Members of the FST along with other UWI colleagues, were recently engaged in a two day training session of over 30 representatives from key government agencies. The training was focused on soil moisture probe operations, data analyses and interpretation. The sessions were held January 28 and 29, 2020 at the Hotel Four Seasons in Kingston. Participants were drawn from: The CARDI, NIC,WRA, Met Service, MICAF and the PIOJ. 

 

The UWI representatives included: Dr. Leonardo Clarke, Dr. Kimberly Stephenson, Dr. Adrian Spence, Dr. Dale Rankine, Mr. Jayaka Campbell and Mr. Theodore Wynter. 

 

The presentations included details of climate change impacts on water, key concepts of Soil moisture, methods of measurement including Nuclear Techniques as well as data analyses options and applications. An assessment of the current network of stations was also presented as well as considerations for improvement, standardization and expansion.

 

Soil is one of the key components of the energy and water sectors and plays a vital role in crop productivity and land use. It current and future status is directly and indirectly impacted by climate change and therefore has become a very critical parameter to be scrupulously monitored and recorded. This training was therefore deemed important for scoping timely adaptation options for the agriculture sector and building climate resilience. Participants gave very favourable feedback of the training and look forward to the continuation of same as well as the practical components to be administered later (February 2020).

 

The training was facilitated by the Improving Climate Data and Information Management (TF0A0433) Project, under the National PPCR which is financed by the Climate Investment Funds and the World Bank and is being implemented by the PIOJ.