Farmers take action to restore soil health for Mekong Delta

From changing mindsets to taking action to save soil

"Clean soil" is no longer just a slogan but a strict farming principle at An Phu Thuan Organic Agricultural Cooperative in Dong Thap Province. Instead of relying on chemical inputs, local farmers are now "diagnosing" soil health by measuring pH, checking micronutrient levels, and adding microorganisms to restore depleted soil.

A new production mindset is emerging among farmers at An Phu Thuan Organic Agricultural Cooperative. Instead of chasing yields, they now prioritize soil health, knowing that healthy soil leads to healthy crops, safe produce, and sustainable livelihoods.

Farming two hectares of longan conventionally for years, Mr. Bui Xuan Tai in Phu Huu Commune used to be trapped in a vicious cycle of overusing chemical fertilizers to boost productivity. Input costs kept rising while the soil hardened, severely losing its water retention and nutrient absorption capacities.

The turning point came when he tested his soil's pH and discovered severe acidification. He immediately shifted his farming methods, applying lime to reduce acidity and replacing chemicals with organic fertilizers and probiotics.

According to Mr. Tai, switching to organic inputs and probiotics has visibly improved the soil, making it looser and more porous. As the trees thrive, his economic efficiency has increased.

Like Mr. Tai, a growing number of members of An Phu Thuan Organic Agricultural Cooperative are actively seeking solutions to restore soil health after years of intensive cultivation. Farmers have begun replenishing organic matter by using self-produced compost, using agricultural by-products, and minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Luong Tien Thanh, who cultivates 1.7 hectares of green-skin pomelo in Phu Huu Commune, said that the most important principle is to “feed the soil” rather than simply extracting nutrients from it. In recent years, he has adjusted his farming practices to use approximately 70% organic fertilizer and 30% chemical fertilizer. This approach helps replenish soil nutrients, improve soil health, and support healthier crops while preventing long-term soil exhaustion. According to him, this reflects a significant shift in mindset away from pursuing higher yields at all costs.

Healthy soils as the foundation of sustainable agriculture

According to Nguyen Van Ba, Director of An Phu Thuan Organic Agricultural Cooperative, soil restoration is now considered a core priority of the cooperative. Techniques such as pH testing, micronutrient analysis, soil compaction assessment, and drainage evaluation are conducted regularly to help farmers adjust their cultivation practices accordingly.

“If water cannot drain properly after irrigation, soil compaction is often part of the problem. Likewise, poor nutrient uptake may result from unsuitable soil pH. Soil is the foundation of agricultural production, and farmers are gradually changing their mindset, striving to farm in greater harmony with nature,” Mr. Ba said.

The issue of soil restoration in the Mekong Delta is no longer confined to individual farming households. It has become an urgent priority as climate change intensifies across the region. Saltwater intrusion, prolonged droughts, and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides have contributed to severe degradation of agricultural land in many production areas.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Khoi Nghia, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Soil Science at the College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, healthy soil is far more than a medium that anchors plants. It performs a wide range of essential functions that sustain agricultural ecosystems.

Healthy soil provides a stable physical environment that allows roots to grow deeper, establish stronger anchorage, and absorb water and nutrients more effectively. By contrast, compacted and poorly structured soil restricts root development, leaving crops more vulnerable to lodging and adverse weather conditions.

Soil is also home to a diverse community of microorganisms, fungi, and other beneficial organisms. These living organisms play a critical role in decomposing organic matter, releasing nutrients that are naturally available to plants, and maintaining ecological balance in the soil.

Another key function of healthy soil is its ability to regulate water. Soils rich in organic matter contain more pore spaces, enabling them to retain moisture efficiently and provide a stable water supply throughout the growing season.

This function is becoming increasingly important as drought conditions worsen. Soils with high organic matter content are better able to retain water, helping crops withstand periods of water scarcity.

Dr. Nghia explained that soil degradation triggers a cascade of negative impacts, including poor crop growth, increased pest and disease outbreaks, nutrient imbalances, and the accumulation of toxic substances in the soil environment. These problems not only reduce productivity but also threaten agricultural product quality and consumer health.

Climate change is further exacerbating the vulnerability of agricultural soils. Saltwater intrusion, for example, introduces sodium ions from seawater into the soil, disrupting soil structure and reducing both water infiltration and gas exchange capacity.

When soil loses its structure, plant roots are no longer able to “breathe” properly or transport water, nutrients, and oxygen to deeper layers. At the same time, pest and disease pressures tend to increase, prompting farmers to apply more chemical inputs, which can further accelerate the cycle of soil degradation.

Restoring soil health must therefore become a central priority for agricultural production in the Mekong Delta in the years ahead. Organic agriculture, circular farming systems, and low-emission production are no longer optional approaches but essential pathways for revitalizing degraded soils.

“Increasing the use of organic fertilizers, making better use of agricultural by-products, gradually reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and implementing sound soil and water management practices will help improve soil structure, raise organic matter content, and restore natural ecological balance.

Although many farmers in the Mekong Delta have begun transitioning to more environmentally friendly farming systems, adoption remains fragmented and limited in scale. In the long term, restoring agricultural soils will require stronger support from scientists, government agencies, and well-designed policies that enable farmers to make the transition,” said Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Khoi Nghia.