Soil Analysis Laboratory
The soil analysis laboratory of the Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique sur les Régions Arides (CRSTRA) specializes in studying soil characteristics in arid and semi-arid regions.
The laboratory performs various physical and chemical analyses to evaluate soil fertility and determine properties such as acidity, salinity, and mineral composition.
The laboratory team also conducts field visits to collect soil samples using scientific sampling methods. These samples are transported to the laboratory where they are prepared, analyzed, and interpreted to obtain results that help improve soil management and sustainable use.
Objectives of the laboratory
The objectives of the soil analysis laboratory are:
- To study the physical and chemical properties of soils.
- To evaluate soil fertility and agricultural suitability.
- To detect soil problems such as salinity and desertification.
- To contribute to the protection of natural resources.
- To support scientific research in agriculture and environmental sciences.
- To provide analytical services for researchers and agricultural institutions.
Analyses carried out in the laboratory
- Physical analyses
- Soil texture analysis (granulometry): sand, silt, and clay fractions.
- Soil moisture determination.
- Chemical analyses
- Soil pH measurement.
- Electrical conductivity measurement (salinity).
- Organic carbon determination.
- Total limestone content.
- Active limestone content.
- Total nitrogen determination.
- Phosphorus analysis.
- Potassium analysis.
- Sodium determination.
- Chloride determination.
- Nitrate determination.
- Calcium determination.
- Calcium and magnesium determination.
- Sulfate determination.
- Gypsum content determination.
Equipment used in the laboratory
- pH meter.
- Conductivity meter.
- Analytical balance.
- Drying oven for sample drying.
- Drying furnace.
- Muffle furnace for high-temperature treatments.
- Centrifuge.
- Optical microscope.
- Water bath.
- Desiccator.
- Spectrophotometer.
- Robinson pipette used in granulometric analysis.
- Laboratory sieves.
- Mechanical shaker.
- Kjeldahl apparatus for total nitrogen determination.
- Richards plate apparatus used to determine the soil pF curve.
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