Lab training in Batu

16.10.2024

Theoretical training laboratory training in 2023 was complemented last week at the IQQO Batu Soil Research Center. This time, Prof. Dr. Bruno Glaser from Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittemberg and Dr. Betelhem Muluneh from DBFZ implemented practical training on different extraction methods for plant-available micro nutrients.

With researchers from several IQQO Research Centres and Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, a practical comparison test of water and DTPA extraction of ten different soils available in the laboratory was conducted. The optimisation of AAS sensitivity (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Method) was a major challenge. Only after adequate measures taken, the proper calibration of all elements and measurement of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn could be conducted successfully. Participants also exercised the measurement of ammonium, nitrate and potassiumwith the help of field laboratoryequipment provided earlier by DBFZ. Lastly, detailed laboratory protocols for the colorimetric determination of ammonium, nitrate, boron, and sulfate were presented and discussed. Towards the end of his visit, Prof. Bruno Glaser also supported the Jimma University partners with maintenance of an ICP-MS. After installation in 2020, the JU colleagues, according to Dr. Milkyas Ahmed, experienced automatic instrument shut-downs. Some testing revealed that the turbo pump oil needed to be replaced and the penning gauge needed calibration. All partners were happy to have made another step towards strengthened capacities for the formulation of biochar-based fertilizers and soil monitoring.