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Australasian Soil and Plant Analysis Council Soil & Foliage Inter Laboratory Proficiency Programme

The Australasian Soil and Plant Analysis Council (ASPAC) is an independent international organisation bringing together individuals, laboratories, research and commercial organisations who share a common interest in soil and plant analysis - and the use of analytical results. As part of ASPAC's wider objectives of promoting best practice in sampling, analysis, interpretation and advice, ASPAC organises an Inter Laboratory Proficiency Programme for more than 60 laboratories in 8 countries throughout Australasia, SE Asia, and the Pacific.

See www.aspac-australasia.com

Proficiency Services Ltd manages the delivery of ASPAC InterLaboratory Proficiency Programmes.

Programme Description

The soil ILPP consists of 3 rounds with 4 soil samples in each round; the plant tissue ILPP consists of 3 rounds with 4 plant tissue samples - see the timetable below for key programme dates in 2004/05. Participation is open to ASPAC members and to non-members - programme fees are discounted for ASPAC Corporate Members. Contact Proficiency Services for enrolment information. enquiry@proficiencynz.co.nz

Timetable 2007/2008

Round No
Sample Description
Despatch Date
Results Due
107
Plant Material ILPP
24 Sep 07
23 Oct 07
207
Soil ILPP
24 Sept 07
19 Nov 07
307
Plant Material ILPP
10 Dec 07
28 Jan 08
407
Soil ILPP
10 Dec 07
25 Feb 08
507
Plant Material ILPP
17 March 08
21 April 08
607
Soil ILPP
17 March 08
19 May 08

Participating laboratories analyse the samples for those analytes they routinely test in each type of matrix. Laboratories can choose from a range of standard methods. The following analytes are included in the ASPAC programmes:

Plant ILPP
Aluminium
Boron
Cadmium
Calcium
Carbon
Chloride
Cobalt
Copper
Iron
Lead
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Potassium
Selenium
Silicon
Sodium
Sulphur
Zinc

Soil ILPP
Electrical Conductivity
Soil pH
Soluble Chloride
Organic Carbon
Total Nitrogen
Nitrate N
Ammonium N
Total Phosphorus
Extractable P
Phosphorus buffer index
Extractable Zn
Extractable Sulphur
Extractable Boron
Extractable Copper
Extractable Iron
Extractable Mn
Exchangeable K
Exchangeable Al
Exchangeable Ca
Exchangeable Mg
Exchangeable Na

At the conclusion of each program the data is collated and a confidential report is e-mailed to each participating laboratory. Data are either grouped by method for statistical analysis, or grouped with data from similar methods - as is most appropriate in each case.

Results and performance data are confidential to the participating laboratory. Results are reported using a confidential laboratory code known only to the laboratory, to PSL, and to the ASPAC Technical Advisory Group. All data are available to ASPAC.

As a participant you will receive:

  • The prepared soil / plant tissue samples
  • A confidential laboratory number for reporting your results
  • A confidential report of the results from each round - usually e-mailed within 2 weeks of submitting results.
  • Assistance with testing methodologies (if required) from ASPAC Representatives
  • An annual bound report covering all three rounds for soil and for plant programmes, including statistical analysis of the data for each programme
  • A certificate issued by ASPAC, indicating participation in the programme

Reference Samples

Secondary Reference Samples, with summarised data from the ILPP are available for laboratories to use as a benchmark for internal quality control and training.