A GPS-based data entry system has been developed and deployed for AfSIS sentinel landscape field surveys. This system uses CyberTracker software, which is an efficient way of gathering geo-referenced information. Field data are backed up to a field computer and external drives in field and regularly transmitted to the central AfSIS data repository at ICRAF, Nairobi. The data entry system includes efficient electronic workflows that are specifically adapted to the AfSIS field surveys, and have been extensively tested in field.

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) can provide rapid and accurate prediction of organic resource quality attributes across a wide range of resource types. Methods developed at the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) can be used for calibrating models for prediction of organic resource quality.

One of the key challenges for AfSIS is how to measure soil functional properties on tens of thousands of georeferenced soil samples. Spectral diagnostics – the use of low cost, high throughput analytical techniques based on light reflectance – solves this problem. Infrared and x-ray spectroscopic analytical techniques that required minimal sample preparation are used as a front line screening tool. More expensive and time-consuming measurements of soil functional properties are then calibrated to the spectral measurements on a subset of samples.

The AfSIS workshop on norms and standards for spatially explicit and evidence based soil management recommendations was arranged in Arusha, Tanzania, between September 23^rd and 25^th. Participants at the workshop included the AfSIS core team and national partners from project countries. As part of the workshop, field demonstrations were conducted in one of the sentinel landscapes in Kisongo, near Arusha. A selection of photographs from the field demonstrations can be viewed here.

Having downloaded and compiled the ASTER GDEM data-set for the entire African continent (~ 3,300 tiles), we present a short summary of our initial analysis of the data here.

The quality of the DEM derived from ASTER images is strongly affected by cloud anomalies and overall quality of the individual scenes. There are therefore some notable problems with the ASTER GDEM, including many pits, spikes and mole-runs. 

Feb. 2009 -- Shamie Zingore and Jeroen Huising

1. Sentinel Site: Nogossire village, Kayes Region

Climate

The site is located in the semi-arid northern edge of the Sudan climatic zone. Annual rainfall averages about 600 mm/yr and falls in a unimodal pattern (June-August). 

April 13th -16th, 2009 -- Shamie Zingore and Jeroen Huising

1. Limpasi Irrigation Scheme, Nkatha Bay District

Location and Climate

The climate in Malawi is largely influenced by Lake Malawi, which covers almost two-thirds of Malawi’s eastern border.  Nkhata Bay District is located in northern Malawi and lies on the shore of Lake Malawi. The area experiences humid savanna climate with annual rainfall averaging 1700 mm. Rainfall distribution is unimodal (October-May).

Monday Jan. 12th, 2009
Introductions, welcoming remarks and expected workshop outputs (Sanginga/Sanchez/Jama/BMGF) Overview of AfSIS project objectives (Session chair: Dr. Bashir Jama)

-Objective 1: GlobalSoilMap.net (Hartemink)
-Objective 2: GSM/AfSIS Data Systems (Ahamed)
-Objective 3: Soil health surveillance and mapping (Walsh)

A Globally Integrated Africa Soil Information Service (AfSIS) Project Launch and Workshop 12-16 January 2009, Nairobi, Kenya

Summary
Fifty-six scientists from 16 countries, Ambassadors and or their representatives, Kenya’s Minister of Planning, National Development and Vision 2030, Donors, high ranking Kenya government officials, development partners, as well as local and international media met at ICRAF, Nairobi, Kenya to launch the African Soil Information Service (AfSIS) and conduct its first workshop.