Soil testing for your farm
Know what your soil needs before you buy fertiliser. A DigiFarmer agent tests your soil on the farm, or sends a sample to a laboratory, and you get a fertiliser plan for your crop.
Service status: App guide
Three ways to test
Which methods you can choose depends on where your farm is. The app shows the methods available for your farm.
| Method | How it works | Price | Results in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satellite soil analysis | An analysis of your mapped farm from satellite data. Your farm must be mapped first. | Shown in the app before you pay | Your agent will tell you |
| Portable device test | An agent tests the soil on your farm with a portable USB testing device. | Shown in the app before you pay | Your agent will tell you |
| Laboratory test | A soil sample from your farm is tested in a laboratory for the full nutrient picture. | Shown in the app before you pay | Your agent will tell you |
How it works
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1
Ask for a test
Use the form, WhatsApp, a phone call, the DigiFarmer app or a village agent. Every request gets a reference number.
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2
An agent follows up
A verified DigiFarmer agent near you follows up on your request. In the app, you see the methods for your farm and the fee before you pay.
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3
Your soil is tested
On the farm with a portable device, from satellite data for a mapped farm, or in a laboratory.
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4
You get a fertiliser plan
The results and a fertiliser plan for your crop are saved with your farm, where you can track them in the app.
Where we test
DigiFarmer works in Uganda, with pilot districts Kampala, Lira, Gulu, Masindi, Mbale. Outside these districts, ask us: an agent may still be able to help.
Find an agent →Questions farmers ask
How much does a soil test cost?
It depends on the method and where your farm is. The app and your agent show the fee before you pay anything.
Do I need a smartphone?
No. You can ask for a test by phone, WhatsApp or through a village agent, who registers your farm for you.
What do I get back?
Your soil test results and a fertiliser plan for the crop you want to grow, saved in your farm record.
Why test before planting?
So you buy the fertiliser your soil needs, in the right amount, instead of guessing.
Read next
- Page How to apply for soil testing in the app
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Guide
How DigiFarmer soil testing works
From the request to the advice on your phone: what happens when you ask for a soil test.
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Guide
Three soil checks before you plant
Acidity, nutrients and field history decide what a seed can do. Check all three before you buy inputs.