SoilDoc System Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania

DESCRIPTION: Soil test kits have been around for a long time, but none of these kits is accurate enough to be really useful in making on-site nutrient recommendations. SoilDoc is a portable, on-farm soil testing kit that would provide tailored fertilizer and organic input recommendations for farms, following the Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) approach. SoilDoc will allow us to diagnose soil constraints in the field, transmit the information quickly through SMS with an android phone or tablet, and send quality recommendations on time. In this way, farmers will be advised on best management of their farm to increase production and apply costly fertilizers only where needed.

SoilDoc will have myriad results that include unlimited and available on-farm extension services and increased farm production. The application of precise soil inputs will reduce costs and curtail soil nutrient losses to the environment. This will contribute toward improved food security and nutrition and better environmental practices.