How to produce a soil sample for the proficiency testing of the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) – General instructions

Evidence-based decisions are central to the achievement of sustainable soil management (SSM), which in turn is critical to the achievement food security and nutrition, and to the Agenda 2030 for sustainable development. While the quantity and quality of soil data are fundamental, soil information must also be harmonized and globally consistent to have impact. The Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) was established within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership’s fifth pillar in 2017. GLOSOLAN aims to facilitate networking and capacity development through cooperation and information sharing between soil laboratories with different levels of expertise. Proficiency testing is a key component of the GLOSOLAN implementation programme as it determines the performance of individual laboratories for specific analysis and is used to monitor laboratories' continuing performance. This document provides an overview of how soil samples for GLOSOLAN proficiency testing should be prepared. Every year, GLOSOLAN will elaborate on this document and send more detailed instructions to selected soil sample providers.