1. Hands-on Soil Infrared Spectroscopy Training Course Getting the best out of light 11 – 14 November 2013 Sample Handling Procedures for IR Analysis Mercy Nyambura

2. Aim and Objectives Since data quality in Infrared analysis is key, standardized methods and procedures that would provide optimal conditions for sample handling, sample preparation, sample deposition, measurement and disposition should be used. This would ensure that data obtained from our IR systems is reproducible, of good resolution, reducing the time and cost of the sample preparation and data collection. Our sample handling procedures workflows include: Sample shipping and submission requirements and procedures Sample reception workflow Sample preparation workflow Sample disposition workflow Sample Handling: Shipping, Reception, Preparation and Disposition

3. Sample Shipping and Submission Documentation: Ensure the required permits and phytosanitary certificates accompany samples. Failure to do so may result in the samples being destroyed by inspectorate authorities Requirements and Procedures Packaging: Carefully double-packed into strong polythene bags that cannot be easily ripped or damaged in transit, and packed into strong shipping cartons. Repacking of the consignment by the shipping agent again. Do not underestimate what airlines can do to a package! Sample submission: Verification and evaluation of sample information, study contacts and information, sample inventories etc. as provided in the submission Communication: On shipping, communicate immediately by fax or email the shipping details (e.g. airway bill number) to alert the shipping agent's about the arrival of the quarantine shipment.

4. This section describes physical handling in receipt and accessioning of samples in the laboratory. It involves: receiving, sorting, verifying, logging and basic processing of soil and plants samples Objective To ensure best practice in the integrity and overall quality handling of samples in the first step of processing and transfer to appropriate parts of the laboratory for testing. Processes Sample Reception Procedures Laboratory Liaison: Point of communication and clarification between the client. Reception and sorting: Step of acknowledging, verification and evaluation of information and sample details. Logging: Step of sample data key in, assigning lab IDs and barcode labels and updating the database Drying, Weighing and sieving: Step of air drying (40 o C) and sieving through a 2 mm sieve Results of soil analysis are expressed on oven dry basis

5. Sample Preparation Procedures This section involves physical handling of soils and plants samples Objective To obtain a good representative sample that will achieve reproducible results and appropriate presentation of samples to the instruments for analysis Sub sampling and mixing: Milling and Fine grinding: Loading:

6. Africa Soils Archive The Africa Soils Archive contains a collection of representative soil samples from all over Africa. Sample Disposition Procedures e–LA An Unrivalled Resource Bar code-enabled Legacy Archiving systems A Safe Holdings Custody the soils electronic Legacy Archive

7. Sample Handling Procedures for IR Analysis Practical Mercy Nyambura Elvis Weullow Dickens Ateku Robin Chacha