The first deployment of the Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL) VIII in Southern Leyte revealed critical yet actionable soil health conditions across the municipalities of Silago, Hinunangan, and Hinundayan, underscoring the growing need for sustainable soil management and rehabilitation among farming communities.
The MSL hub, stationed at the SLSU–Hinunangan Campus, completed its initial rollout covering three local government units (LGUs), with the closing activity held on May 21, 2026, at the respective Municipal Agriculture Offices.
During the deployment, the Regional Soil Laboratory (RSL) and MSL teams analyzed a total of 238 farmer soil samples and 60 Soil Health Monitoring Site (SHMS) samples. Hinunangan submitted the highest number with 136 farmer samples and 22 SHMS samples, followed by Silago with 53 farmer samples and 18 SHMS samples, and Hinundayan with 49 farmer samples and 20 SHMS samples.
Results showed varying levels of soil degradation across the three municipalities, ranging from slightly acidic to highly acidic and nutrient-deficient conditions. Soil health maps presented during the closing activities highlighted widespread fertility concerns and the urgent need for rehabilitation measures.
In Silago, farmers welcomed the findings, saying the results encouraged them to shift toward more sustainable and cost-efficient organic farming practices. Local agriculture officials likewise emphasized the need to focus on organic soil amendments such as rice hull and poultry manure instead of continued dependence on synthetic fertilizers, which may further increase soil acidity.
Hinunangan discussions highlighted the importance of farmer discipline and long-term soil recovery. Municipal agriculture officials noted that while soil testing was previously costly, the Mobile Soil Laboratory now provides accessible scientific data that can guide local interventions. Despite previous efforts, soil acidity in some areas remained at pH 4.4, prompting calls to maximize soil restoration technologies and organic-based approaches.
Meanwhile, Hinundayan recorded the most alarming results, with soil analyses showing low nutrient levels and predominantly “red zone” soil health classifications, indicating very poor soil conditions. Local agriculture officials stressed the need for stronger collaboration with farmers and renewed promotion of organic fertilizers, particularly the use of locally available poultry manure to help restore soil fertility.
Across all three LGUs, a common message emerged: healthy soil remains the foundation of agricultural productivity and long-term food security. The deployment also demonstrated how accessible soil testing can bridge scientific knowledge and on-ground farming practices, enabling farmers and local governments to make data-driven decisions for sustainable agriculture.
The Mobile Soil Laboratory initiative was implemented with support from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) and participating LGUs. Following the successful Southern Leyte deployment, the MSL team is set to proceed to its next hub in Bontoc, which will cover the municipalities of Bontoc, Sogod, Tomas Oppus, and Malitbog.