The document outlines the implementation plan for national proficiency testing at the Soil and Plant Analysis Laboratory (SPAL) in Myanmar, established in 2008 and upgraded through an ACIAR project from 2013-2017. Key components include the harmonization of methods, readiness to provide proficiency testing samples, and coordination among various laboratories, including those from agricultural universities and fertilizer companies. Lessons learned emphasize the importance of using high-quality chemicals and proper procedures to reduce contamination.

1. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR NATIONAL
PROFICIENCY TESTING
Khin Myo Thant
Soil and Plant Analysis Laboratory, Myanmar
24th September 2019

2. Soil and PlantAnalysis Laboratory (SPAL)
Reference Lab of Myanmar
• In 2008, SPAL was established for soil and plant analysis.
• During ACIAR project from 2013-2017, SPAL was
upgraded through hands on training given by UNE lab
expert and technician.
• Infrastructure and knowledge development was able to
improved.
• A quality manual for SPAL was developed after the project
activities.

3. Work plan of national proficiency testing program
I. National
laboratory
network
II. A. Harmonization
of methods and
procedures
III. Proficiency
testing among
laboratories
II. B. Readiness to
be proficiency
testing samples
provider
IV. PT
Coordination
and
consistency

4. National laboratory network
• Possibly effective member laboratories
• SPAL under Department of Agricultural Research (DAR)
• Soil lab from Yezin Agricultural University (YAU)
• Soil labs (Core and regional labs) under Department of
Agriculture (DOA)
• Soil lab from AWBA fertilizer company
 Networking entry
• Task Force of Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and
Irrigation (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation)

5. II. A. Harmonization of methods
and procedures
• Asessing fertility parameters for
PT
• Meeting and training for
facilitating harmonized
methods and procedures
II. B. Readiness to be proficiency
testing samples provider
• Fulfilling needs for PT
organizer (Knowledge and
infrastructure)
• Developing SOPs for PT
processes (Sample
preparation, Homogeneity
testing, Stability)
• Training staff for proficiency
testing

6. III. Proficiency testing among laboratories
• Distribution PT samples
• Analyzing results
• Deciding on assigned values

7. IV. PT Coordination and consistency
• Frequency of PT rounds (one or two years)
• Consistent networking

8. Experiences of proficiency testing
• Analyzed ASPAC soil during ACIAR project in 2014-15
• Sent In-house check soil to University of New England
• Proficiency testing among three laboratories; DAR,
LUD and CSIRO while calibrating MIR
• Proficiency testing among three laboratories; DAR,
LUD and YAU while using ISE for K, NH4
+ and NO3
-
Lessons learned
• Chemical purity upgrading by buying better quality
chemicals from India than from local market
• Reduction of contamination through proper washing
and storage procedure
• Changing some procedures for some elements such
as sulfur and phosphorus
•

9. Thank You!