The Soil Science Laboratory Centre was established in July 2019 with the vision of becoming a center of excellence for soil and water analysis.

The Centre is divided into four sections: soil chemistry, soil physics, soil microbiology, and plants and fertilizers.

The laboratory is well-equipped, and there are experienced technologists and laboratory assistants who have demonstrated competence in their work with minimal supervision.

The Centre has been successful in delivering accurate and timely analytical results for researchers, farmers, students, and other land users for the purpose of determining the needs for plant nutrients and environmental chemistry. Young scientists and students have also benefited from the Centre’s knowledge and science-based training in agriculture, environmental science, and related fields.

Office Objectives

The Soil Science Centre of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University is dedicated to advancing agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and land management through soil, plant and fertilizer analysis. We aim to empower students, farmers, researchers, and policy makers with accurate, science driven insights to optimize soil health, enhance crop yields, and promote sustainable land use practices.

Office Focus

Our primary focus is on delivering precise, reliable, and actionable soil, plant, water and fertilizer testing and analysis services. We specialize in evaluating soil physical and biological parameters, fertility, and environmental impact to support agriculture and environmental conservation. By leveraging well equipped laboratories and scientific expertise, we address soil related challenges, from soil health management to contamination assessment, ensuring sustainable solutions for diverse stakeholders.

Current Activities

The Soil Science Centre provides comprehensive analytical services across three specialized sections, i.e. chemistry, physics, and microbiology to support sustainable soil management and precise fertilizer recommendations. In 2025 alone, the Centre analyzed over a thousand samples ranging from soil extracts to water and fertilizers for a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers, scientists, and corporate organizations. Additionally, the Centre fosters national capacity building by providing hands-on instrumentation training to students while maintaining international standards through participation in the FAO–GLOSOLAN proficiency programme

External Grants

The Centre recently in the year 2024 benefited from a TETFUND grant that facilitated the supply and installation of six specialized laboratory instruments. These acquisitions include a BIOSAN centrifuge, a METTLER TOLEDO analytical balance, an Everflow rapid moisture tester, an SK Medicals tabletop pH meter, a water distiller, and a compost digester.

Past Achievements

ANALYTICAL SERVICES AND PRODUCTIVITY
Sample Processing: The Centre analyzed a total of 8,672 samples, including 7,653 soil, 276 water, 733 plants, and 108 fertilizer samples.

Stakeholder Engagement: These services were provided to a diverse group including researchers, corporate organizations, and both commercial and smallholder farmers

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION AND QUALITY CONTROL

Proficiency Testing: The Centre participated in the International Fertilizer Development Centre's (IFDC) 2022 assessment and the FAO-coordinated Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) proficiency tests.

Technical Competence: It achieved full proficiency in Nitrogen and Phosphorus analysis and partial proficiency in Organic Carbon analysis.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND CAPACITY BUILDING

Equipment Acquisition: In 2022, a PGI Digital Flame Photometer (MODEL FP910-5) was installed. In 2024, six TETFUND-assisted items were added: a BIOSAN centrifuge, METTLER TOLEDO sensitive weighing balance, Everflow rapid moisture tester, SK Medicals table-top pH meter, water distiller, and compost digester.

Student Training: The Centre has provided hands-on instrumentation and analysis training to 314 students in the last half decade.

Career Development: Between 2019 and 2024, 16 staff members were promoted across various cadres, and one junior staff member was approved for a part-time Higher National Diploma (HND) program in 2023. The Centre produced one of the two technologist recently promoted to the position of Assistant Director Laboratory Services

Future Plans

INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT UPGRADES

Instrument Maintenance and Acquisition: The Centre intends to acquire new and arrange for the routine servicing of current laboratory instruments to restore full analytical capacity.

Power Reliability: A key priority is upgrading the existing solar power system to ensure it can adequately support all laboratory equipment and provide a reliable, uninterrupted power supply.

CAPACITY BUILDING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Technical Training: The Centre plans to implement specialized training programs to enhance staff proficiency in modern laboratory techniques and ensure optimal laboratory performance.

Strategic Evaluations: Following lessons learned, the Centre will continue periodic evaluations and internal consultations to identify areas for improvement and facilitate long-term progress.

SERVICE ENHANCEMENT

Sustaining Quality: Future efforts are directed toward sustaining analytical accuracy and enhancing overall service delivery to its diverse stakeholders in the years ahead.

International Standards: The Centre remains committed to maintaining international quality standards through continued participation in programs like the FAO–GLOSOLAN proficiency tests

Services Rendered

Soil Fertility Analysis: Comprehensive testing for nutrient levels, pH, organic matter, and fertilizer composition

Contaminant Testing: Detection of heavy metals and other contaminants to ensure soil safety and environmental compliance

Physical Property Analysis: Assessment of soil texture, structure, and water holding capacity to optimize land use

Biological Property Analysis: Evaluation of soil microbial respiration, biomass, and enzyme activity to optimize ecosystem services delivery

Consulting Services: Expert guidance on soil health and sustainable farming practices.

The Soil Science Centre is committed to delivering high quality, data driven solutions to foster healthy soils and thriving ecosystems.