Industry-leading lab.
Independent recommendations.

BRT Agronomy Analytical Services


We believe in a unique holistic approach, encompassing your site specific circumstances and environmental conditions to give you the most accurate and practical recommendations possible.

BRT Agronomy provides the full range of analytical services from Brookside Laboratories to the turf industry across the Asia-Pacific region.


  • Industry-leading laboratory — Accredited (ISO 17025) geotechnical and soil health testing services.
  • Comprehensive testing — Specialising in turf, agricultural, and environmental testing.
  • A holistic approach — Considers site conditions, soil characteristics, grass types, climate, and water quality.
  • Detailed reporting — Your full sample history is shown to identify trends and refine programs.

Below is an overview of the most commonly requested tests. Brookside Laboratories also offers an extensive range of additional testing options. If you don’t see the test you need, contact us and we’ll build a tailored solution.

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Brookside Laboratories

Common Tests

Soil nutrient analysis

Soil Nutrient Analysis

A comprehensive soil nutrient analysis.

The following criteria are measured:

  • pH
  • Organic Matter Content (%)
  • Estimated N Release
  • Available N (NO3 + NH4)
  • Cation Exchange
  • Capacity (CEC)
  • % Base Saturation of Cation
  • Total Acidity
  • Phosphorus (P)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Manganese (Mn)
  • Zinc (Zn)
  • Boron (B)
  • Copper (Cu)
  • Iron (Fe)
  • Aluminium (Al)
  • Sulphur (S)
  • Calcium (Ca)
  • Magnesium (Mg)
  • Sodium (Na)


*Please contact us for orders over 12 samples as bulk discounts are available.

Irrigation water suitability

Irrigation Water Suitability

The following criteria are measured:

  • pH
  • Hardness
  • Conductivity
  • SAR
  • RSC
  • Adj. SAR
  • pHc
  • Calcium (Ca)
  • Magnesium (Mg)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Sodium (Na)
  • Iron (Fe)
  • Carbonate (CO3)
  • Bicarbonate (HCO3)
  • Chloride (Cl)
  • Sulphur (S) as Sulphate
  • Boron (B)
  • Salt Concentration
  • Nitrogen (N)
  • Phosphorus (P)
  • Manganese (Mn)
  • Copper (Cu)
  • Zinc (Zn)
  • Aluminium (Al)
Soil organic matter analysis

Soil Organic Matter (OM246)

Loss on Ignition, sample burnt as received (no sieving) at 440 Degrees Celsius.

A custom unmodified sample ideal for checking organic matter, thatch, topdressing and verti-cutting effects and trends. Results are displayed as a percentage value and tracked over time.

*Please contact us for orders over 18 samples as bulk discount rates are available.

Complete physical analysis

Complete Physical Analysis

The following criteria are measured:

  • Particle size
  • Organic Matter by Ash
  • Sand Fractions
  • Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity
  • 30 cm Moisture Retention
  • Air filled Pore Space
  • Capillary Pore Space
  • Total Pore Space
  • Bulk Density
  • Particle Density
  • pH
  • Visual Classification

*Also includes comparison to USGA guidelines.

Plant analysis

Plant Analysis (Tissue)

When used in conjunction with soil testing, a Plant Analysis is a great tool to diagnose nutrient deficiencies, identify hidden problems and verify a diagnosis based on visual symptoms.

The following criteria are measured:

  • Nitrogen (N)
  • Phosphorus (P)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Sulfur (S)
  • Boron (B)
  • Iron (Fe)
  • Manganese (Mn)
  • Copper (Cu)
  • Zinc (Zn)
  • Aluminium (Al)
  • Elemental Ratios
Bunker sand characteristics

Bunker Sand Characteristics

The following criteria are measured:

  • Sand
  • Silt
  • Clay
  • Gravel
  • Sand Fractions
  • Organic Matter
  • Colour
  • Crusting
  • Characteristics
  • Visual Classification
  • Ball-lie rating
  • Calcium Carbonate Equivalent

Trusted by Leading Facilities Across the Asia-Pacific

Nikanti Golf Club
Pineapple Valley Golf Club
Palm Hills Golf Club
Amata Spring
Aphrodite Hills
Aquella
Forest City
Infinity Lawn Care
KLGCC
Minthis Golf Club
Royal Canberra
Robinswood
Sentosa Golf
SICC
Thana City
The Empire Brunei
Royal Brunei Golf
RBA Golf Brunei
The Royal Golf Club Bahrain

What Clients Are Saying

Measurable results from independent and practical recommendations tailored to site specific conditions.

Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club

“The analytical services provided by BRT Agronomy over the past 8 years at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, has given us greater clarity and insight into what is going on in our soils, and Brad's independent recommendations and reporting structure clearly highlight any action needed; simplifying our decision making process. By following the independent advice written in his reports, we have not only been able to improve the health and performance of our turf surfaces, but have also saved costs to the club in the process. I would highly recommend Brad and BRT Agronomy to anyone looking for independent recommendations on their soil tests or advice on improving turf health and performance.”

— Mohd Nizam Othman, Head of Agronomy, Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club

Royal Canberra Golf Club

“Brad has provided consultation, recommendations, and advice for Royal Canberra Golf Club for the past three years. Brad and BRT Agronomy continue to facilitate and advise on turf nutrition, including MLSN guidelines, and organic matter tracking and management in all turf surfaces. Brad's knowledge regarding organic matter testing and management (OM246), and turf nutritional management is world class.

The reporting and interpretation that Brad provides for cultural practices and overall turf management is clear, concise and 100% independent which makes implementation simple.

Brad has also provided educational sessions for staff as well as interactive tools and platforms for data collection and benchmarking for a range of things including, measuring clipping volume, measuring top-dressing sand applied, plant growth potential, Nitrogen needed and applied for all turf surfaces, greens speeds and firmness, interactive tracking for all products applied to all turf surfaces, rainfall, frost, and weather tracking. Having current and past data allows me to make informed decisions on a daily basis. It has simplified my agronomic programs as I have the ability to track and forecast fertility use, organic matter accumulation and produce a cultural practice program driven by data.

I wish to express my sincere thanks to Brad and BRT Agronomy for the services they provide. I cannot recommend Brad and the team more highly.”

— Ryan Stores, Golf Course Superintendent, Royal Canberra Golf Club

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to ship samples to the U.S.A.?

Yes — you will need an import permit from U.S. Customs for all soil and plant material entering the U.S.A. We arrange this permit as part of our service. For Thailand, we generally recommend DHL for water samples and Thai EMS Post for soil samples to reduce shipping issues.

What size core sampler do I need to collect samples?

Any size core sampler is acceptable, as long as you collect sufficient material to meet the minimum sample size and sub-sample requirements. For consistency over time, use the same core size for future testing.

Do the soil samples need to be dried before shipping?

Ideally, yes. Dry samples as soon as practical after collection to reduce biological and chemical changes before they reach the lab.

If I have questions about test selection or reports, what should I do?

Contact us any time. We’re happy to share and explain sample reports, confirm sampling procedures, and help you choose the right tests and management strategy.