NZ Sports Turf Institute

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.

As a standard feature, the NZSTI laboratory service includes a simple interpretation of what the results mean for the particular turf situation.

The following materials testing procedures are available:

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

Drainage gravels

Particle size distribution
Hydraulic conductivity
Calcium carbonate content
Bridging coefficient

Rootzone and topdressing soils

Soil textural analysis
Organic matter content
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 employed by AgResearch, Grasslands and MAF.

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.

Overseas samples

NZSTI can supply an import permit for clients wishing to have overseas samples of soil, sand or gravel samples analysed. This permit is licensed under the 1993 Biosecurities Act and allows direct entry of samples into New Zealand without the need for complicated border control procedures.