Soil analysis from Alatsinainy Bakaro research station

Main characteristics pH: 3.75 → highly acidic soil Nitrogen (N): extremely low Phosphorus (P): high but largely unavailable because of soil acidity Potassium (K): moderate level This soil can become productive, but correcting acidity is the first and most urgent priority before planting.

Severe acidity prevents plants from effectively absorbing nutrients, especially phosphorus. The soil is also extremely deficient in nitrogen, which strongly limits crop productivity.

Priority recommendations

Correct soil acidity

Agricultural lime: 1–2 t/ha or wood ash: 2–5 t/ha

Target soil pH ≥ 5.5

Restore nitrogen fertility

Grow legumes who can absorb atmospheric nitrogen as beans, cowpea, mucuna

Apply manure/compost (3–5 t/ha/year)

For potato production

Potatoes require high nitrogen, so recommended rate is 12.8 t/ha of well-decomposed manure to target about 8 t/ha yield

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