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No, we are not drilling for oil ....
This is the start of a large field leaching study in Northern France which we started in spring 2008.
Why are we doing this study?
Background is the recommendation of the FOCUS Groundwater working group who developed a generic tiered assessment scheme for leaching. It was presented by J. Boesten at a conference in Berlin in October 2008. Field leaching (TIER 3) and groundwater monitoring (TIER 4) are likely endpoints for generic tiered assessment
schemes.
Eurofins-Gab GmbH has already a wide experience in lower TIER lab or field degradation testing and therefore it was
a logical step to expand our services to higher TIER testing. Since 3 years we run groundwater monitoring programs in Europe and since this year also field leaching studies. The success of Eurofins Agricultural services is based on the advantages of their excellent logistics combined with the competence in study management and soil dissipation/accumulation studies. Collaboration with the hydro geological office of Tomas Neuffer completes the package.
It all starts with site selection, which is probably the most challenging part. Looking in detail the perfect site does not exist and it needs expert judgement to make a good choice.
If wells are not already present, they need to be drilled. As for any testing a well calibrated sprayer is crucial and perfect weather obligatory – these trials can’t be repeated.
Artificial findings are the nightmare and all efforts are done to avoid them. If you have them it is hard to get rid of them – better don’t let it happen.
And then you need endurance, these trials can go on for years – better to go with a larger organisation and a young enough study director who ensures continuousness. Even so he might loose his hair; this is hopefully not due to the behaviour of your products.
For detailed information please contact:
Marcus Balluff (marcus.balluff@eurofins-gab.com)
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