Recent climatic conditions have led researchers on a quest for products with drought-mitigation potential. Studies have focussed on solutions involving anti-transpirants, water crystals, evaporation reducing products, wetting agents, and even genetically modified water-efficient crops. In reality, long-term drought mitigation, particularly in the case of commercial farming, lies not in a one-step solution but ultimately in an holistic approach. The first step in this approach is soil testing which gives an overview of the organic matter levels and nutrient profile of any given soil. (more…)