The 8th SEALNET meeting sets new targets for Asian soil laboratories and launches an ambitious regional inter-laboratory comparison exercise
The 8th meeting of the Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET), held from 15 to 19 July 2024 in Quezon City (the Philippines), brought together representatives from soil laboratories across 18 Asian countries. gathered in Quezon City (the Philippines). Hosted by the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM), the event marked a significant step forward for soil science in the region, with new targets established and a major inter-laboratory comparison exercise launched.
The meeting, organized within the framework of the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN), launched in 2017 as part of the FAO and its Global Soil Partnership (GSP) focused on improving the quality and consistency of soil data. SEALNET, which comprises around 200 soil laboratories across Asia, was established in 2017 as a first regional network of GLOSOLAN. Mr Lifeng Li, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, observed that SEALNET “stands as an example for all other regions”.
After two days of active discussions, the National Reference Laboratories endorsed the new SEALNET work plan 2024-2025. Moreover, participants joined two days of practical sessions in the laboratory on the measurements of soil chemical, physical and biological parameters and a technical tour in an experimental farm.
BSWM Director Ms Gina P. Nilo, who is also SEALNET’s former Chair, emphasized the key role of laboratory measurements in generating high-quality dat. Current SEALNET Chair, Mr Pushpajeet Lokpal Choudhari, echoed this sentiment highlighting the network’s role in ensuring rigorous quality control. FAO Representative in the Philippines, Mr Lionel Henri Valentin Dabbadie, underscored the strong partnership between FAO-Philippines and BSWM and highlighted “the importance of soil analysis as a basis for sustainable soil resources management”.
The SEALNET work plan for 2024-2025 includes new capacity building activities, the translation of GLOSOLAN standard operating procedures (SOPs) in national languages and laboratory visits. Moreover, the SEALNET inter-laboratory comparison (PT) 2024 was officially launched. Sets of soil samples were distributed among the participants with others to be shipped to the laboratories that were unable to attend in person. The ambitious exercise will involve approximately 150 laboratories operating in both Asia and Eurasia, testing their accuracy in determining crucial soil chemical and physical parameters.
The event also featured hands-on laboratory sessions, where participants explored harmonized SOPs for assessing soil chemical, physical, and biological indicators. A technical tour of an experimental farm further enriched the practical experience for attendees.
The 8th SEALNET meeting was not just about policy and practice but also marked a symbolic return to in-person gatherings after event marked a milestone for the development of SEALNET, as network members got the chance to meet face-to-face again after a five-year gap due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event was organized by the BSWM, thanks also to the project "Sustainable Soil Management through the Soil Doctors Programme and the Global Network of Soil Laboratories" financially supported by PhosAgro.
Photogallery (soon available)
For more information:
- https://www.bswm.da.gov.ph/da-bswms-hosts-8th-meeting-of-the-asian-soil-laboratory-network-sealnet/
- https://www.fao.org/global-soil-partnership/glosolan-old/regional-soil-laboratory-networks/sealnet/en/