The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Cordillera region announced Wednesday that it has received a mobile soil testing laboratory from the national government to support local farmers in optimizing fertilizer use and improving crop yields.
DA-Cordillera Director, lawyer Jennilyn Dawayan, confirmed that the region is one of the recipients of the 16 Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL), a fully equipped 10-wheeler truck capable of analyzing 44 soil and water parameters.
The lab will rotate through municipalities in the region, conducting on-site soil analysis and immediately issuing fertilizer recommendations to farmers, free of charge.
She explained that soil testing is a vital aspect of farming, as it allows experts to assess the soil’s condition and recommend the appropriate type of fertilizer tailored to the specific crop being planted, ultimately improving soil health and productivity.
“Through this, farmers can avoid spending on fertilizer that is not necessary. If they are guided, they can introduce the proper fertilizer needed so that they can have better produce,” Dawayan said in a message sent to the Philippine News Agency.
The MSL also offers consultations and training on proper fertilizer use and supports the national food security program by making science-based soil management accessible to farmers.
To maximize its impact, the lab will prioritize areas actively engaged in agriculture with high demand for soil testing.
The pilot MSL, launched in 2024 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has already served more than 300 hectares in Tarlac and Nueva Ecija.
The program is overseen by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management. (PNA)
