Prioritizing Soil Testing in Farming: A Lever for Agricultural Productivity Improvement
Healthy soils are the foundation of productive agriculture, yet many farmers continue to plant without knowing the true condition of their soils. This guesswork often results in low yields, nutrient deficiencies, poor crop performance, and unnecessary input costs. Prioritizing soil testing is one of the most effective and affordable steps farmers can take to improve productivity and long-term soil health. At GetCare Foundation, our extension officers regularly find that many farmlands suffer from nutrient depletion caused by continuous cropping, bush burning, and improper fertilizer use. Soil testing provides farmers with accurate information on soil pH, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrient levels—enabling them to apply the right fertilizers, at the right rate, and at the right time.