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STRI’s laboratories provide independent testing, analytical and evaluation services, with impartial advice to the golf course and sports turf industries.

At STRI we analyse more than 2,000 test samples every year, providing a valuable and reliable testing service dating back to the 1930’s, for all rootzones and construction materials used in sports playing surfaces, golf courses and amenity areas.

STRI is one of the only two testing laboratories outside the USA to gain A2LA Accreditation and a place on the USGA’s approved list of physical soil testing laboratories. This accreditation enables STRI to carry out testing for materials specified for construction of USGA golf greens.

To maintain our position as one of the leading centres for rootzone materials testing, STRI participates in the USGA Green Section Proficiency Testing programme, which ensures that we deliver consistently high standards.

STRI is also the official Testing House for BRTMA (The British Rootzone and Top Dressing Manufacturers Association). 

STRI’s Soil and Biology Laboratories offer you a complete range of services:

USGA Putting Green Materials Testing:  the STRI is an American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) accredited laboratory for USGA Putting Green Materials Testing. Contact Michael Baines for further information.

Soil Physics Services carry out tests for the particle size distribution of soils, sands and gravels, USGA tests for the hydraulic conductivity and porosity characteristics of rootzone mixes and binding strength tests for cricket soils. For advice on soil physics tests including soil physical properties contact Michael Baines at the STRI.

Soil Chemistry Services offer a range of tests including analysis of pH and soil nutrient levels (e.g. phosphate, potassium, magnesium and calcium), heavy metal analysis, soil salinity analysis, leaf analysis and testing of irrigation water. If help is needed please contact Dr David Lawson at the STRI.

Testing off site. We also offer testing in the field, off site, where appropriate. For example testing for drainage rates or establishing bench marking for monitoring of performance standards for ‘best practice’ in local authorities.

Biology and Pathology Services can help by identifying turfgrass diseases, pests weeds and mosses. For help in this area please contact Dr Ruth Mann at the STRI.

Use Ruth's Identification Guide:

                 

  Disease Identification             Pest Identification              Weed Identification

A.S.H.E.S

A new performance testing service for cricket, developed by STRI.
A.S.H.E.S (Assessment of Soil/Surface Hardness, Elasticity and degree of Saturation) is unique to the UK market and will benefit cricket clubs at all levels.

                    
The pictures above are of Lord's during the construction phase, and after the work has taken place.

 For more information, please visit STRI's Agronomy Department - Click Here