Analytical Laboratory of the Department of Soil Amelioration (MELILAB) at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture
Laboratory accredited by the Croatian Accreditation Agency

Analytical Laboratory of the Department of Soil Amelioration (MELILAB) at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture conducts research in the fields of agronomy and environmental management for the purposes of scientific research projects, teaching, and professional work. Our activities cover a wide range of analytical processes that contribute to the advancement of agriculture and environmental conservation.

Our scope of work includes:

• Chemical and physical testing of soil and sediments,
• Analysis of chemical composition and quality of groundwater, surface water, and irrigation water,
• Chemical testing of plant material.

Quality and Innovation:

MELILAB continuously develops its own system for quality control of analytical data to enhance the quality of analytical processes and increase operational efficiency. To ensure high accuracy, the laboratory uses calibrated equipment, validated methods, and standard procedures. Daily performance checks through calibrations and working standards, along with ongoing staff training, guarantee high reliability of results.

MELILAB is a long-standing participant in interlaboratory comparison programs for soil, sediments, plant material, and water, ensuring compliance with global standards.

Innovation:

The laboratory not only supports research projects but also actively contributes to the development of new technologies and innovations. Innovations developed in collaboration with international and domestic partners undergo rigorous testing in MELILAB, contributing to the advancement of sustainable solutions in agriculture and environmental protection.

MELILAB is an accredited testing laboratory in accordance with the standard HRN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017, certified by the Croatian Accreditation Agency in the area described in the Annex to Accreditation Certificate No. 1612.

Through MELILAB, the Faculty of Agriculture is authorized to perform soil analyses for the purpose of monitoring the condition of agricultural land, in accordance with the Law on Agricultural Land (Official Gazette No. 20/18, 115/18, 98/19) and the Regulation on the Methodology for Monitoring the Condition of Agricultural Land (Official Gazette No. 47/19).

MELILAB is equipped with state-of-the-art field equipment that enables research in the field of soil and water monitoring. The equipment includes multiparameter probes for monitoring the quality of surface and groundwater, advanced sensors for measuring soil moisture, salinity, and water potential, as well as infiltrometers and smart weighing lysimeters. We proudly highlight the CRNS (Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor) device, which allows precise determination of soil moisture conditions over areas of several hectares. Using the console for measuring leaf and stem water potential, it is possible to accurately assess the water stress status of various plant species, which is crucial for conducting research in the domain of precision irrigation. Additionally, MELILAB conducts field spectral imaging of soil and plant material using a portable spectroradiometer and possesses several automatic agrometeorological stations for continuous monitoring of meteorological conditions.