Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Accomplishments and Impacts: The work-group continues to be a forum for interaction of members concerning soil, plant, waste, and water analysis issues. Although laboratory procedures and equipment are reviewed, major emphases are placed on recommendations. Uniform regional recommendations are agreed upon where appropriate. This has significant impact on national efforts to protect the environment, improve water quality, and preserve natural resources.

The exchange group continues to emphasize electronic data transfer, which provides faster turn-around time and greater accuracy. Shared information on data collection, report generation and electronic transfer has significantly impacted the ability of participating laboratories to accomplish these tasks.

The mission statement for SERA-IEG-6 was reviewed and updated to reflect progressive views of farm wastes as by-products of agriculture. After administrative approval, the new statement will be posted on the web site.

During the coming year, efforts will be focused on completing bulletins in various stages of preparation. Members will continue to work collectively and individually to emphasize proper use of soil testing, plant, waste, and water analysis in protecting the environment and preserving soil and water resources.

Hanlon, E. A., Procedures Used by State Soil Testing Laboratories in the Southern Region of the United States, Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin 190-C, 2001. http://bioengr.ag.utk.edu/soiltestlab/pubs/SR_bulletin190.pdf