PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – Advanced soil engineering and scientific testing have transformed farming in Agusan del Sur, boosting yields and sustainability through the province’s state-of-the-art soil laboratory. The ₱550-million facility—inaugurated in June 2025 as Mindanao’s first advanced soil and agricultural testing center—uses precise soil analysis to tailor fertilizers, improve nutrient management, and select resilient crop varieties, helping agriculture thrive in a region with diverse soil types, including challenging peat and upland areas.
The Provincial Research, Development, and Innovation Office (PRDIO) Research Laboratory, funded by the provincial government and supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), processes 50-100 samples daily with cutting-edge physical, chemical, and biological testing. Soil expert Dr. Johnvie Goloran (Griffith University alumnus and provincial adviser) explains: “Targeted fertilization based on soil needs can increase yields by up to 50% while cutting costs 25%—turning marginal lands productive.”
Programs like Upland Sustainable Agroforestry Development (USAD) have demonstrated success: Palay yields rose from 3.6 to 5.6 tons/ha in pilot areas. The lab supports climate-smart practices, rehabilitating mining-affected fields and promoting high-value crops.
Governor Santiago Cane Jr. and Rep. Adolph Edward Plaza champion the initiative, offering free testing for local farmers to reduce input waste and enhance resilience. International accreditation is underway, positioning Agusan del Sur as a model for precision agriculture nationwide.
From peat marshes to uplands, soil engineering is unlocking Agusan del Sur’s potential—proving science in the soil drives prosperity on the farm.
Project Snapshot:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Facility | PRDIO Research Laboratory (Prosperidad) |
| Cost | ₱550 million |
| Capacity | 50-100 samples daily |
| Partners | ACIAR, DOST-PCAARRD, ASSCAT |
| Impact | Up to 50% yield increase; cost savings |