Transcarpathian Regional Center of the State Institution INSTITUTE OF SOIL PROTECTION OF UKRAINE

The Agrochemical Service of the Transcarpathian Region dates back to 1964, when a team of specialists was created to conduct soil and agrochemical monitoring. The main goal of their work is to restore soil fertility, effectively use fertilizers, increase agricultural productivity, and maintain ecological balance.

A large-scale agrochemical survey of agricultural lands began in 1965. Each field was analyzed in detail for the content of nutrients, in particular nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and the level of acidity of the soil solution was determined. This study became key to the development of scientifically based recommendations for land fertilization.

The first round of surveys, completed in 1970, provided a comprehensive picture of the state of Transcarpathian soils. Almost 86% of the land was acidic, and 94% had low levels of mobile phosphorus. At the same time, potassium availability remained relatively stable - average and elevated levels were observed on 66% of the areas. Monitoring data formed the basis of fertilization programs and became a guideline for farmers in the region.

A significant step in the development of the agrochemical service took place in 1981, when the zonal laboratories were reorganized into state design and reconnaissance stations for chemicalization. Seven district agrochemical laboratories were created, which, under the methodological guidance of the regional station, carried out soil diagnostics, developed cartograms and determined optimal fertilizer application rates. This made it possible to make the fertilizer system more accurate and efficient.

At the turn of the millennium, in 1999, the Transcarpathian Agrochemical Service received a new status, becoming the State Design and Technology Center for Soil Fertility and Product Quality Protection. 14 years later, in 2013, the Transcarpathian branch of the state institution "Institute of Soil Protection of Ukraine" was established on its basis.

Today, the institution continues to fulfill the important mission of preserving and improving the region's soils, operating under a new name - the Transcarpathian Regional Center of the State Institution "Institute of Soil Protection of Ukraine". The team of specialists actively implements modern research methods, develops recommendations for the agricultural sector, and contributes to the sustainable development of agriculture in the region.