The Sports Turf Research Institute - About STRI

Testing and Identification

Michael Baines

Soil Laboratory Manager 

 

Contact Michael Baines

Michael’s main role within the STRI is to provide chemical and physical analysis of sands, soils and rootzone/topdressing mixes used in turf. This is an essential backup service for advisors, constructors and for greenkeepers/ groundsmen.

Michael joined the STRI in 1987 after a short spell in the chemistry laboratory as a trainee. Prior to 1999 his expertise was centred on physical testing. During this time he was responsible for the implementation of a variety of differing test methods and giving assistance with numerous research projects measuring playing quality of turf and non-turf areas covering a wide range of sports and sports surfaces.

When chemistry and soil physics laboratories amalgamated in 1999, in his role as laboratory manager Michael co-ordinated the transition with minimal disruption.

He is a keen cricketer, opening the bowling for a local league side and is married with two children.  

Estee Yates 

Contact Estee Yates 
Estee assists Soil Laboratory Manager Michael Baines in providing chemical and physical analysis of sands, soils and rootzone and topdressing mixes used in turf as a backup service to advisors, constructors and groundsmen.
 
Estee has moved around departments at STRI, working in the Admin and Accounts departments as well as the Soil Physics department, assisting Dr Christian Spring in day to day running of research trials which included collection of data from the field trials and it's analysis for research reports, papers and presentations. 
 
 
 
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