DA Deploys Mobile Soil Lab to Boost Farming in Ilocos Norte Hinterlands
Laoag City — Farmers in remote areas of Ilocos Norte are gaining improved access to soil testing services as a mobile soil laboratory rolls out across the province.
The initiative recently reached Pagudpud, where the local government, led by Mayor Rafael Ralph Benemerito, extended on-site soil testing activities to accommodate more farmers eager to participate.
Local authorities encouraged farmers to take advantage of the service by bringing soil samples to the Pagudpud Cultural and Sports Complex, emphasizing the importance of understanding soil conditions to improve crop yields.
Following its Pagudpud stop, the mobile laboratory is set to continue its operations in other municipalities across the province, expanding access to essential agricultural support services.
The Department of Agriculture Region 1 (Ilocos Region) said that the collected data will help update the region’s soil fertility map and guide farmers in applying the right type and amount of fertilizer.
The program forms part of the DA’s broader soil health initiative, implemented through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, which aims to enhance farm productivity through science-based soil management.
Equipped to analyze soil chemistry, structure, microbiology, and water quality, the mobile laboratory provides farmers with detailed soil health reports and soil cards. These tools offer customized recommendations on fertilizer use and timing, helping improve both productivity and long-term soil health.
Agricultural experts are also conducting training and capacity-building activities alongside testing, ensuring that farmers and local stakeholders can apply the findings effectively.
The deployment of the mobile soil laboratory highlights ongoing efforts to bring agricultural services closer to rural communities, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, to support sustainable farming practices.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
