Kampala 15 February 2018 – Holland Greentech (HGT) a supplier of inputs and technical support for the high-quality horticulture sector, introduces SoilCares (part of AgroCares) real time soil testing in Uganda. The soil tests will be performed with a Soil Scanner developed by SoilCares, a developer of innovative precision farming technology for soil, feed and leaf analysis. Their SoilCares Scanner will be added to the full package of agricultural services that Holland Greentech offers for the horticulture business. The package will be shown on the Harvest Money Expo in Kampala from 16 to 18 February.
How does real time soil testing work?
The Scanner in combination with apps on a smartphone enables advisors to test pH level and soil fertility levels (NPK) and receive practical recommendations on lime and nutrients within 10 minutes.
How does SoilCares technology work?
The sensor technology developed by SoilCares uses infrared technology in combination with a global calibration database. In this in-house developed database the electromagnetic spectrum of soil samples of a large part of the world is stored together with the chemical characteristics. The user is provided with information about soil fertility levels and practical recommendations from the database via an app on his smartphone.
Christy van Beek, Soil scientist at SoilCares: “We are very happy that Holland Greentech will start providing soil testing services with our Soil Scanner in Uganda. We have a similar integrated approach to agriculture. Our soil testing services will become part of their complete agricultural package for the horticulture business. Secondly, we also believe in their local capacity building approach where they provide free trainings to their local staff on a weekly basis.”
Norbert van der Straaten CEO at Holland Greentech: “The demand for food in East Africa is increasing quickly. We want to help farmers to produce enough fresh, safe and tasty vegetables to feed the growing population. We do this by cooperating with 7 Dutch companies that offer farmers a full package of agricultural services ranging from soil analysis to irrigation solutions and pest management. We believe that SoilCares is a great partner for us when it comes to soil analysis, because their Soil Scanner provides soil reports within 10 minutes. This means that our advisors can go to the farmer and discuss the results with them on the spot. It saves them time and money not having to visit twice.”
Harvest Money Expo
You can find SoilCares and Holland Greentech on the Harvest Money Expo in Kampala in the Holland Pavilion.
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More about Holland Greentech
Holland Greentech (HGT) strengthens the horticulture business of (mainly) Dutch horticulture suppliers in Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and Kenya by selling inputs and providing technical support for the high-quality horticulture sector. The company provides state-of-art technology and expertise on the cultivation and handling of vegetables. HGT is active in 4 countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia. More information: https://www.hollandgreentech.com