The Chitedze Soils Laboratory in Malawi, presented by Dr. Moses Munthali, addresses the strengths and weaknesses of soil testing laboratories in the country. Key strengths include multiple specialized laboratories and extensive experience, while improvements are needed in staff training, modern equipment, and a laboratory information management system. Expectations from the meeting include harmonization of analytical methods, participation in proficiency tests, and support for certification and capacity building.

1. Laboratory name: Chitedze Soils Laboratory
Country: Malawi
Name of the presenter: Dr Moses Munthali

2. Chitedze Soils Laboratory

3. Technician working in Soil Chemistry Lab

4. Part of soil physics lab at Chitedze

5. Soil analysis in your country
How many routine laboratories exist in your
country?
• 5 laboratories (3 for government and 1 for private
and 1 academic)
Are they ‘mobile’ laboratories?
•No
Are soil test kits commonly used?
•No

6. Strength/weakness
What do you think your lab is strong at?
•Has 5 separate soil laboratories that include: soil
chemistry, soil physics, soil microbiology, plants and
miscellaneous, and mycotoxins laboratories
•Is a government laboratory and has a vast history of
existence and experience
What do you think it could be improved?
•Need capacity building of staff in dry chemistry using
spectroscopy, GIS and remote sensing
•Need establishment of online laboratory information
management system
•Need modern laboratory equipment i.e. X-Ray
deffractometer, GC-MS

7. What are your expectations out of this meeting and
GLOSOLAN?
1. harmonization of analytical methods
2.To be involved in national and international proficiency
test of samples
3.GLOSOLAN to help and facilitate
certification/accreditation i.e. ISO of national reference
laboratory
4.GLOSOLAN to help build capacity of national reference
laboratories both staff training and equipment
5.To establish links or contacts with others regional
scientists for collaboration on proposal/project writing for
funding

8. Thanks for your
attention