Yara expands soil analysis capacity to meet growing demand

“Restoring and maintaining soil health is the foundation of sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.”

Silvia Tonti, Vice President Regenerative Agriculture Solutions, Yara

Soil health: the foundation of our food systems

Healthy soil is essential for productive farming and resilient food systems. As regenerative agriculture gains momentum, practices like reduced tillage, cover cropping, and balanced crop nutrition are being adopted to restore and maintain soil health. But to make these practices effective, farmers need precise data, and that’s where Yara Analytical Services (YAS) comes in.

With over 50 years of experience in research and commercial analysis, YAS provides high-quality soil and leaf assessments to farmers, agronomists, and food companies worldwide. These insights enable tailored crop nutrition strategies that improve yields, reduce environmental impact, and prevent soil degradation.

Meeting the demand for data-driven farming

The expansion of the Pocklington lab reflects a surge in demand driven by climate concerns, evolving regulations, and the need for more efficient farming.

“There is a vast market opportunity for soil sampling underpinned by strong demand,” shares Silvia Tonti. “Now the lab can play an active role in offering services globally and capture market value in the fast-growing soil health segment.”

Turning data into decisions

Yara’s additional value lies in its ability to combine soil and leaf analysis with expert crop nutrition and field management recommendations. “When analysis forms part of a management strategy at field level or across a supply chain, we are able to provide unique insights and recommendations, which allows stakeholders to make informed management decisions, with measurable results in agronomic and strategic goals,” says Simon Pogson, Director Regenerative Agriculture, Soil & Analytical Services, Yara.

Partnering for more sustainable food systems

Yara is working with food companies around the world to help them meet their sustainability goals. In Colombia, Yara partners with Nespresso AAA sustainable quality program through coffee trading companies such as SKN and Carcafé amongst others. The program focuses on soil analysis and tailored nutritional recommendations that enhance coffee growers’ productivity and profitability. Operating across the country’s main coffee-growing regions, it has already benefited more than 5,000 farmers while helping the program make tangible progress toward its sustainability goal.

“Healthy soil equates to a good return on investment for farmers, for stakeholders and for society,” concludes Silvia Tonti.