How the science of soil testing translates into farmer impact
His thirst for knowledge once channeled into teaching, now drives his farming journey. When his crops struggled, he turned to soil testing, hoping to understand why.
“I had some issues and felt that if I understood what was going on with the soil, I might be able to improve my harvest. However, the report I got from the first institution I approached was very complicated and incomprehensible to me – it was not useful at all, and they were not willing to provide any support or make recommendations I could implement.”
Soil health is at the heart of every farming system. To thrive, farmers like Oliver need more than just land and supplies—they need soil rich in nutrients, well-structured, and capable of supporting diverse crops year after year. But most farmers can't tell what their soil might be missing just by looking at it. That’s where soil testing comes in, helping to pinpoint nutrient deficiencies and imbalances. Unfortunately, soil testing services and lab facilities are still out of reach for many smallholder farmers. Even when tests are available, like in Oliver’s case, the results often lack the clarity needed to take action.
At One Acre Fund, we support farmers like Oliver by guiding them through the soil testing process and helping them understand and act on the results. We also work alongside farmers, offering training and support to implement effective strategies such as crop rotation, composting, and tree planting to restore and enhance soil health.
It begins in the soil lab
For Chrispinus Shibachi, our Soil Lab Coordinator, and John Opiyo, a young lab technician at One Acre Fund Kenya, the work begins with them. They start with analyzing soil samples brought to them by farmers across our areas of operation. Their typical day begins by carefully labeling and documenting soil samples submitted by farmers. This step is critical to ensure that each sample represents its field accurately, allowing for a reliable analysis.
Once samples are collected, they move into the analysis phase, assessing key properties—pH levels, nutrient content, organic matter, and soil texture. These findings form the foundation for practical recommendations to farmers. Technicians use both chemical and physical analysis techniques, ensuring that they are able to surface precise and relevant information.
Translating lab findings into field solutions
After analysis, our technicians interpret these results, identifying any nutrient deficiencies, imbalances, or soil constraints that may hinder crop growth. With this knowledge, they prepare a comprehensive recommendation report. This report includes specific suggestions for nutrient management, such as fertilizer application rates, application of lime to adjust pH, and organic amendments such as composting and animal manure that improve soil fertility, structure, and overall health.
The soil lab team then collaborates with our field agents to deliver this information to farmers. The field agents play an important role in ensuring that each farmer understands the report and the steps needed to implement it. This includes one-on-one consultations where agents discuss findings, demonstrate application methods, and educate farmers on sustainable soil management practices.
Farmers can make informed decisions through these tailored recommendations that lead to healthier, more productive farms. For instance, they might receive guidance on composting, crop rotation or adding specific nutrients. As a result, they reduce unnecessary fertilizer use, saving on costs and minimizing environmental impact.
Monitoring and continuous learning
The work doesn’t end once we share our recommendations. Farmers are encouraged to actively monitor their crops throughout the growing season, noting any growth issues. Any observed issues, such as nutrient deficiencies or pest problems, may prompt adjustments to the management plan. At harvest, farmers assess their harvest and crop quality, using this as an opportunity to evaluate the success of the implemented practices and identify lessons for future seasons. Farmers are also encouraged to collect new soil samples for analysis so that our teams can revisit these soil tests season after season, as it helps track trends and make continual adjustments to management practices. This creates a feedback loop that guides future soil health practices. Continuous monitoring and feedback contribute to long-term soil health improvement and sustainable agriculture.
“I understand that knowing the characteristics and chemistry of the soil is important for applying the right interventions for different crops. This information will enable farmers to unlock the potential of their farms and increase their agricultural productivity. I am therefore very excited to see the outcome of One Acre Fund’s soil testing service, and it makes me even more proud to be a One Acre Fund farmer.”
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