Natural Turf

The selection of appropriate materials for construction and on-going use (e.g. topdressing) is critical to performance. NZSTI is able to analyse construction and topdressing materials through its NZ based laboratories. 

Organic Matter Testing

Discover the advantages of NZSTI’s specialty organic matter testing:

  1. Incremental Organic Matter Determination: Unlike standard fertiliser laboratories, NZSTI’s approach involves assessing organic matter incrementally throughout the soil profile. This detailed analysis provides valuable insights.
  2. Rootzone Health Quantification: By measuring organic matter content, turf managers can gauge the health of their rootzone. This information helps identify any issues affecting playability, fine-tuning sand dusting and renovation.

Organic matter testing is typically carried out annually on sand surfaces although at higher end facilities and/or where excessive thatch has been identified, more frequent testing maybe undertaken. 

Soil Test Interpretation

Discover the advantages of NZSTI’s independent soil testing service tailored specifically for turf managers:

  1. Turf Species-Specific Insights: Our interpretation goes beyond generalisations. We consider the unique requirements of different turf species, ensuring precise recommendations.
  2. CEC Adjustment: Avoid nutrient wastage! We adjust interpretations based on your Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), promoting sustainable practices.
  3. Clear, No-Hype Reports: Say goodbye to marketing jargon. Our easy-to-understand reports provide actionable insights without the fluff.

Ready to optimise your turf management? Trust NZSTI for accurate, unbiased soil analysis.

Materials Testing

The selection of appropriate materials for construction and on-going use (e.g. topdressing) is critical to performance. NZSTI is able to analyse construction and topdressing materials through its NZ based laboratories. 

The following materials testing procedures are available: 

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Trick content

Rootzone sands, topdressing sands, bunker sands, blinding sands
  • Particle size distribution 
  • Moisture release curve
  • Hydraulic conductivity
  • Calcium carbonate content 
  • pH 
  • Particle shape and colour (bunker sands) 
  • Organic matter content 
  • Sand Compatibility
Drainage gravels
  • Particle size distribution 
  • Hydraulic conductivity 
  • Calcium carbonate content 
  • Bridging coefficient 
    Rootzone and topdressing soils
    • Soil textural analysis 
    • Hydraulic conductivity 
    • Aggregate stability 
    • Dispersion co-efficient 
    • Stone content pH 
    • Includes testing to the NZSTI standard specification for topsoils suitable for use as topdressing on soil sportsfields. 
      Cricket soils
      • Motty test 
      • Linear shrinkage 
      • Dust/shine potential 
      • pH 
      • Organic matter content 
      • Soil textural analysis

      Pest and disease diagnostic service

      The NZSTI laboratory provides routine pest and disease analysis.   If necessary, disease and pest problems are also referred to specialist entomologists and pathologists.

      Nutrient testing

      NZSTI maintains a strategic link with Hill Laboratories Ltd, offering a complete soil test interpretation and fertiliser recommendation service from a chemical analysis of root zones, plant tissue and irrigation water. 

      For more information or any questions, please contact Brendan Hannan or call 027 442 8046 

      Please send samples for analysis to:

      Brendan Hannan NZSTI 

      Via Courier:  
      200 John F Kennedy Drive, Milson, Palmerston North 4414 

      Or Post: 
      PO Box 347, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4440