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Global Soil Partnership

RECSOIL implementation in Ghana

Project overview

Phase V – Baseline Assessment

Number of participating farmersProject area (hectares)Annual SOC sequestration potential (tCO2e)
6914575

Region (municipality): Upper West region, Lyssah community 

Main crops: Soybean, rice, millet, baobab, mango and shea 

Soil threats addressedSSM practices implemented
  • Soil compaction
  • Biodiversity loss/soil fertility loss
  • SOC/soil organic matter loss
  • Savannah-specific combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer 
  • Use of biochar from grasses and groundnut husks 
  • Minimizing bush fires 
  • Reduced tillage operation 
  • Irrigation management through water resource planning and drip irrigation with communal irrigation infrastructure 
  • Crop rotation with legumes 
  • Introduction of perennial grasses 

 

Number of samples takenSoil indicators analysed and standard operating procedures (SOPs) used
80 (40 sampling stations)
  • SOC
  • Organic matter
  • Total nitrogen (N)
  • Soil respiration
  • Bulk density
  • pH
  • Nitrates
  • Phosphorus (P)
  • Cations (calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg], potassium [K] and sodium [Na])
  • Total exchangeable bases
  • Exchangeable acids (hydrogen [H] and aluminium [Al])
  • Effective cation exchange capacity (CEC)
  • Base saturation
  • Sand, silt and clay


The following training sessions were conducted:

RECSOIL: Introduction to the process and main soil threats and RECSOIL technical training: stratification of the project area, definition of sampling design and density were held virtually in English with 15 participants, 6–11 May 2024. Participants were trained on spatial tools used in RECSOIL and the process of defining the monitoring plan.

RECSOIL Baseline Determinations was held in person in English with nine participants,10–11 June 2024. Participants were trained on how to design a sampling plan using spatial data and analyse soil according to the RECSOIL methodology.

Soil Doctors: training of trainers and Soil Doctors: training of Soil Doctors were held in person in English with 26 participants, 12–13 June 2024. Technicians were trained on how to equip farmers with the capacity to assess and address soil threats present in their fields through the Global Soil Doctors Programme. Technicians then trained soil doctors using these methods.

RECSOIL baseline feedback workshop was held in person in English, 23–26 September 2025. Technicians and project stakeholders gathered to review baseline results and finalize sustainable soil management practices for implementation. 

Implementing institutions