1

Samples are stored in aSamples are stored in acold room at optimalcold room at optimalstorage temperature andstorage temperature andhumidity.humidity.

2

Quality parameters in the fieldQuality parameters in the field

The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency producesThe Swedish Environmental Protection Agency producesStandardised instructions which determine – in detail – why, Standardised instructions which determine – in detail – why, how, when, where, how much and how often, field samples how, when, where, how much and how often, field samples should be taken.should be taken.

These instructions exist for several variables concerning soil These instructions exist for several variables concerning soil chemicals in e.g. Drainage water; ground water in chemicals in e.g. Drainage water; ground water in catchments, and in observation fields etc.catchments, and in observation fields etc.

Each variable should also be analysed according to a Each variable should also be analysed according to a Swedish Standard recognised analytical method. Swedish Standard recognised analytical method.

3

Laboratory characteristics and standardsLaboratory characteristics and standards

The quality of laboratory analysis of important soil chemicalsThe quality of laboratory analysis of important soil chemicalsis strictly controlled by SwedeAc (Laboratory Accreditors)is strictly controlled by SwedeAc (Laboratory Accreditors)who make annual inspections of accredited laboratories.who make annual inspections of accredited laboratories.

Quality control analysis protocols must be followed by Quality control analysis protocols must be followed by accredited laboratories. Such protocols exist for a number of accredited laboratories. Such protocols exist for a number of soil chemical analyses e.g. P, Phosphate P, Nitrate N,soil chemical analyses e.g. P, Phosphate P, Nitrate N,Ammonium N, Total P and Total N.Ammonium N, Total P and Total N.

4

Automatic water chemistry analyser in an accredited labAutomatic water chemistry analyser in an accredited lab

5

Presentation of resultsPresentation of results

For both monitoring programmes (For both monitoring programmes (Agricultural fieldsAgricultural fields and and Small CatchmentsSmall Catchments) yearly national reports are ) yearly national reports are made presenting summarised results. In addition, a yearlymade presenting summarised results. In addition, a yearlydocumentation and data compilation is made for each of thedocumentation and data compilation is made for each of thecatchments with the purpose to check data and to registercatchments with the purpose to check data and to registerchanges, errors, etc. Evaluations of results from the individual changes, errors, etc. Evaluations of results from the individual catchments and national evaluations are made with longercatchments and national evaluations are made with longertime intervals.time intervals.