advisory service for which fertilisers to use. I’m excited because different African countries are coming to learn from the experiences of the EthioSIS project.” ATA plans to move the project to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources as a permanent programme.
A different approach is being rolled out in Kenya, where over 6,000 farmers are being served by four mobile laboratories. Operated by SoilCares, the laboratories have conducted over 10,000 soil tests since being introduced in 2013, with each soil test costing farmers around €12. Through use of remote sensing technologies, results are ready within 2 hours, supporting farmers to make informed decisions over fertiliser use. Announcements of mobile laboratory visits are sent by text alerts to registered users of the SoilCares SMS service and are also made available through social media. SoilCares advises farmers to have soils tested before the planting season or when switching to new crops.
In late 2016, SoilCares will also be introducing SoilCares Scanners, which will be smaller, lighter and easier to use than the big laboratories. Available at approximately €2,000, the SoilCares Scanner will be appropriate for agro-dealers, extension officers, cooperatives or outgrower schemes.
