Hi Sir, here is my second NU6:
Mobile Solution for Soil Testing
By: Jose Tiburcio S. Canlas
Climate change is a global problem that has affected almost all countries especially those with vast agricultural lands. Since the Philippines is one country that is vulnerable to climate change, it should be necessary to require a soil analysis on all its agricultural lands.
In an article published at balita.ph, former Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and now head of the India-based International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), William Dar, was quoted saying that if the Philippines will not impose technological advances on soil analysis, we might face 30%-40% reduction in yields. Through soil analysis, micronutrient deficiencies can be detected, such as deficiencies in boron, sulfur and zinc. Hence, as soon as these deficiencies are detected, the farmers will know how to correct them by applying the right treatment. Dar also said the soil analysis and rejuvenation program can potentially increase the yield in most food staples like rice and corn by at least 20 percent. (Ison, 2013)
The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) is the government agency that offers soil analysis. The earliest possible time to acquire the results of the test for soil analysis is 10 working days as provided by law. "Samples are air dried and analyzed in batch. Usually, the number of samples and the kind of analysis dictate the length of time. The laboratory staff will inform the client if the two-week allowance is not attainable based on the samples submitted and the kind of analysis required. Samples are analyzed based on standard methodologies as prescribed by the American Soil Science Society. The cost of analysis varies."(Bureau of Soils and Water Management, 2014)
BSWM has a package for field technicians known as "Soil Test Kit." This contains chemical mixtures, formulated by the bureau, and a chart where the farmer will compare the color of the soil sample.
As a mobile solution, we can look into the possibility of making this task easier by integrating it in smart phones. We can develop a downloadable Android application (commonly known as "app"), wherein, the farmers will just take a picture of the obtained result and the smart phone will interpret the results right away.
Aside from faster results acquisition, the application presents a more advanced, more accurate and easier way of analyzing soil samples based on the color chart by BSWM via image processing. This mobile solution is also cost-effective and time-saving. 4
References:
Bureau of Soils and Water Management. (2014, March 6). Retrieved from: http://www.bswm.da.gov.ph/Services/LaboratoryAnalysis
Ison, L. G. (2013, January 7). Retrieved from balita.ph: http://balita.ph/2013/01/07/agri-expert-proposes-soil-analysis-of-philippine-farm-lands-to-guide-farmers-on-right-seedlings-fertilizers/
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