Sport Turf Management 

Laboratory & Analytical Services

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. 

Performance Testing & Benchmarking

From scientific laboratory tests to onsite technical tests – we’ve got your performance testing requirements covered. For over 70 years we have worked within the turf industry and played a role in setting world standards for performance and safety of turf surfaces.  

Through performance testing and benchmarking, NZSTI agronomists will objectively evaluate the playing surface quality of natural and synthetic turf surfaces. NZSTI provides performance testing of synthetic services to several world sporting associations. 

Soil Testing & Fertiliser Programmes

High quality turf surfaces do not happen by accident – correct nutrition is a vital contributor to this. NZSTI has in depth knowledge of the nutritional needs of a wide range of turf grass species and turf situations and provides a comprehensive range of soil testing and nutrition management services for turf grasses. 

Most importantly, NZSTI will ensure that you implement the most cost effective fertiliser programmes to achieve your turf quality and performance.

Water Management

Irrigation is one of the most important “primary” turf management practices. Sustaining high quality turf is dependent on good irrigation management.   
Unfortunately, in practice, most turf irrigation is mismanaged. 

Common problems seen are: 

  • Poor irrigation coverage resulting in uneven turf growth 
  • Incorrect irrigation scheduling and resulting water wastage 
  • Over irrigation which incurs unnecessary cost and reduced turf quality 
  • Turf quality problems associated with over irrigation include; poor quality (soft) playing surfaces, increased disease activity, predominance of weed species and rootzone failure – all require expensive reconstruction. 

NZSTI’s irrigation management services involve scientific analysis of all relevant variables and use of that information to design correct irrigation regimes. Variables considered include the turf grass species, rootzone characteristics, irrigation system application rate and uniformity, real time climatic data and turf quality requirements. The latest moisture sensors are used to assess soil moisture levels and determine pre and post irrigation targets. 

With a correctly designed and implemented irrigation regime water use rates (and hence costs) will be minimised whilst providing the turf quality required sustainably. 

For more information or any questions, please contact Alex Glasgow below or call 027 496 2486

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