Soil analysis is performed centrally in the NL, and the provision of accurate and timely results enables farmers to improve the fertility and the quality of the soil for agricultural use.

The central testing laboratory analyses 2,500 samples a day for various parameters, using microplates tubes and bottles. This process is automated using a 2 m Xantus platform, equipped with a pipetting arm with 5 tips and a robotic arm with bottle gripper. Mid-volume toothed wheel pumps, located in the Xantus arm, control pipetting.

State of the art Synchron software coordinates the whole process, and sample preparation for CFA, MS.and ICP is controlled via the LIMS. Pop up screens inform the operator when to transfer prepared samples into the analysers.