The Nigerian Institute of Soil Science (NISS) has donated 56 soil testing kits to the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP).
The Director of Extension Services, BSADP, Mr. Yau Muhammad, stated this in an interview on Wednesday in Bauchi.
He said NISS was charged with the responsibility to regulate the profession of soil science in Nigeria, hence the donation of 56 soil testing kits to the program.
“That is why we brought in extension officers from the 20 local government areas of the state, as well as the zonal extension officers and specialists, to train the recipients on how to use the kits.
“The training is a collaborative effort of the program, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and the Nigerian Institute of Soil Science,” he said.
Muhammad said that the training was aimed at updating the participants on the use of new technologies for soil management through the use of soil testing kits.
He said that the new technology was introduced by the Nigerian Institute of Soil Science for onward distribution to extension officers in the state.
The Director urged farmers to approach any BSADP close to them to know the status of their soil and to help them make decisions and evaluate the fertility and nutrition content of the soil before planting.
“It will also determine the salinity, acidity, and alkalinity problems as well as get details on the amount of fertilizer required based on the soil test value and the crop.
“Soil testing helps to avoid excessive use of fertilizer and ensures environmentally friendly farming practices, among others,” he said.
