Laboratory Services

The Department of Agricultural Research Soil and Plant Analytical Research Service takes care of the analytical requirements of the Department of Agricultural Research Crops Division and the Animal Research Division. It also carries on soil testing and advisory for farmers. Animal feed samples are also analysed for farmers.

The soil laboratory tests for ten elements on a routine basis. Additional requirements are done when necessary. In the 1994-95 year, 1 242 soil samples were analysed for routine and other determinations: approximately 24% were from Department of Agricultural Research researches and 76% from farms and other institutions.

The plant analytical laboratory tests for about 17 elements on a routine basis. In the past year 1 487 samples used were analysed. Approximately 52% were from the Department of Agricultural Research researches and 48% from farmers and other institutions.

Since the mid 80s, the laboratory has acquired automated laboratory equipment and has kept up with new development in laboratory technology.

The Department of Agricultural Research Analytical Laboratory was evaluated by the staff of the Standards Office, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and subsequently nominated to participate in a National Standardization and Quality Assurance Project as part of the National Testing System (NTS) under Botswana Bureau of Standards.

Under the National Testing System (NTS) users of the laboratory have attended seminars on Laboratory Management and Quality Assurance. As part of the exercise the laboratory has had some of the equipment checked and calibrated by staff of the Standards Office. The laboratory is also currently reviewing its Laboratory Manual in the process of developing a Quality Manual.