Citrus growers in the Mekong Delta are dealing with some of the most complex soil conditions in Vietnam — acid sulfate profiles, seasonal salinity, and the cumulative burden of intensive production. On June 16, The Fruit Republic and Can Tho University, under the SUCCEEDS Project, co-organized a technical seminar on profitable and sustainable nutrient management for citrus, bringing together university researchers, independent agronomists, and private sector representatives working in soil management across the region:
- Government sector: representatives from the Agricultural Extension Centers of Tay Ninh and Vinh Long provinces, the Crop Production and Plant Protection Department of Can Tho City, as well as local agricultural authorities directly supporting agricultural development across the Mekong Delta;
- Research institutions: represented by the Southern Fruit Research Institute (SOFRI) — a leading research organization specializing in fruit crops, soil management, and sustainable agricultural solutions;
- Academic institution: representatives from Can Tho University, bringing together experts, lecturers, and researchers specializing in soil science, crop nutrition, and agricultural production systems;
- Private sector: with participation from The Fruit Republic, Eurofins Sac Ky Hai Dang, Yara Vietnam, Ba Con Rong company, and Hop Tri Summit, companies providing solutions in crop nutrition, soil testing, agricultural inputs, and innovative farming practices aimed at supporting sustainable production.
The format was designed to move between theory and practice. Expert presentations on regional soil conditions and current nutrient management challenges were followed by a group work session, where participants analyzed real soil data and developed fertilizer programs for practical farm scenarios. The day closed with a panel discussion drawing on multidisciplinary expertise from across the sector.
One of the key topics discussed was solutions for improving acid sulfate soils and restoring citrus orchard health. According to Mr. Ngo Vinh Phuong, Agronomist at The Fruit Republic, many farmers are still applying significantly less lime than required, which limits root development and gradually reduces productivity. Adding to this, Dr. Dang Duy Minh from the Department of Soil Science at Can Tho University emphasized that soil improvement should be treated as a long-term process, requiring consistent application over several years rather than short-term intervention. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Nguyen Quoc Khuong from the Department of Crop Science at Can Tho University highlighted the role of microbial products in improving soil structure and increasing nutrient uptake. Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Truc, Head of the Agronomy Department at SOFRI, also recommended an integrated approach combining lime, organic matter, biochar, microbial products, and proper drainage management to support sustainable soil recovery.
After the presentations, the group exercise provided an opportunity to take the discussion to a more technical level. Participants, divided into two groups, discussed the key components of a possible fertilization program. The discussion was lively, with numerous contributions from the audience and diverse approaches emerging from the different backgrounds of the participants, making for a particularly interesting exchange.
This carried into the final component of the session: the panel discussion, which brought together four perspectives spanning from university research to businesses and field implementation. Mr. Do Minh Hien, Citrus Research and Development Specialist at The Fruit Republic and on-the-ground coordinator of the SUCCEEDS Project, noted that many fertilizer decisions are still primarily based on farmer experience and cost considerations, while actual soil conditions are often overlooked. From the private sector perspective, Mr. Vi Van Son, Agricultural Science Manager at Yara Vietnam, pointed out that rising input costs are pushing farmers to reduce fertilizer use or switch to cheaper alternatives — a short-term response that may undermine long-term soil health and profitability. Meanwhile, Dr. Nguyen Quang Chon from Eurofins Sac Ky Hai Dang emphasized that translating soil analysis data into practical fertilizer recommendations remains one of the industry’s critical gaps.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Siebe van Wijk, Managing Director of The Fruit Republic, reflected on the project’s broader approach:
“The greatest value does not come from launching large-scale projects immediately, but from gradually building meaningful collaboration between stakeholders. By combining farmers’ practical experience, scientific knowledge from universities and research institutes, and market understanding from the private sector, we can develop smarter and more suitable solutions for citrus production in the Mekong Delta.”
Beyond technical knowledge sharing, the seminar also created an opportunity for researchers, businesses, and field practitioners to connect and exchange ideas — groups that do not often have the chance to collaborate in the same space. This seminar is part of the ongoing technical activities of the SUCCEEDS Project, which will continue testing new ideas, improving practical solutions, and promoting more effective and sustainable farming practices at the farm level.
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