Implementing a Soil Testing Laboratory and Farmer Outreach in North Haiti: Institutional Obstacles and Possibilities

Soil testing is a scientific assessment of soil properties to determing fertilizer and lime recommendations. It uses modern lab instruments to profile available plant nutrients in a soil sample that represents a farmer's... [ view full abstract ]

Soil testing is a scientific assessment of soil properties to determing fertilizer and lime recommendations. It uses modern lab instruments to profile available plant nutrients in a soil sample that represents a farmer's field. The results of a soil test suggest recommendations to augment soil conditions for the production of a given crop. Water testing determines the quality of water for a specific use. It protects human and animal health. The State University of Haiti in Limonade (CHCL) testing service laboratory is designed to provide soil and water testing services to the general public in Northern Haiti and beyond. This paper describes a management plan for the Soil and Water testing services and discusses the obstacles and opportunities presented by the effort. It provides an overview of assumptions about farmer interest, technical support, and willingness to pay. As such, the management plan is open to change as conditions demand. The university is organizing a system for receiving, processing and analyzing samples, generating recommendations and communication of these recommendations to customers, be they farmers, researchers, businesses or development organizations. Implications for applied social research in developing countries are discussed