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Programme participants together with Dr. Angelo Salasini, PhD, Facilitator under Professors Without Borders (PROWIBO) assessing soil health using AI-powered platform known as Intelligent Soil

Artificial intelligence moved from the classroom into the garden this week as African Rural University (ARU) students began applying AI tools to real agricultural challenges as part of the ARU–Professors Without Borders (PROWIBO) 10-day training programme.

The session was led by Dr. Angelo Salasini, PhD, Facilitator under Professors Without Borders (PROWIBO), whose practical session connected artificial intelligence with sustainable agriculture and soil management.

Learning moved from theory to practice at the ARU demonstration gardens, where participants used their mobile phones and an AI-powered platform known as Intelligent Soil to assess soil nutrient levels and composition.

Through a simple soil scan, students accessed information on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), organic matter and overall soil health, giving them real-time data to support agricultural decision-making.

The exercise went beyond diagnosis. After establishing the initial condition of the soil, participants applied vermicompost to the garden beds as an organic amendment.

Students applying vermicompost on soil tested after AI

The experiment will continue over the coming days. In five days, the students will test the soil again using the Intelligent Soil platform to compare the results and track changes in soil health.