Information about the current Needle/Leaf Interlaboratory Test

For future tests I always need dried and powdered foliage samples from one tree and one "leaf type" or needle set (dry weight approx. 4-5kg leaves or needles) or a homogenized litterfall sample (dry weight approx. 4-5kg). If someone is willing to do this sampling and preparation for the next ringtests^*), please contact me by e-mail.

Timetable for the 13^th Interlaboratory Test

Special thanks to Bruno De Cinti. Giorgio Matteucci, Christoph Habsburg-Lothringen (FV Schütte) and Walter Wuggenig and their employees for collecting samples for this ringtest.

For each parameter (total element concentration) four replicates are necessary for this Interlaboratory Test. The results for the elements S, N. P, K, Ca, Mg, C, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Pb, Cd and B will be evaluated. Mandatory parameters are S, N. P, K, Ca, Mg and C! Other additional elements can be analysed, but only the results will be given in the report, without detailed statistical evaluation. An overview of the elements that can be analysed and the proper units for all elements are avalable here. Don't forget to use only  recommended methods which are described in the ICP-Forests submanual Sampling and Analysis of Needles and Leaves. The recommanded minimum sample weight is 250 mg. All results must be calculated on dry weight (105°C).

Data submission and confirmation of the results must be done by the participating laboratories on their own over the internet with a web-based interface to an Oracle database. If your laboratory is analysing foliar/litterfall samples for the ICP-Forests Programme on Level II, the interlaboratory test samples should be analysed within this sample batch, but they must be finished before the deadline.

With the start of the Life+ Future Monitoring Project (FutMon) in the beginning of 2009, a new system was set up for qualification and re-qualification. Together with the ringtest report each participant will receive a qualification report. Re-qualification is mandatory for laboratories of the FutMon/ForEU partners and recommended for ICP-Forests laboratories. In this ringtest laboratory code-numbers will be opened to all participants, the working group QA/QC in labs, ICP-Forests and to the Members of Expert Panel Foliage and Litterfall.

Some words about the costs, this ringtest is free for participants of the LIFE+ project ForEU (if the project proposal is accepted) - all other participants have to pay a participation fee (100 Euro). If somebody really has problems to pay this low fee - please, contact me - I will try to find a solution for this laboratory.

Don't forget - if there are changes in responsible person, name, address, phone number and the e-mail address - to correct this information in the database (see Addresses of the labs). For further information about the current ringtest it is important for me to have your correct address.

New participants should send me an e-mail, they will be informed in time about the next Foliar Interlaboratory Comparison Test.

If there are any questions or if you need extra support for your lab, please contact:

Alfred Fürst
Seckendorff-Gudent Weg 8, A-1131 Vienna / Austria
Tel: +43-1-878 38 - 1114
Fax:+43-1-878 38 - 1250
Email: alfred.fuerst@bfw.gv.at

*) The owner of this sample material will be in any case BFW Vienna.