Sports Surfaces
When challenges arise during the year, NZSTI is here to support you and your turf management team in having great surfaces for your community
Support packages
When challenges arise during the year, NZSTI is here to support you and your Turf management team in providing great sports surfaces for your community.
We have a support package tailored to your needs and budget.
Premium Support
Our premium support offers you the following benefits:
- Unlimited phone and email support from our Agronomists
- NZSTI Sportsfields Chemical Guide featuring controls for pests, weeds, diseases, moss and growth regulator
- Premium support newsletter covering seasonal issues
- Written analysis and interpretation of soil, organic matter, and water tests
- Access to the full Turf Management Journal back catalogue
- Free online job advertisements
Full Advisory
Our full advisory support offers you the following benefits:
- All the benefits of the Premium Support, plus
- One on-site advisory visit by an Institute Agronomist:
- During the site visit, turf quality problems will be identified and solutions provided.
- After the visit, you will receive a detailed report providing advice and recommendations to improve surface quality and performance.
Pre Paid Support
Our pre paid support package offers you the following benefits at reduced rates:
- Field quality assessments
- Cost effective maintenance planning, and prioritisation
- Construction and feasibility reports
- Compliance assessment
- Sports surface performance testing for both natural and synthetic surfaces
- Nutrient & fertiliser management plans
- Asset testing – for example, measuring irrigation system efficiency
Consultancy
NZSTI provides a range of sports surfaces consultancy services to councils, schools and communities throughout New Zealand.
Through our team, we have a range of experts in all areas of turf management as well as providing general agronomic advice.
Surface Testing
NZSTI can perform a number of performance tests on your surfaces including:
ScorePlayTM
- Field parameters including; surface levelness, water infiltration, moisture uniformity, line markings, run-off areas and more…
- Agronomic parameters including; turf cover, colour and height, thatch depth, effective root depth, surface hardness, pests, weeds, diseases and more…
- Performance/Player Welfare parameters including; shock absorption, Head Impact Criteria (HIC), vertical deformation, energy restitution, rotational resistance, ball roll, ball rebound and more…
Labosport Inspection & Field Evaluation (L.I.F.E)
The most comprehensive testing and reporting methodology available for testing your synthetic surfaces including:
- Shock absorption; measures surface hardness – related to risk of lower body injuries
- Vertical deformation; measures surface deformation (stability) – related to risk of lower body injuries
- Rotational resistance; measures surface traction level – relates to risk of lower body injuries
- Vertical ball rebound; measures ball bounce height – relates to ball control levels for the player
- Ball roll; measures ball roll distance – relates to ball control levels for the player
- Head Impact Criteria (HIC); measures surface hardness – related to risk of head injury
Specialist Surface & Infrastructure Testing
NZSTI can perform a number of specialist performance tests on your surface or infrastructure including:
Head Injury Criterion (HIC)
Concerned about the hardness of your playing surfaces and whether they are safe to use? Head Injury Criterion (HIC) testing is one option for evaluating the safety of your playing surfaces. HIC testing of playing surfaces was developed with an emphasis on reducing the likelihood of serious head injury caused by direct contact with the surface. Following the method in the standard BS EN1177:2018, NZSTI’s qualified and experienced staff can use HIC testing determine the Critical Fall Height of your playing surface.
Goal Post Analysis
The NZSTI Goal Post Analysis will provide turf managers with the security and confidence that structures meet industry standards. Analysis and reports will support health and safety risk assessments any related financial requirements where goal posts need to be replaced. Tests included in the analysis are:
- Structural integrity of the posts, bar, or additional fixings
- Reliability of safety nets, anchors, weights, and transportation equipment
- Stability and tip potential for portable goals
- Dimension analysis, and
- Entrapment potential
For further informationon Goal Post Analysis click here
Irrigation system performance
Poor irrigation performance can lead to a reduction in turf quality and performance, an increase in water costs, soil erosion, and a decrease in the effectiveness of fertilisers and agrichemicals. Runoff from poor irrigation performance can also carry pollutants such as fertilisers, and agrichemicals into local water sources, which can have a negative impact on the environment. Water is a precious resource and correct use is vital for long term
sustainability. The analysis is designed for in-ground irrigation systems, where coverage across a fixed area is required. The following process will be employed:
- Analyse existing area for water coverage and irrigation system parts location through a detailed catch can analysis.
- Assess water flow and pressure to ensure the irrigation system is functioning properly and efficiently.
- Evaluate soil health and moisture levels to ensure the soil is providing the necessary water and nutrients for plant growth.
- Where possible Inspect pipes, valves, and other components of the irrigation system for possible defects or blockages. Document any problems or defects found during the assessment.
- Document a plan of action for the repair and maintenance of the irrigation system.
- Re-evaluate any adjustments made to the irrigation system upon request.
Construction and Design
From inception to sign-off, we are equipped to manage your sportsfield construction project.
Specifications and drawings
- Preparation of concept, working and as-built drawings
- Surface performance criteria
- Drainage system specification
- Irrigation system specification
- Irrigation water supply and water quality assessment
- Turf species selection
Materials selection
- Rootzone, blinding sand, gravel, and topdressing sands
- Soil suitability
- Drainage materials
Project management
- Client – contractor relationship management
- Supplier selection
- Monitoring construction standards and tolerances
- Onsite material quality assurance
- Maintenance programme until handover
Laboratory
NZSTI provide a range of laboratory tests including:
Rootzone sands, topdressing sands, bunker sands, blinding sands
- Particle size distribution
- Organic matter content
- Moisture release curve
- Hydraulic conductivity
- Calcium carbonate content
- Topdressing sand compatibility
- pH
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.
Pest and disease diagnostic service
The NZSTI laboratory provides routine pest and disease analysis.
