The Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS), South-West zone organized a train-the-trainer workshop for farmers and extension agents on how to use soil test kits on the farm to solve issues related to problematic soils in agricultural production.
The Zonal Coordinator, NISS, South-West zone, Professor James Adediran, speaking during the training held at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, noted that soil should be taken seriously in order to enhance food security.
NISS is primarily charged with the responsibility of regulating the profession of soil science in Nigeria for increased profitability and to guarantee improved soil management systems to ensure high agricultural productivity and food security in Nigeria.
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A soil test may refer to one or more of a wide variety of soil analyses conducted to estimate the plant-available concentrations of plant nutrients, in order to determine fertilizer recommendations in agriculture.
Adediran explained that the reason why NISS mandated the stakeholders’ training on how to manage various soils in Nigeria was because of the importance of soil as part of our environment and a vital input in agricultural production.
According to him, soil is a storehouse for plant nutrients and there is a need to know its content, adding that soil can be sick and may not be able to support crop plant growth, or the plant itself can be sick because of the sick soil.
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“Continuous land cultivation and improper handling of soil adversely affect its productivity and, consequently, crop yield.” Thus, organizing this workshop is apt and useful in promoting sustainable soil management. ”
“Soil testing is the only way out. Soil samples are normally taken to a laboratory for analysis. However, certain instruments can be used in the field to detect plant nutrients or diagnose what is missing in the soil. This tool is known as a “test kit.”
