The Sports Turf Research Institute

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Michael Baines

Soil Laboratory Manager

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 young sons who he hopes will resolve England’s troubles with bat and ball in about ten years time.

The range of physical tests carried out in the soil laboratory includes:

- Particle size analysis of soil sample with organic matter and lime contents

- Sieve tests on sand or gravel with lime content

- Hydraulic conductivity tests on sand or pre-mixed materials and on mixes created by the lab

- Determination of hydraulic conductivity, total porosity, air-filled porosity and capillary porosity on rootzone mixes

- Particle shape

- Motty test for strength of cricket / tennis soils

Chemistry testing covers:

- Routine analysis of soil sample for pH, Phosphate and Potassium with or with out additional Magnesium and calcium

- Heavy metal analysis (Copper, Zinc, Lead, Nickel and Cadmium)

- Soil salinity analysis

- Growth / germination test

- Trace elements (Iron, Manganese, Copper and Zinc)

- Soil sulphate

- Total nitrogen

- Carbon: Nitrogen Ratio

- Cation Exchange Capacity

- Analysis of irrigation water for pH, alkalinity and salinity

- Leaf N, P, and K analysis

Contact Michael Baines or view other testing available.

Estee Yates

Laboratory Assistant

Estee provides both technical and administrative assistance in the soils laboratory. Her previous experience includes the testing of metal samples for trace elements.   

Contact Estee Yates