Indian soil laboratory network in the making

A soil laboratory network at the national level will be established in partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research under the aegis of the Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET) said Dr Pushpajeet Choudhari, Manager, Charles Renard Analytical Laboratory, ICRISAT, in a recent presentation. He said that the laboratory is also engaged in training soil laboratory staff working in government agencies.

SEALNET is a forum for soil laboratory managers from Asian countries and is part of FAO’s Global Soil Partnership which aims towards harmonization of methods, measurements and indicators for sustainable management and protection of soil resources.

Dr Pushpajeet will be assisting the core team in drafting the FAO-best practice manual for soil analysis.

The 3rd SEALNET meeting was held on 23-27 September in the Philippines. Representatives from 16 Asian countries participated.