SoilDoc

Product Description

SoilDoc is a portable, on-site soil testing kit that is used to run soil analysis to provide tailored fertilizer and organic input recommendations for farms. The SoilDoc uses battery-powered instruments to test soil pH, biologically active soil organic matter, electrical conductivity, and micronutrients such as nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, and potassium. The kit transmits soil information via SMS (text message), allowing extension workers to make on-the-spot diagnoses of soil constraints and provide advice to farmers. This product is in a prototype phase.

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Agriculture and Food Security Center at Columbia University, DuPont Pioneer, University of Maryland

Manufacturing/Building Method

The product was developed at Columbia University together with the University of Maryland, supported by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). It is currently at the prototype phase.

Intellectural Property Type

Other

User Provision Model

The SoilDoc is currently being tested in the field

Distributions to Date Status

As of 2014, there are five kits in Zambia, 15 in Tanzania, and 100 in Nigeria

Design Specifications

SoilDoc Kit is a mini-lab kit for analyzing soil samples to assess soil quality and make recommendations on what farmers can do to improve the soil condition of their farms. The soil fertility parameters analyzed with the SoilDoc field kit include soil pH, biologically active soil organic matter, electrical conductivity (indicative of general fertility levels and salinity issues), and 0.01 M calcium chloride extractable nitrate-N, sulfate-S, phosphate-P, and potassium-K. It has the capability to test nutrients in sap of growing crops for a snapshot of crop nutrients regarding nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium. The kit also includes tools to measure soil physical properties like surface sealing strength, compaction and volumetric soil water content.

Technical Support

The SoilDoc is in its prototype phase. The developers offer technical support.

Replacement Components

Batteries

Lifecycle

3 - 5 Years

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The product is designed to help extension officers make recommendations for farmers to improve soil quality of their farms

Vetted Performance Status

The product has been tested for its efficiency by Cornell University, McGill University, Columbia University

Safety

Environmentally safe materials for agricultural extension agents to handle in the field.

Complementary Technical Systems

None

Academic Research and References

Murphy, D., Roobroeck, D., Lee, D. R., and Thies, J., 2019, Underground Knowledge: Estimating the Impacts of Soil Information Transfers through Experimental Auctions. SSRN, pp 124.

Dimkpa, C., Bindraban, P., McLean, J. E., Gatere, L., Singh, U., and Hellums, D., 2017, Methods for rapid testing of plant and soil nutrients, Sustainable Agriculture Reviews. Eric Lichtfouse, ed., Springer, pp. 1-43.

Haroua, A. P., Madajewiczb, M., Magombac, C., Michelsond, H., Tschirhartb, K., Amuric, N., & Palme, C., 2018, Can information improve investment? Effects of site-specific soil recommendations on fertilizer demand [Working paper].

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Other Information

None

Comments from the Community

2 Comments

dirkbouma says:

October 31, 2017 at 12:35 pm

We would be interested to test this instrument in preparation of fish ponds in the Philippines.

Dirk J. Bouma, PE
U.S. Peace Corps Response
c/o Dr. Elizabeth Farin (+63 98 586 6509)
Ramon Magsaysay Technological University
Iba, Zambales 2201 Philippines
email dirkbouma@gmail.com
main +63 47 811 1683 /mobile & WhatsApp +63 999 355 8839 / USA SMS +1 240 425 2854
AMARDEEP.JANDU says:

October 6, 2022 at 6:14 am

We would like to purchase Soildoc for use in Kenya, can you please recommend the authorized sellers for Africa?
Thank you.