In line with this framework, Azerbaijan has made a significant stride towards modernizing its soil analysis infrastructure and aligning it with international standards by launching a national network of soil analysis laboratories. This important step is part of a wider initiative to improve the accuracy, reliability and harmonization of soil data in Europe and Central Asia.

Azerbaijan faces severe soil challenges, including erosion, salinization, desertification, contamination, and land fragmentation. Poor land management, industrial activities, and climate impacts exacerbate these issues, threatening soil health and agricultural productivity. Addressing these challenges requires effective monitoring, sustainable land use, and rehabilitation efforts on a national scale. In support of this broader goals, the Agrarian Services Agency (ASA) of Azerbaijan hosted a five-day training workshop in Baku from 14 to 18 April 2025. The training was delivered by Dr. Oguz Can Turgay (Turkey), Vice-Chair for Europe of EUROSOLAN, within the framework of the UTF/AZE/021/AZE Project: Improvement of Seed and Agro-Chemical Laboratory and Certification Services under the Agrarian Services Agency.

Conducted in Turkish, the training aimed to enhance the technical and organizational capacity of Azerbaijani soil laboratories, align their operations with ISO/IEC 17025 standards, and lay the groundwork for the establishment of Azerbaijan’s national soil laboratory network (AZSOLAN). Fifteen participants from laboratories of ASA engaged in interactive, hands-on sessions across several key areas:

• ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for laboratory quality management
• Safe handling, labeling, and storage of reagents according to GHS standards
• Workflow mapping and optimization of staff roles
• Standardized procedures for soil sample collection, documentation, and archiving
• GLOSOLAN registration procedures and the adaptation of global SOPs to the national context 

Participants took part in practical exercises, simulations, and group work to strengthen key competencies and began drafting lab-specific roadmaps for accreditation and collaboration. The final day was dedicated to the launch of AZSOLAN, including stakeholder mapping, governance model discussions, and the development of a national roadmap.

"The establishment of the Azerbaijan Soil Laboratory Network (AZSOLAN) would be a great opportunity for systematic soil monitoring and sustainable soil management in Azerbaijan. By integrating with EUROSOLAN and GLOSOLAN, it will help us standardize soil data, enhance mapping, and support potential reclamation projects in the future. AZSOLAN can also empower local stakeholders and contribute to farmers' understanding of long-term soil health, ensuring environmental resilience and food security," said Mr. Taleh Zeynalov, Director of the Ministry of Agriculture's Laboratory, Expertise, and Certification Center, Agrarian Services Agency, Azerbaijan.

The training concluded with agreement on initial follow-up actions, including participation in a national proficiency testing (PT) round and the formalization of AZSOLAN’s structure. This initiative marks an important step toward improving the quality, traceability, and comparability of soil data in Azerbaijan, contributing to evidence-based decision-making for sustainable soil and land management.

AZSOLAN's future work focuses on achieving ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, standardizing soil analysis with GLOSOLAN and EUROSOLAN, enhancing soil data infrastructure, conducting national proficiency testing, and supporting sustainable land management. Key priorities include training, international cooperation, soil monitoring, data digitization, and evidence-based decision-making for sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience.