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Analytical Testing of Soil, Plants, Fertilisers, Water and Animal Feeds

Overview

Analytical services are provided on agricultural and related materials (soils, animal feeds, plants, fertilisers and irrigation water).

Who is eligible?
  • Researchers. 
  • Subsistence farmers. 
  • Commercial farmers. 
  • Young farmers. 
  • Parastatals. 
  • Other government departments. 
  • Private agencies.
How do I get this service?
  • Complete Soil sample submission form for soil and fertiliser samples.
  • Complete Plant sample submission form for plant and animal feed samples. 
  • Submit samples with the relevant completed application form to the laboratory for testing. (See address below). 
  • After evaluation of the test results, a report will be dispatched to the applicant in the form of a report. 
  • If required, the test results can be explained to applicants by a laboratory officer.
What supporting documents are required?
  • Certified copy of Valid National Identity Card (Omang).
  • Young farmers need to produce a letter (confirming that they are the youth in that district) written by the District Agricultural Office.
How long will this service take?

Fourteen to Twenty-one (14 to 21) working days.

How much does it cost?

Table 1: Cost for Soil and Fertiliser Analysis per sample

​Analysis

​Price (BWP)

​Calcium

​57.10

​Magnesium

​53.05

​Phosphorus

​21.35

​Potassium

​45.85

​Sodium

​45.85

​Copper

​48.15

​Iron

​48.15

​Manganese

​48.85

​Zinc

​ 47.40

​Cation Exchange Capacity

​84.25

​PH

​36.10

​Organic Carbon

​66.80

​Particle size

​859.90

​Electrical Conductivity

​36.00

 

Table 2: Cost for Animal Feed and Plant Herbage analysis sample

​Analysis

​Price (BWP )

​Calcium

​ 85.45

​Magnesium

​85.55

​Phosphorus

​78.30

​Potassium

​84.55

​Sodium

 85.00​

​ Copper

​90.40

​ Iron

​91.45

​Manganese

​91.30

​Zinc

​91.25

​Nitrogen (Crude Protein)

​74.95

​Crude Fibre

​77.45

​Acid Detergent Lignin

​30.50

​Nutral Detergent Fibre

​ 39.80

​Crude fat

​68.25

​Dry matter

​53.30

​ Ash

​53.70

​Organic Matter

​50.80

​In Vitro digestibility

​146.00

​NDF Nitrogen

​114.75

​ Acid Detergent Fibre

​25.75

Where can I obtain this service?

Visit the nearest District Crop Production Office and District  Animal Production Office.

Opening hours: 07:30 to 12:45 then 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday except public holidays.

Where can I get more information on this Service

The Coordinator

Soil and Plant Analytical Laboratory
Department of Agricultural Research
Private Bag 0033.
Gaborone,
Botswana.
Tel. (+267) 3668100 ext.: 8136/43/48
Fax.(+267) 3928965

Call Centre: 17755

Email. moa17755 [at] gov.bw

 

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