Soil test standardization in west Asia‐North Africa Region

Ryan, John; Garabet, S.

doi:10.1080/00103629409369141

Cited by 18 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…It adds a different and an expanded dimension to previous studies of Matar (1992) and Ryan and Garabet (1994). While the soil test calibration program has shown the potential value of soil analysis as a basis for efficient fertilizer use, there is a need to expand the awareness and use of soil testing.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

“…It was also pointed out that this was a follow-up survey to that of Ryan and Garabet (1994) which indicated considerable cause for concern regarding performance standards. A secondary objective was to develop a database of soil and plant analysis laboratories in the region in order to create a mailing list for future distribution of educational materials.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Subsequently, Ryan and Garabet (1994) found wide variability between laboratories for chemical analyses based on a standard soil sample distributed to each laboratory. Later, in a regional symposium on soil fertility (Ryan, 1997), several formal presentations and a discussion session dealt with analyses and associated facilities.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessment of soil and plant analysis laboratories in the West Asia‐North Africa Region

Ryan

Garabet

Rashid³

et al. 1999

Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis

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148

146

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Although limited amount of water is the primary constraint to agricultural productivity in the rainfed area of West Asia and North Africa (WANA), yields are also low because of the poor mineral nutrient status of soils. Yields can, therefore, be considerably increased by judicious fertilizer use. Laboratories for soil and plant analysis are essential for identifying nutrient constraints and providing a basis for efficient fertilizer use, through correlation studies to establish suitable soil testing extractants and calibration studies with crop responses. The Soils Laboratory at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) has initiated a quality control program among the national agricultural research systems (NARS) in the countries of the WANA region. The efforts include linkages with the Wageningen International Soil Analytical Exchange Program, in-country 88S 886 RYAN ET AL.training courses, and a laboratory analysis manual. Continued improvement in laboratory performance is dependent upon knowledge of the capabilities of such laboratories and identification of their constraints. This presentation reports a fact-finding survey of laboratories from 16 countries of the WANA region-mainly public, from universities and ministries of agriculture, and some private or commercial ones-based on a questionnaire about analyses, facilities, methodologies, quality assurance, personnel training, and management. Future efforts to improve the quantity and quality output from of these laboratories will address such deficiencies.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 98%

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Assessment of soil and plant analysis laboratories in the West Asia‐North Africa Region

Ryan

Garabet

Rashid³

et al. 1999

Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis

Self Cite

148

146

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“…It is clear from previous surveys (Ryan and Garabet, 1994;Ryan et al, 1999a) that the focus has to be on technician training and laboratory management. Regional training courses, targeted to such audiences and a standard procedures manual in appropriate languages of the WANA region can address such issues.…”

Section: Future Directionsmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Not surprisingly, quality of output, as indicated by various surveys (Matar, 1985;Ryan and Garabet, 1994) leaves much to be desired. However, the operation of soil and plant analysis courses by ICARDA for technicians in the WANA region is an effort to improve the situation.…”

Section: Soil Analysis Laboratoriesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Data presentation, interpretation, and communication

Ryan

2000

Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis

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The countries bordering the Mediterranean and extending into western Asia are poor in natural resources, and have expanding populations which increase land-use pressure. The land area for crop production in this climatically harsh region is low; drought is always a major constraint. Output can only be increased from crop intensification, with fertilizers having a major role. Soil and plant analysis underpins the efficient use of such inputs. Such analysis is also an integral part of agronomic research, both at research stations and in farmers' fields. Decisions about land use must consider soil type differences as well as nutrient constraints, either deficiency or toxicity. This paper outlines the context in which such analyses may improve decision-making at the farmer's and the planner's levels, highlighting current constraints and potential for improvement. The main tests conducted in the region's laboratories are described. It focuses on communicating the benefits of soil and plant analysis and soil test research that has been conducted in the region to researchers and other end-users in the various national agricultural research programs. In order to ensure success, the effort must involve a partnership of research, fertilizer industry, and the extension and public sectors.

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