Ensuring materials are fit for purpose is essential to the success and sustainability of a project. Whether sourcing potential materials, assessing suitability and compatibility as part of the design or testing of materials delivered to site, STRI can offer tailored laboratory testing services assessing material particle size and drainage performance. An effective testing programme gives certainty over what materials are being used and peace of mind that they are suitable and meet specification.

STRI’s laboratory is A2LA accredited for testing of USGA putting green materials. The focus of this testing is on the grading and performance of materials for golf greens and is also used widely for other sports surfaces.

Whether you have a specific problem affecting your sports surface, or you are looking to carry out routine monitoring of the nutrient status and condition of your soil, we can help. With over 90 years of soil testing for sports surfaces, the methods used in our laboratories have been tailored. The laboratory can also tailor testing methods to meet your demands.

The success of any green or blue-green roof is determined by the quality and characteristics of the growing medium in its construction. STRI has played a key role in the publication of the UK’s first dedicated green roof British Standard (BS8616:2019) as well as GRO and UK best practice code updates. We also offer a bespoke green product and development service, helping companies develop new innovative products for this sector.

Our test laboratory offers full BS8616 green roof substrate testing on a range of physical and chemical substrate characteristics, in addition to FLL testing.

STRI’s team of scientists are able to help with identification of pests, weeds and diseases and then guide you on how best to treat them and mitigate against future occurrences. Sustainability, efficacy and practicality are at the heart of the advice we give.

If you want a practical qualification that gives a full insight into the core concepts of agronomy whilst providing training on the best practice use of plant protection products and fertilisers, BASIS and FACTS training is essential.

STRI offers BASIS and FACTS training at its global HQ in Bingley, West Yorkshire. STRI’s training team are experts in their field and we work closely with BASIS to offer the best possible training experience. STRI offers the following training courses:

• BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection (turf and hard surface skill modules)
• BASIS Foundation in Amenity Horticulture
• FACTS Turf fertiliser training
• Nutrient Management Planning (NMP) Training

All BASIS and FACTS courses are taught by STRI but examined by independent BASIS examiners.