The organization of a national PTs in India - Dr. Ashok K Patra, Director, ICAR-IISS 4th Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET) meeting (online), 30 June - 2 July 2020

1. The organization of a national PT in India
Ashok K Patra
ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science
Bhopal, India

2. Agricultural System in India
Ministry of Agriculture and FW, GOI
Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare (DAC & FW)
Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE)
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research
• 102 Institutes and 3 Central Agricultural Universities
State Governments (28 states and 9 UT)
• Sate Departments of Agriculture
• State Agricultural Universities (61)

3. Soil testing laboratories in India (2018-19)
1319
182
0 500 1000 1500
Static
Mobile
Total: 1501

4. Mridaparikshak: A mini-lab for soil testing
This mini-lab tests 12 soil parameters viz., pH, EC, OC, Available, N, P, K, S, Fe, Mn,
Zn, Cu and B. The results are comparable to convention soil procedures like WB-OC,
Olsen P etc. This is employed in Government Soil Health Card Scheme and around 5
million soil health cards are made with this mini-lab.

5. Plan of PT
Initially with 30 laboratories comprising, from North,
South, East, West, and Central India
• ICAR institutes: 10
• State department of Agriculture: 5
• Agricultural Science Centres: 10
• State Agricultural Universities: 5

6. Sample collection1 As per the guidelines given by FAO
http://www.fao.org/3/ca7522en/ca7522en.pdf
Statistical methods of homogeneity and stability
testing, calculation and interpretation of results
are available at
Thompson, M., Ellison, S.L.R. & Wood, R. 2006.
The International Harmonized Protocol for the
Proficiency Testing of Analytical Chemistry
Laboratories. Pure Applied Chemistry 78: 145.
We will also take the guidance of FAO.
Sample processing (Drying,
disaggregation, homogenization)
Sub-dividing
Testing for homogeneity and stability
Sample packaging, numbering and
distribution
Receiving results and Data Processing
Submission of results to participating
laboratories
Process Flow
1 Soil samples will be collected from three dominant soil orders occurring in
India i.e. Inceptisols (alluvial soil), Vertisols (black soil) and Alfisol (red soil).

7. Infrastructure and other Requirement
Existing Strength
• Highly qualified staff with expertise in soil science and statistics
• Well maintained Laboratories
Special Facilities to be developed
• Some equipment like Homogenizer, sample divider
• Dedicated AAS if micronutrients are included for PT
Funding
• Some financial support and training on PT from FAO would be
very helpful.

8. Thank you