A new BASIS Classroom entitled ‘Laboratory Analysis 1: Soil Nutrients’ has been launched. Produced by NRM Cawood agronomists in partnership with BASIS, it is the first in a two-part series designed to provide agricultural advisors with a comprehensive understanding of soil analysis.
‘Soil analysis plays a vital role in agriculture, land management, and environmental monitoring,’ said Dr Sajjad Awan, soil & crop nutrition agronomist at NRM and co-author of the course. ‘It offers critical insights that inform fertilisation strategies, crop production, and sustainable land use. The programme is structured to guide participants through key aspects of soil nutrient analysis. The course explores sample quality and the importance of precise sampling for accurate and reliable results, then moves on to explaining units of measurement and the interpretation of laboratory nutrient results. The final section describes the laboratory process itself, from sample preparation to reporting results, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how nutrients are measured.’
‘Understanding soil nutrients is fundamental to making informed decisions to better manage crops and soils. This course provides a solid foundation for those seeking to enhance their expertise in laboratory analysis interpretation,’ continued Dr Awan. This first instalment lays the groundwork for more advanced learning opportunities and supplies agronomists and advisors with the knowledge and tools necessary to interpret soil nutrient data more confidently – whilst earning two Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points towards their BASIS qualification.’
“Laboratory Analysis 1: Soil Nutrients” is available exclusively for BASIS members as part of BASIS Classroom, and will be available for 12 months. Participants who complete the 30 minute course will earn two CPD points, enhancing their expertise and helping maintain professional credentials. Part two of the course will be available later this season, which will focus on soil carbon and organic matter analysis.
