GLOSOLAN launches a capacity development programme on soil spectroscopy
Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) has launched a series of online trainings on different topics related to soil analysis.
The capacity development programme will start with a cycle of webinars on dry chemistry/ soil spectroscopy. This initiative is part of a wider training programme that will comprise also other subjects such as wet chemistry, health and safety, equipment purchasing, quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), and laboratory management. All trainings will be implemented in different languages and time zones, according to the trainer's availability, in order to allow a larger audience to attend the sessions.
WHAT IS SOIL SPECTROSCOPY?
Soil spectroscopy is a fast, cost-effective and environmental-friendly technique that uses the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with soils to estimate soil properties such as the levels of acidity, organic carbon, nitrogen and water retention. These determine the health and usability of these soils. Institutions and experts from around the world are now joining efforts through a global programme to use this technology to support decision making on soil protection globally.
REGISTER FOR THE NEXT TRAININGS
SESSION 1: An Introduction to Soil Spectroscopy
Monday, 6 September 2021 | 15:00 CET
Guest speaker: Bo Stenberg
Abstract: This webinar reviews the basic mechanisms for soil visible–near infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy. It also provides information on applications related to precision agriculture and the use of large regional soil spectral libraries for estimating small scale variations.
Details of the event | Presentation | Recordings
SESSION 2: Soil Spectroscopy for accurate measurement of soil physical and chemical soil properties
Thursday, 16 September 2021 | 09:00 CET
Guest speaker: Budiman Minasny
Abstract: This webinar presents how soil spectroscopy can characterize extensive different soil physical and chemical soil properties.
Details of the event | Presentation | Recordings
SESSION 3: A future for soil spectral inference
Thursday, 23 September 2021 | 08:00 CET
Guest speaker: Alex McBratney
Abstract: This webinar presents the definition and role of soil spectroscopy for laboratory as well as field measurement and will speculate on possible novel approaches.
Details of the event | Presentation | Recordings
SESSION 4: The Brazilian Soil Spectral Library Experience from scientific to society services
Monday, 4 October 2021 | 15:00 CET
Guest speaker: José Alexandre M. Demattê
Abstract: This webinar will present the 25 years’ experience on constructing the Brazilian Soil Spectral Library, from scientific research purposes to the development of free estimation online service of soil analysis.
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SESSION 5: Characterization of soil properties using French national Vis-NIR and MIR spectral libraries
Thursday, 14 October 2021 | 14:00 CET
Guest speaker: Cecile Gomez
Abstract: This webinar will present the national soil collection provided by the French national soil quality monitoring network. Based on this national database, several researches have been conducted for 10 years to highlight the potentials and issues of such national spectral databases.
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SESSION 6: Measuring reflectance of undisturbed soil surface in the field under laboratory quality: A protocol to assess soil properties that are sensitive to the soil sealing phenomenon
Thursday, 28 October 2021 | 15:00 CET
Guest speaker: Eyal Ben-Dor
Abstract: This webinar will cover a new developed device for measuring surface reflectance in the field to fill the gap between laboratory and field spectral measurements of the soil surface.
Register here | Details of the event
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON GLOSOLAN
GLOSOLAN, established in the framework of FAO and the Global Soil Partnership (GSP), has made great leaps towards healthy soils. For the first time, more than 700 labs in around 160 countries are working together to harmonise data and methods for soil analysis so that soil data and information is comparable and interpretable across laboratories, countries and regions.
GLOSOLAN facilitates networking and capacity development through cooperation and information sharing between soil laboratories with different levels of experience. With this first series of trainings, GLOSOLAN intends to enhance the capacities of laboratories for better data quality.
In particular, capacity development on soil spectroscopy will help countries to improve knowledge in areas such as soil sample selection, soil preparation, spectral measurement and quality assurance of the data analysis to ensure the sustainable management of soil resources.
Read more on GLOSOLAN here