Dr Andrew Mitchell
Research Manager & Agronomist
Dr Andrew Mitchell joined the NZ Sport turf Institute as Research Manager in 2006 and is based in the Palmerston North office. During his time as Research Manager, he has managed a number of research trials for clients and has overseen and assisted with two large benchmarking projects undertaken by NZSTI. Andrew holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science (Massey University) and Bachelor of Horticulture (1st class honours) in Technology (Massey University). Andrew also holds a National Certificate in Adult Education and Training (Level 4).
Andrew is the advisor for sports turf facilities in the Manawatu/Wanganui and Taranaki regions. Andrew is an accredited technician with FIFA and World Rugby, and a GEO certified accredited verifier.
In the training field, Andrew delivers subjects in the various NZ Certificate in Horticulture (Sports Turf) programmes we offer. He is also part of our international delivery team supporting the Certificate in Greenkeeping programme in Asia. He also plays a key role in developing new training materials for the NZSTI training team.
During his time at NZSTI, Andrew has worked on a wide range of key projects both in New Zealand and abroad. His work includes projects in Australia, Malaysia, India, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Prior to joining NZSTI, Andrew spent 3 ½ years as a Post Doctoral Fellow working with CSIRO Forestry and the CRC for Forestry, based in Hobart Tasmania. Andrew has also worked for Federated Farmers for 2 years as a Policy Adviser dealing with local government issues and planning. Andrews’ career also includes 10 years working in the banking industry which is assistance with the financial aspects of preparing cost estimates.
Andrew has spoken at numerous conferences, field days and seminars and is on the editorial panel of the NZ Turf Management Journal. He has published numerous scientific papers including:
Mitchell, A.D. (2000). Magnesium fertiliser effects on forest soils under Pinus radiata. A thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Mitchell, A.D. and Smethurst, P.J. (2009). Magnesium and potassium deficiency induced in glasshouse-grown Eucalyptus globulus. Tasforests, 18, 131-143.
Mitchell, A.D. and Smethurst, P.J. (2008). Base cation availability and leaching after nitrogen fertilisation of a eucalypt plantation. Australian Journal of Soil Research, 46, 445-454.
Mitchell, A.D. and Smethurst, P.J. (2003). Surface soil changes in base cation concentrations in fertilised hardwood and softwood plantations in Australia. Forest Ecology and Management, 191, 253-265.
Mitchell, A.D., Loganathan, P., Payn, T.W. and Olykan, S.T. (2003). Magnesium and potassium fertiliser effect on foliar magnesium and potassium concentrations and upper mid-crown yellowing in Pinus radiata. New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science 33(2), 225-243.
Mitchell, A.D., Loganathan, P., Payn, T.W. and Tillman, R.W. (2000). Magnesium fertiliser dissolution rates in pumice soils under Pinus radiata. Australian Journal of Soil Research 38, 753-767.
Mitchell, A.D., Loganathan, P., Payn, T.W. and Tillman, R.W. (1999). Effect of calcined magnesite on soil and Pinus radiata foliage magnesium. Australian Journal of Soil Research, 37, 545-560.
Get in touch with Andrew
phone Number
Postal Address
PO Box 347, Palmerston North 4440
Physical Address
200 John F Kennedy Drive, Palmerston North 4414
