SoilDoc

Target SDGs

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Community, Public Sector Agencies

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

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

Regions

Africa

Countries

Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia

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

Select Type

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.

Product Schematics

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

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Other Information

• Use cases: Agriculture and Food Security Center, DuPont Pioneer, University of Maryland
• Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)
• Revitalizing Africa’s Soils distributions status
• Cornell University, McGill University, Columbia University vetted perfomance of the product