Highlights archive
A giant step: from wet to dry chemistry in soil analysis
Spectroscopy is the study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. In recent years, visible near-infrared diffuse reflectance (Vis-NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy has been recognised as a low-cost, efficient, and accurate soil analysis technique and it is becoming increasingly popular.
To support cost-effective, timely solutions for soil analysis and facilitate detailed soil mapping and monitoring, GLOSOLAN launched the soil spectroscopy initiative (GLOSOLAN-Spec) in 2020. Such initiatives, focused on capacity development at country level, through the creation of training materials and by conducting webinars in several languages.
The webinars unpacked the creation and development of national and regional soil spectral libraries and their estimation services as well as the provision of advice and tools. This enables countries to access a wide range of soil data using rapid and cost-effective methods of analysis. Over the long-term, national and regional soil maps can be improved and used to enhance the implementation of sustainable soil management (SSM) practices.
A special issue on soil governance of the peer-reviewed journal “SoilSecurity” was published this month with expert contributions from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Global Soil Partnership’s (GSP) working group on soil legislation.
The Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) was established in 2017 to strengthen the capacities of soil laboratory analysis and to respond to the need to harmonize soil data.
VIEW THE PHOTO GALLERY HERE!
REGISTER HERE to join the LAUNCH EVENT
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has highlighted the threat posed by soil pollution to ecosystems’ health and functions, biodiversity, and global food security. Industrialization, mining, waste and the intensification of agriculture have left a legacy of contaminated soils around the world.
The Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) was established in 2017 to strengthen the capacities of soil laboratory analysis and to respond to the need to harmonize soil data.