Can GS1 Technology help us apply location – specific remedial measures to improve soil fertility? Nick Mati, a leading soil scientist explores the role of technology in food production
Soil is the medium on which most terrestrial plants grow and thrive in their adapted or modified environment. In its most basic definition, soil is a dynamic, living natural resource whose condition is central to both the growth of food, fibre, and to entire global balance and ecosystem function. To the ordinary person, soil is a static in-situ material, however, soil scientists recognize that soil is a living material in constant interaction with the elements that comprise it. Therefore, as a living material soil health is a key determinant of most crop and livestock productivity in any given locality.
It is projected that feeding a global population of 9.1 billion people in 2050 would need food production to be increased by approximately 70% of the current level. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), annual productivity increases of between 4-7% are needed if we are to rely on agriculture for economic development and food production.
Soil health is continuously declining owing to the removal of essential plant nutrients from under the current climate change scenario. Deficiencies of essential plant nutrients, especially nitrogen (N) and low soil organic matter had a negative impact on soil health, crop productivity, and farmer’s income in many cropping systems.
The technologies necessary to create healthy, resilient soil systems were developed decades ago. Simple techniques like erosion control, manure application, mulching, and terracing
intercropping can greatly enhance soil health in degraded farmlands. However, no single technique is suitable for all soil types. There are more sophisticated technologies available for soil management some of which may be out of reach to resource-poor farmers in developing countries. Industrial fertilizers, cultured nitrogen-fixing organisms, biochar, peat moss from peat bogs, and sludge have commonly been used to improve nutrient-deficient soils. However, the key to effective soil health management lies in soil testing (soil analysis) and the knowledge of crop/plant nutrient requirements.
Soil properties change within a short distance and generalized fertilizer recommendations might not work in all situations. For example, fertilizer recommendations for maize crop in Maragua may not necessarily be the same in Makuyu although the two areas are within Murang’a County. The use of GIS technology has greatly improved the mapping of soil types and therefore given scientists a clearer picture of the possible soil management technologies possible within a certain locality.
Agricultural researchers from the Institute for Sustainable Food at the University of Sheffield reported in February 2020, that they are now developing sensors capable of mapping and monitoring phosphates in soils on-site and providing real-time data to users. The research aims to help researchers and farmers understand soils at the same time increasing crop yields and minimizing the use of phosphate fertilizers.
In recognition of the important role soil management plays in agricultural productivity the Kenyan government has developed The National Agricultural Soil Management Policy (NASMP) 2020, with the aim of raising awareness on the services that soils provide to society and the challenges they face. The policy also aims to instigate a process by which key stakeholders will work together to achieve better soil protection.