The Department of Agriculture Central Luzon, through the Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL), formally launched the Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL) at the Research Outreach Station for Lowland Development (RSLD) in Paraiso, Tarlac.
The P35.9-million MSL, funded under the National Soil Health Program (NSHP) of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), aims to provide affordable, accurate, and scientific soil analysis for farmers in Central Luzon.
The MSL is a ten-wheeler mobile facility equipped with modern equipment and safety features that can analyze 44 chemical, physical, and biological properties of soil and water quality.
The launch was led by RSL Chief Rosalie T. Laxamana, and attended by DA-RFO III Regional Executive Director Dr. Eduardo L. Lapuz, Jr., DA-RFO III Regional Technical Director for Regulations and ILS Dr. Irene M. Adion, RSLD Station Manager Ronaldo M. Angat, Tarlac Provincial Agriculturist Noel C. Regis, Zambales Soil Coordinator Hilaria Dela Cruz, and other officials from the DA and local government units.
The activity began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a blessing of the facility and the RSL staff led by Rev. Fr. Howell M. Suarez. After a short program, the guests were given a tour of the mobile soil laboratory to see its equipment and facilities.
This is part of the implementation of the NSHP, which focuses on the “3A’s” – Accessible, Available, and Accurate solutions for soil health nationwide.
The MSL was first launched at the national level in December 2024 at Malacañang, attended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.
Sixteen (16) MSLs were distributed to DA Regional Executive Directors on June 30, and this MSL is scheduled to be deployed in Zambales for seven (7) weeks in October.
Its objectives include monitoring soil health, providing site-specific fertilizer recommendations, updating soil fertility maps, conducting capacity building for farmers and Agricultural Extension Workers, and creating a database of soil test results and agro-socio profiles of farmers.
The expected outputs from this project include an updated soil fertility map of the province, site-specific recommendations, more farmers with knowledge in Soil and Nutrient Management, and improved monitoring of soil health.
