DA deploys mobile soil testing lab to boost Bicol farmers’ production

By Keren Anne Bernadas

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Bicol has received a mobile soil testing laboratory to help local farmers use fertilizers more effectively, and grow better crops.

Frederick Forcadela, head of the Regional Soil Laboratory (RSL), confirmed on Monday (Oct. 13) that the Bureau of Soils and Water Management has provided the region with a Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL), a fully equipped 10-wheeler truck that can test 44 different soil, and water qualities.

The lab will travel to different towns in the region, offering on-site soil tests and giving farmers instant fertilizer advice at no cost.

According to Forcadela, the lab will act as an extra service of the RSL for farmers across the region.

The lab will first visit areas where farming is most active and where many farmers need soil testing.

According to the DA, the province of Camarines Sur will be the pilot area for the MSL, which is set to visit and serve the following municipalities and cities in the province: Baao, Balatan, Bato, Bombon, Buhi, Bula, Cabusao, Calabanga, Camaligan, Canaman, Caramoan, Del Gallego, Gainza, Garchitorena, Goa, Iriga City, Lagonoy, Libmanan, Lupi, Magarao, Milaor, Minalabac, Nabua, Naga City, Ocampo, Pamplona, Pasacao, Pili, Presentacion, Ragay, Sagñay, San Fernando, San Jose, Sipocot, Siruma, Tigaon, and Tinambac.

Forcadela emphasized that systematic soil analysis is essential for successful agricultural production.

“With the help of our colleagues from the Integrated Laboratory Division and the division chiefs, we can better promote sustainable land management and crop suitability to determine which crops are most appropriate for each type of soil,” he said.

In a statement, the DA encouraged farmers to use the MSL to improve their harvests and choose the right seeds, fertilizers, and other essential farming supplies for their land.

“The DA offers [MSL] services free of charge to farmers growing rice, corn, high-value crops, vegetables, and root crops. This is a valuable resource to help increase yields while minimizing the impact on soil health,” the DA said.

University professor Maggie Ante Cano praised the DA-RSL in a social media comment, calling the distribution of the MSL a “laudable project for our farmers.”

Nora Jintalan, a farmer in Albay province said, “Thank you DA 5. Malaking tulong po ito sa farmers. Kami po ay umaasa na ito ay makaabot sa Albay. (PIA Bicol)