Experts from Morocco undertaking soil assessment in SVG

A team of experts from the Kingdom of Morocco paid a recent visit to St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), to conduct preliminary work on the impact of the ash fall from the eruption of La Soufriere Volcano.

Although in its early stage, the delegation revealed that there are measures which should be taken to sustain high quality soil that will boost agricultural production, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a release. The delegation is expected to conduct a 10 year bilateral cooperation evaluation.

Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar emphasised the impact of the eruption of the volcano which caused severe damage and loss to the Agriculture sector. He noted that the ash cover was extensive, and also took the opportunity to thank the government and people of the Kingdom of Morocco for their support in this research process.

Full Professor Researcher – expert in soil science, Pr. Khalil El Mejahed announced that after the eruption of La Soufriere St Vincent and the Grenadines experienced changes in the soil’s physical and chemical properties. The Professor said that this needs to be evaluated since it will impact the soil’s acidity, its characteristics and crop production. He further stressed that it is essential to have a national soil assessment or analysis programme in providing mitigation measures while utilising strategies such as liming, ploughing and composting.

The Professor thanked the Minister of Agriculture for his engagement and reflected on consultations which date back to 2015 towards developing a soil fertility map for St.

Vincent and the Grenadines. Professor El Mejahed revealed that over 2,500 soil samples were collected which will be allocated to respective soil maps, based on their chemical and physical properties, and would be used as a guide to improving soil fertility and crop yields.

The soil expert added that the national programme can be used as a benchmark for neighbouring countries and expressed confidence that this exercise will assist in identifying the expected changes in the soil which would be useful in guiding crop allocation and selection. The Professor said the process requires a fully functional lab which will have plant analysis capabilities, and also alluded to SVG having the capacity to accommodate soil, plant and water analysis. Surveillance also was included as a part of the long term process of mitigation.