STRI Testing Labs for Soil Analysis
Why Soil Analysis is Important for Grass Tennis Courts.
When it comes to maintaining world-class grass tennis courts, the importance of precise soil analysis cannot be overstated. The quality of the playing surface hinges on understanding and optimizing the underlying soil structure, which is where the expertise of the STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute) comes into play.
At STRI testing labs, soil analysis is a meticulous process, evaluating everything from soil texture to nutrient content, pH levels, and organic matter. These tests provide invaluable insights that guide groundskeepers in creating the perfect balance of soil conditions to support healthy grass growth and ensure a durable, high-performing tennis court.
Whether you’re managing a prestigious tournament venue or a local club court, STRI’s comprehensive soil testing services are the foundation of exceptional turf management. By focusing on factors like compaction, moisture retention, and infiltration rate, STRI helps you maintain a playing surface that not only looks pristine but also delivers consistent, top-quality performance for every match.
The STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute)
The STRI is a world-renowned organization that provides expertise and services for managing sports surfaces, including grass tennis courts. STRI’s testing labs are specialized in conducting soil analysis to help ensure that sports surfaces meet the highest standards for performance and durability.
When it comes to grass tennis courts, STRI testing labs typically analyze the soil for several key factors:
Soil Texture
Determining the proportions of sand, silt, and clay in the soil, which affects the soil’s drainage, compaction, and ability to support healthy grass growth.
pH Levels
Assessing the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, which influences nutrient availability and grass health.
Nutrient Content
Measuring the levels of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. This analysis helps in making informed decisions about fertilization.
Organic Matter
Evaluating the amount of organic material in the soil, which affects water retention, nutrient supply, and soil structure.
Compaction and Porosity
Analyzing the soil’s compaction level and porosity to ensure proper root development and water infiltration, which are critical for maintaining a high-quality playing surface.
Moisture Retention
Testing how well the soil retains moisture, which is crucial for maintaining consistent playing conditions.
Infiltration Rate
Measuring the rate at which water moves through the soil, which is important for drainage and preventing waterlogging.
These analyses help create and maintain an optimal growing environment for the grass, ensuring that the tennis court surface remains in top condition. The STRI testing labs provide detailed reports and recommendations based on the results, which groundskeepers and turf managers can use to make necessary adjustments to soil management practices.
STRI Locations Worldwide
The following is a list of laboratories that provide STRI /testing for soil analysis. Contact the relevant institution for further details on testing your grass court soil samples.
Europe
Eurofins Scientific (Multiple Locations Across Europe)
Varies by location; main headquarters:
UK Office: i54 Business Park, Valiant Way, Wolverhampton, WV9 5GB, United Kingdom
UK: +44 (0) 1902 627200
Germany Office: Neuländer Kamp 1, 21079 Hamburg, Germany
Germany: +49 40 49294 0
info@eurofins.com (general inquiries)
Contact details vary by specific lab services; general inquiries are recommended.
ROI Biologicals (Europe)
Specific location varies depending on the service needed; typically, contact is made via the website.
Not directly available online. Contact via email or the website is recommended.
Use the contact form on their website.
Biosis Biological Soil Information System (Netherlands)
Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708 PB Wageningen, Netherlands
Not directly available online. Contact via email is recommended.
Not specified; contact through the website form.
W. van Doorn-van Tintelen
Onderwijs-/Onderzoeksmedewerker
https://www.wur.nl/en/Contact.htm
Australia
SWEP Analytical Laboratories
33-37 Healey Rd, Dandenong South, VIC 3175, Australia
+61 3 9701 6007
SWEP offers a range of soil testing services, including those tailored for gardeners and sports field managers. Their tests focus on nutrient recommendations that support microbial activity and help optimize soil health.
AgVita Analytical
4 Thompsons Rd, Wesley Vale, TAS 7307, Australia
+61 3 6420 9600
AgVita provides comprehensive soil nutrient analysis with a focus on rapid turnaround times. They offer services like the SMI-test™, which assesses microbial life in the soil, crucial for organic and sustainable grass use.
Bio-Tech Organics
18 Thomas Street, Blackwood, SA 5051, Australia
+61 8 8380 8554
Bio-Tech Organics collaborates with Soil Value (Nutri-Tech Solutions) to offer soil testing services through the Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL). They provide comprehensive soil and plant tissue analysis.
Grow Safe by Australian Mineral Fertilisers
225 Ryansbrook Road, Kojonup, WA 6395, Australia
+61 8 9833 6755
Grow Safe offers extensive soil testing that includes analysis of organic matter and microbial life, essential for organic farming. They provide customized soil testing matrices and expert advice for improving soil health and agricultural productivity.
Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL)
Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
+61 2 6620 3678
scu.edu.au/eal](https://www.scu.edu.au/environmental-analysis-laboratory/)
EAL provides comprehensive soil and plant tissue testing with a focus on organic and biological farming methods. They work with partners like Bio-Tech Organics to offer detailed analysis that supports sustainable agricultural practices.
APAL Agricultural Laboratory
70 Farrell Road, Mildura, VIC 3500, Australia
+61 3 5022 1955
APAL offers a wide range of soil testing services, including organic matter assessment and biological activity tests. They provide precise nutrient recommendations and insights into soil health, crucial for organic farming.
USA
Ward Laboratories, Inc. (Nebraska)
4007 Cherry Ave, Kearney, NE 68847
+1 (308) 234-2418
Dr. Patrick Freeze, Director of Research & Development and Soil/Soil Health
Midwest Laboratories (Omaha, Nebraska)
13611 B St, Omaha, NE 68144
+1 (402) 334-7770
Available upon inquiry via customer service.
International Ag Labs (Minnesota)
800 W Lake Ave, Fairmont, MN 56031
+1 (507) 235-6909
Available upon inquiry via customer service.
Crop Services International (Minnesota)
1712 S. Main St., Goshen, IN 46526
+1 (800) 260-7933
Available upon inquiry via customer service.
Penn State Agricultural Analytical Services Lab (Pennsylvania)
Penn State University, 111 Ag Analytical Svc Lab, University Park, PA 16802
+1 (814) 863-0841
Available upon inquiry via customer service.
Asia
Living Roots (Thailand)
156 Moo 3, Mae Ho Phra, Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50150
Not directly available online. Recommended to contact via email or website.
https://roots.ag/pages/biological-soil-testing
Contact through the website contact form.
Typically managed through the website contact form for specific inquiries.
Living Roots is certified by Soil Food Web and offers comprehensive biological soil assessments focusing on microbial health. Their services are essential for optimizing organic farming practices by ensuring the right balance of microorganisms in the soil.
FBA Laboratories (Philippines)
F.B.A. Laboratories Ltd., Carrigeen Industrial Estate, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, Philippines
+353 58 52861
General inquiries can be directed to the email provided.
FBA Laboratories provides both chemical and biological soil testing with a focus on soil health and efficiency. Their services include tests for organic matter and trace elements, supporting sustainable agriculture.
CRL Environmental Corporation (Philippines)
CRL Environmental Corporation, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines
Not directly available online. Recommended to contact via email or website.
Contact through the website contact form.
CRL Environmental Corporation offers extensive testing services, including soil, water, air, and biological analyses. They specialize in both organic and inorganic evaluations, making them ideal for environmental assessments and organic farming.
Available upon inquiry via customer service.
