Diagnostics Programme: Healthier Soils, Better Harvests
Many soil problems remain hidden until they affect crop performance. The betterSoil Diagnostics Programme identifies unseen challenges and provides science-based insights to support healthier soils, improved productivity, and more resilient farming systems.
Why soil diagnostics matter more than ever?
Healthy soils are the foundation of global food production, supporting more than 95 % of the world’s food production. Yet, this invaluable resource is under increasing threat. It was estimated that about 33 % of soils on earth are already moderately or severely degraded by processes like erosion, depletion of organic matter, nutrient imbalance, salinization, compacting, and loss of biodiversity. The consequences extend even further, as land degradation affects approximately 1.7 billion people worldwide, decreasing its productivity and creating additional risks for food production.
All these issues point out to the necessity of getting to know your soil before making any decisions regarding its management. A professional soil analysis provides the information required to identify limiting factors, optimize input use, and develop targeted management strategies.
Why choose the betterSoil Diagnostics Programme?
Every farm has its own type of soil, management practices, and farming objectives. This is why a one-size-fits-all strategy usually does not work. Our Diagnostics Programme that we offer combines our scientific knowledge and understanding of agriculture to help evaluate your farm and provide a personalized pathway to healthier, regenerated soils. Identifying issues such as erosion risk, nutrient deficiencies, or declining soil organic matter before they worsen helps farmers protect yields and reduce long-term management costs.
What does the Diagnostics Programme include?
1. Site assessment – Comprehensive evaluation of soil health:
Our experts assess key indicators in your soil analysis, such as humus content, nutrient balance and erosion risk.
2. Review of agricultural practices and cultivation methods:
We assess your current practices to identify areas for improvement – from crop rotation to the use of organic matter and fertiliser management.
3. Mapping regeneration opportunities:
We identify concrete opportunities for introducing regenerative practices that can stabilize your yields and increase resilience to climate change.
4. Promoting carbon sequestration and biodiversity:
We provide an analysis of potential carbon storage above and below ground, along with strategies to enhance biodiversity within your farming system.
5. Custom action plan with tailored recommendations:
You receive a customised action plan that enables you to implement immediate improvements and lays the foundation for a gradual, hands-on transition.
Common signs your soil need a professional assessment
Not all soil issues are visible. In many cases, the earliest signs appear long before crop failure or severe yield losses occur. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time for a professional soil diagnosis.
- Fertilizer application rates are rising, but your yields stay the same. This may indicate nutrient lock-up or nutrient unavailability rather than a lack of fertilizer.
- Same crop yields different results on the same field. Differing crop yields usually mean varying soil compaction, organic matter content, moisture levels, and nutrient distribution on the field.
- Water remains on the soil surface or runs off the surface too fast. Both issues might mean that you have an issue with soil structure and its ability to hold water.
- Your crop roots stay shallow, even with good weather conditions. Soil compaction or hardpan layers can limit their growth and plant’s access to nutrients and water.
- More pests and disease affect the crops. Your soils’ poor condition makes plants more vulnerable to pests and diseases despite the proper management practices.
- Your soil forms crust after rainfall. It affects seedling emergence, slows down water infiltration, and increases erosion risks.
Who can benefit from the Diagnostics Programme?
The betterSoil Diagnostics Programme is designed for everyone who is dedicated to creating healthier soils and resilient agricultural systems. No matter whether you are a single farmer, an agricultural business or a company committed to sustainable agriculture-you will receive science-backed insights and recommendations that meet your specific needs.
It is particularly valuable for:
- Farmers seeking healthier soils, higher productivity, and improved resilience to climate change.
- Agricultural businesses looking to enhance farm performance and promote sustainable management practices.
- Organisations that are interested in developing regenerative soil management and environmental sustainability.
No matter where you are on your regenerative journey, the Diagnostics Programme will provide a strong foundation for informed decision-making and lasting improvement in soil health.
Final thoughts
Healthy soils are the foundation of resilient and profitable agriculture, but meaningful improvements begin with understanding your soil’s current condition. A professional soil diagnosis enables you to identify hidden challenges, manage your soil more effectively, and make choices that are good for you and the environment.
The betterSoil Diagnostics Programme combines scientific soil testing with practical solutions. Regardless of whether you want to increase yields, be more climate-resilient, or embark on regenerative agriculture, the programme will help you get there.
Reference
FAO. (2026). Trends in global soil research and a microbiome-based approach. Agronomy, 16(12), Article 1154. doi.org
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, & Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils. (2015). Status of the world's soil resources (SWSR) – Main report. FAO.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2025). The state of food and agriculture 2025: Addressing land degradation across landholding scales. FAO. doi.org