The document outlines Botswana's agricultural landscape and the role of the Soil and Plant Analytical Laboratory (SPAL) in supporting agricultural research by analyzing soil and plant samples. It discusses the current state of soil laboratories, highlighting challenges such as the introduction of soil test kits and the need for improvements in staff training and standard operating procedures. The presenter expresses a desire for empowerment and better understanding from the meeting to enhance laboratory operations.

1. Country: BOTSWANA
1ST
REGIONAL SOIL LABORATORY NETWORK FOR AFRICA
MEETING
Name of the presenter: LESEGO MOOKETSI-SELEPE

3. OVERVIEW
 Botswana is landlocked country in the centre of Southern Africa
 Population of 2,039 million
 Area 531 738 square kilometre
 Predominantly Sub tropical climate
 Agriculture provides 80% of the population but accounts 2.8% of GDP

4. LABORAOTRY NAME: SOIL AND Plant Analytical
Laboratory (SPAL)
• Soil and Plant Analytical Laboratory is an analytical service provider in the
Department of Agricultural Research (DAR), Mistry of Agriculture,
Botswana.
• The responsibility of the laboratory is to analyse soil, plant, animal feeds,
fertilisers and irrigation water to assist in agricultural research and
development.
• The laboratory provides customers with reports that have
recommendation on soil correction measures.
• Its customers include researchers, farmers (subsistence, young and
commercial), and other institution.

5. Soil analysis in your country
How many routine laboratories exist in your country? 1
Other institution are in the process of preparing to offer this
service.
Are they ‘mobile’ laboratories? Not that I am aware of.
Are soil test kits commonly used? Some business companies
are trying to introduce them but reception has not been good, maybe because it
is a new idea

6. Strength/weakness
What do you think your lab is strong at?
Testing soil samples for agricultural purposes and soil mapping.
What do you think it could be improved?
•Reviewing of recommendations because the database was
developed in 90s
•Reviewing of SOPs
•Staff development
• Short and long term training to improve on performance
and quality of the results
•Recruitment of skilled staff

7. What are your expectations out of this meeting and
GLOSOLAN?
An empowerment on different approaches in running soil analytical laboratory. Better
understanding of reasons for proficiency testing.

8. Thanks for your
attention