As part of the AGRINOVA project, OECON GROUP Bulgaria conducted two stakeholder focus groups to identify and showcase innovative Best Practices in Agriculture that contribute to more sustainable and resilient farming systems.

One of the practices highlighted was Soil Health Assessment, offered by Eurofins Agro Bulgaria.

Healthy soil is the foundation of productive agriculture. This holistic assessment service goes beyond traditional nutrient testing by evaluating the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soil, providing farmers with a comprehensive understanding of soil fertility and long-term soil health.

Main Objective

To help farmers gain deeper insights into soil performance by assessing not only nutrient levels but also soil biology and structure, supporting informed decisions for long-term soil stewardship.

Technology & Methods Used

– Multi-depth soil sampling (0-30 cm, 0-60 cm, and up to 1 m)

– Laboratory analysis following Cornell Soil Health principles

– Biological indicators such as respiration, active carbon, protein index, and mineralisable nitrogen

– Physical indicators including penetration resistance and bulk density

– Comprehensive soil health reports with expert recommendations

Benefits for Farmers

– Better understanding of overall soil fertility and productivity potential

– More targeted and cost-effective soil improvement measures

– Optimised fertiliser and soil amendment strategies

– Reduced investments in low-performing areas

– Improved long-term farm sustainability

Environmental Impact

– Supports soil biodiversity and ecosystem health

– Encourages climate-smart agricultural practices

– Reduces reliance on chemical inputs by enhancing natural biological processes

– Promotes sustainable management of soil resources

Skills Required

The service is fully managed, requiring no technical expertise. Farmers only need a basic understanding of soil health concepts and the willingness to implement expert recommendations.

By combining scientific analysis with practical recommendations, Soil Health Assessment empowers farmers to make smarter decisions, improve productivity, and build healthier soils for future generations.