CSIR-Crops Research Institute Launches Critical Soil Mapping Initiative for ACE4ES Project
September 2024, Kumasi, Ghana — The Soil Science and Agronomy Team of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) has begun an extensive soil mapping initiative under the Agroecology and Circular Economy for Ecosystem Services (ACE4ES) project. The project, which spans several African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, and Tanzania, aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and strengthen ecosystem services across the continent.
Led by experts in soil science, agronomy, and GIS technology, the mapping exercise will gather vital information about soil characteristics across diverse agro-ecological zones. These insights will drive the implementation of agroecological methods like crop diversification, composting, and biochar application, with the goal of improving soil fertility, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing climate resilience.
A Milestone in Sustainable Agriculture
The ACE4ES project prioritizes reducing Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs), including methane and black carbon, in agriculture. Soil mapping plays a key role in this effort by providing a comprehensive understanding of soil properties. This information enables the team to recommend targeted agroecological practices that enhance soil health and crop yields while minimizing environmental impact.
Dr. Kwaku Onwona-Hwesofour Asante, lead scientist of the ACE4ES project, stressed the importance of the initiative, stating, “This soil mapping exercise will offer us precise, location-specific data, enabling us to tailor agroecological practices for different regions. It’s crucial for improving soil fertility and reducing emissions in key crops like maize and rice.”
Precision Agriculture with Advanced Technology
The initiative will utilize advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies to create detailed soil maps. These maps will guide researchers in identifying areas that require specific soil management techniques, such as fertilizer application, erosion control, and irrigation management, all aimed at improving both productivity and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Jeannette Aduhene-Chinboah, Head of the Soil Science Unit at CSIR-CRI, highlighted the transformative role of modern technology in soil research. “With GIS and remote sensing, we can now generate high-resolution soil maps that allow us to apply agroecological interventions with precision. This leads to better resource management, higher crop yields, and a reduced environmental footprint,” she said.
Agronomist Dr. Eric Owusu Danquah explained the practical advantages for farmers: “Soil mapping provides us with the foundation to understand the specific needs of farmers. By applying the right techniques based on soil conditions, we help farmers boost productivity while conserving valuable resources.”
Dr. Clement Oppong Peprah, also an agronomist on the team, emphasized the long-term benefits of this initiative, noting, “This mapping exercise allows us to create sustainable agricultural solutions tailored to the unique soil conditions of each region, building resilience for both the land and the farmers.”
Supporting the Multicultural Technology Park
The soil mapping data will also support the creation of a 15-acre Multicultural Technology Park at CSIR-CRI under the ACE4ES project. This research hub will serve as a center for agroecology and circular economy studies, hosting researchers from across Africa to collaborate on sustainable agricultural practices.
Impact for Farmers and Policymakers
Beyond benefiting researchers, the soil mapping initiative will provide critical data to farmers and policymakers, improving land management practices. The project’s capacity-building efforts will ensure that farmers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to apply these practices effectively, leading to better food security, resilient livelihoods, and sustainable development.
Future Outlook
As the ACE4ES project advances, the results of this soil mapping exercise will serve as a cornerstone for future research and implementation. The project’s integration of agroecology and circular economy principles is expected to contribute significantly to climate change mitigation and agricultural sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The CSIR-CRI Soil Science and Agronomy Team remains dedicated to advancing agricultural research, ensuring that the ACE4ES project delivers lasting environmental, economic, and social benefits across Africa.
Authors: Kwaku Onwona-Hwesofuor Asante, Bernard Sakyiamah, Clement Oppong Peprah, Jeanette Aduhene-Chinbuah, Enoch Bobie Agyemang
