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Busan Metropolitan City Launches “Soil Testing and Proper Fertilization Campaign” in Response to Rising Fertilizer Prices

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Busan Metropolitan City Agricultural Technology Center (hereinafter referred to as the “Center”) announced that it will fully launch the “Soil Testing-Based Proper Fertilization Campaign” for local farmers in response to rising fertilizer raw material prices and supply instability caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

◯ The campaign was designed to reduce the burden of farm operating costs resulting from sharp increases in global fertilizer raw material prices triggered by the Middle East conflict, while also curbing unnecessary chemical fertilizer use and fostering a sustainable agricultural environment.

The Center will operate an “On-site Technical Support Team for Proper Fertilization Practices” through the end of June to improve the effectiveness of the campaign. The support team will visit major crop cultivation areas across the city to provide guidance on soil nutrient management techniques and offer consulting services to ensure precise fertilizer application based on fertilizer prescriptions.

◯ “Proper fertilization” is a scientific cultivation method that accurately determines the amount of nutrients crops actually require through soil testing, thereby preventing excessive fertilizer application.

◯ The Center also plans to continue providing fertilizer reduction technology training in connection with agricultural learning organizations and crop-specific professional education programs. In addition, it will conduct inspections and training for farmers applying for the Public Interest Direct Payment Program to ensure compliance with fertilizer usage standards.

Farmers wishing to receive soil testing services may collect and submit a 500-gram soil sample to the Center. The service is provided free of charge.

◯ For each field, farmers should select five locations, remove the top 1–2 centimeters (cm) of soil, and collect soil samples from the depth near the crop roots. The collected soil should be evenly mixed in a clean bag. Farmers should then write their name, address, contact information, lot number, and intended crop on the bag and submit it in person to the Center (1285 Gonghang-ro, Gangseo-gu). Test results will be sent via KakaoTalk approximately two weeks after submission.

◯ For inquiries, contact the Center’s Agricultural Technology Team at 051-970-3726.

Yu Mi-bok, Director of the Busan Metropolitan City Agricultural Technology Center, stated, “Under difficult farming conditions caused by rising fertilizer prices and other challenges, practicing proper fertilization offers a triple benefit by reducing farm operating costs, improving crop quality, and protecting the soil environment,” adding, “We encourage farmers to receive fertilizer prescriptions tailored specifically to their land through soil testing.”

◯ She also encouraged farmers to follow the three key guidelines for proper fertilization practices: “Conduct soil testing before planting! Submit samples and check fertilizer prescriptions,” “Replace chemical fertilizers! Expand the use of organic resources such as livestock manure compost and liquid fertilizer,” and “Protect the agricultural environment! Comply with fertilizer usage standards under the Public Interest Direct Payment Program.”