South Pacific Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory Network (SPACNET)
In November 1992, a network of South Pacific soil laboratories was developed called South Pacific Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory Network (SPACNET). The purpose of the network was
- To enhance the quality of soil and plant analysis of the participating laboratories with specific objectives of developing quality assurance programmes;
- To strengthen soil and plant exchange network;
- To document standard methodologies for soil and plant analysis and quality control;
- To identify two laboratories as centres for the provision of regional analytical services and the training of technicians (Nari, PNG; and Koronivia Research
Station, Fiji were selected); and - To develop links with a laboratory in a metropolitan country to support the
quality assurance programmes”.
SPACNET was mostly funded and technically supported by New Zealand. The SPACNET activities were stopped in 2014 when the SPACNET project and funding ended.
Laboratory manuals
SPACNET has left a rich legacy especially in terms of lab manuals, some of which are being used by regional soil laboratories to the present day.
Below is an overview of manuals produced. Download links are provided for selected items for which scans are available.
Lab methods
Daly, B.K.; Manu, V.T.; Halavatau, S.M. (1984): Soil and plant analysis methods for use at the Agricultural Research Station, Vaini, Tonga. New Zealand Soil Bureau Laboratory Report AN2. http://doi.org/10.7931/DL1-LAB-AN2
Daly, B.K. & Wainiqolo, J.L. (1993a): Methods of analysis for agricultural samples: soil, plant, animal feed and water. Fiji Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory Technical Report 03/93.
Daly, B.K. & Hill, L. (2008): Recommended methods for soil, plant and water analysis. Third edition, November 2008. Landcare Research New Zealand. Download.
Results interpretation
Daly, B.K. & Wainiqolo, J.L. (1993b): Guide to interpretation of agricultural sample analysis results; soil, plant, animal feed, irrigation water, and others. Fiji Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory Technical Report 04/93.
Daly, B.K. & Wainiqolo, J.L. (1996): Guide to fertilisers: Composition and calculations. Fiji Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory Technical Report 01/96. Download.
Daly, B.K. & Manu, V. (2003): Guide to interpretation of agricultural sample analysis results. Soil, plant, & irrigation water. Landcare Research New Zealand, June 2003. Download.
Quality assurance
Daly, B.K. & Hill, L. (2003): Generic quality assurance manual for soil and plant laboratories. Landcare Research New Zealand. Download.
Hill, L. & Daly, B.K. (2007): Generic quality manual for soil and plant laboratories. August 2007. Landcare Research New Zealand in association with the Land Resources Division, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). Download.
Lab safety
Hill, L. & Daly, B.K. (2003): Generic laboratory safety manual. Landcare Research New Zealand. Download.
Other reports
Daly, B.K. (2006): Report on the Status and Needs of the South Pacific Agricultural Chemistry Network (SPACNET) Laboratories. Landcare Research New Zealand, September 2006. Download.
