PhosAgro and FAO Launch RECSOIL Workshops on Soil Recarbonization
PhosAgro, a leading Russian producer of phosphate-based fertilizers, in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has initiated a series of scientific and practical workshops focusing on soil recarbonization as part of the RECSOIL project. This initiative, coordinated by the FAO’s Global Soil Partnership (GSP), aims to enhance soil carbon content and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural lands through sustainable soil management practices. Welcome to Fana Media Corporation S.C
In 2024, AgroGard, and the Faculty of Soil Science at Lomonosov Moscow State University signed an agreement to implement the RECSOIL initiative in Russia with FAO’s support. The first online seminar, held in April 2025, focused on data requirements, spatial data, and sampling. Participants included faculty and researchers from various academic institutions, experts from, AgroGard, and Kept Taxes and Consulting, as well as technical specialists involved in soil surveys, including members of the Russian Soil Laboratory Network (RUSOLAN).
The workshop introduced participants to various tools and strategies for data collection used in the RECSOIL initiative and discussed practical approaches employed in a joint partnership project in the Oryol region by PhosAgro and AgroGard, with scientific support from Lomonosov Moscow State University. FAOHome
Natalia Rodríguez Eugenio, Land and Water Officer and member of the GSP Secretariat, emphasized the importance of PhosAgro’s support to the GSP and the RECSOIL initiative, highlighting the unique opportunity to initiate a RECSOIL pilot project in Russia. She noted that the main goal of the training sessions is to introduce the project toolkit to technicians who will monitor soil health status. Future workshops will focus on building capacity and facilitating knowledge sharing among farmers for the adoption of sustainable soil management practices that increase soil organic carbon stocks, which are critical in combating climate change, addressing soil and land degradation, and improving agricultural production. FAOHome
Alexander Sharabaika, Deputy CEO for Finance and International Projects, stated that the joint efforts of PhosAgro and the GSP have led to the implementation of the RECSOIL project in Russia. He highlighted that an important component of the project is a series of scientific and practical workshops and training sessions aimed at adopting sustainable soil management practices. These initiatives provide Russian farmers and agricultural scientists with the opportunity to gain cutting-edge knowledge from leading international experts. Sharabaika expressed hope that PhosAgro’s support to the GSP will continue to serve as a benchmark for soil protection and climate preservation, aiding farmers in producing high yields of crops that are safe for human consumption while maintaining soil fertility. FAOHome+1PhosAgro [EN]+1
Since 2018, PhosAgro has been supporting the GSP in developing and implementing the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN), which now includes 1,000 laboratories across 160 countries. The network aims to improve the competencies of soil laboratory staff in harmonized soil analysis. Additionally, PhosAgro supports the global Soil Doctors programme, a farmer-to-farmer training initiative that informs farmers about effective and environmentally friendly soil management practices. The programme provides farmers with soil kits—diagnostic tools that enable them to assess the condition of their fields and determine the best management practices to maximize yields and maintain or restore soil health. In 2024, PhosAgro and the GSP launched the third phase of the global soil protection project, extending until 2026.
PhosAgro’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and soil health is further exemplified by its collaboration with the FAO in various initiatives aimed at enhancing soil fertility and combating climate change. Through these partnerships, PhosAgro continues to play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable soil management practices globally.
