Agrobiznes SK, an agricultural enterprise operating on fertile chernozem soils under a climate favourable for winter crops, is focusing on efficiency, innovation, and long-term soil fertility. Through its participation in an initiative by AgriLab and the USAID AGRO Program, the farm has significantly strengthened its focus on precision farming.

Soil Diagnostics: From Targeted Surveys to a Systematic Approach

Even before joining the project, the farm conducted soil agrochemical analysis, but only across limited areas. Participation in the project made it possible to increase the scope of the research 2.5-fold, thanks to 60% funding of the work and cooperation with AgriLab.

“Previously, we mainly analyzed grain fields. Now we have an opportunity to expand diagnostics to our vegetable production as well. Most importantly, we can now obtain a complete picture of soil fertility and the potential for variable-rate application,” says Oleksandr Vakhnii.

The analysis revealed high organic matter content and significant variability in phosphorus, potassium, and zinc levels. This indicates that variable-rate fertilizer application is an appropriate approach.

The farm has already implemented variable-rate nitrogen application. In 2024, it purchased a new fertilizer spreader that will enable variable-rate application of potassium as well — a nutrient that is critically important for the quality of vegetable crops. The next steps are to move toward variable-rate application of phosphorus and micronutrients.

How Support from the American People Helped

As part of the program, the following activities were carried out:

• soil sampling, 
• laboratory analysis, 
• an equipment audit to assess the potential for precision fertilizer application, 
• consultations on developing an effective crop nutrition system.
  

Based on the research results, Agrobiznes SK received recommendations for implementing variable-rate fertilizer application technologies and developing an individual fertilization system for each field.

The expected effect is a 5–23% increase in yields on heterogeneous areas of wheat and sunflower, along with initial fertilizer cost optimization of 10–15%, with further savings expected — and, most importantly, without compromising soil health.

“For me, it is not simply about increasing yields or saving money. The most important thing is to understand the condition of the soil and make informed decisions so as not to deplete it,” emphasizes Oleksandr Vakhnii.

Cooperation with AgriLab and support from the AGRO Program have provided the farm with practical tools for sustainable and profitable farming.

This material was prepared as part of a project implemented by AgriLab with the support of the USAID Agricultural Growth and Rural Development Program — AGRO.