BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) says it has introduced digital soil scanning technology to support agriculture in Barbados.
Soil scanning demo (FAO photo)It said that the new technology is intended to help farmers and extension officers assess soil health and manage nutrients effectively.
In a statement, the FAO said many farmers here face challenges due to a lack of accurate information on how to optimally use agricultural inputs, often leading to improper application of fertilizers and chemicals, resulting in decreased crop yields, increased costs, and potential agrochemical residue issues in the produce.
The FAO said to address these problems, it has with the support from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), launched a training programme that begins with drone training and mapping for agricultural extension officers.
It said the latter part of the programme focuses on providing hands-on experience with portable digital soil scanners for officials and staff from the Barbados Agricultural Development Corporation (BADMC).
“These scanners yield detailed reports on soil nutrient levels, allowing extension officers to offer tailored fertilizer recommendations to farmers. This precision in managing nutrient applications leads to enhanced crop productivity and minimizes environmental impacts caused by over-fertilization.”
FAO said that the participants in the training sessions gained invaluable skills in using the digital scanners, which assess various soil parameters, including nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and organic matter. It said the information gathered will help farmers understand their soil’s nutrient status and guides them in adopting practices that improve soil health and productivity.
“Soil nutrient management is a critical component of sustainable agriculture and will greatly assist us with monitoring agricultural areas,” said BADMC extension officer, Tiana Hurley.
