BRT Agronomy: Why Soil and Water Testing Should Lead Your Agronomic Program

POSTED ON May 19, 2026 @ 7:00 am

Brad Revill inspecting a golf green turf surface condition

When it comes to improving turf performance, reducing unnecessary inputs, and making confident agronomic decisions, quality data matters.

Most turf managers understand the value of testing. The real difference lies in what happens after the results arrive.

At BRT Agronomy, we provide more than laboratory analysis. We help clients understand what the data means for their specific site, surfaces, climate, water source, and maintenance goals — turning raw numbers into practical recommendations that improve performance and efficiency.

Through our partnership with Brookside Laboratories, we offer a full suite of industry-leading soil, water, organic matter, and plant tissue testing services across the Asia-Pacific region. Brookside is globally recognised for its technical expertise, advanced testing systems, strong quality assurance standards, and fast turnaround times — with many results returned within 1–5 business days.

Brookside Laboraties facility — Brookside Labs – New Bremen, Ohio

Why We Partner with Brookside Laboratories

Choosing the right laboratory matters.

Brookside Laboratories has built a global reputation over more than 70 years for delivering accurate, consistent, and high-quality analytical services. Their systems combine advanced instrumentation, robust quality control, and turf-specific expertise to ensure reliable results.

Brookside’s strengths include:

Fast turnaround times for time-sensitive decisions
Industry-leading soil, water, and turf analysis
Accredited quality assurance processes
A wide range of specialist testing services
Consistent, accurate data that can be tracked over time

For golf courses and sports turf facilities, this level of accuracy provides the confidence needed to make informed decisions.

Soil samples being prepared for shipment — Soil organic matter (OM246) sampling in process

The Difference: Independent Interpretation and Practical Recommendations

Laboratory data is only valuable if it is interpreted correctly.

This is where BRT Agronomy adds real value.

Many turf managers receive test results but are left to interpret unfamiliar figures, ranges, and ratios on their own — or are given generic advice that does not reflect their site’s specific conditions.

At BRT Agronomy, we provide completely independent recommendations based on:

Your grass species and turf surfaces
Climate and seasonal conditions
Soil type and construction method
Water source and irrigation system performance
Maintenance objectives and budget

Because we are not tied to product sales, our advice is focused purely on what will deliver the best outcome for your facility.

Our reports are designed to be practical, clear, and easy to implement — helping simplify decision-making for turf managers and ownership alike. Independent, site-specific recommendations are central to how BRT Agronomy delivers measurable results.

Golf course fairway soil core — Soil organic matter testing can assist in calibrating your maintenance programs to prevent excessive build up of organic matter, maintain consistent performance and prolong the healthspan of your turf surfaces

Key Benefits of a Structured Testing Program

A well-managed testing program can help facilities:

Identify nutrient deficiencies before visual symptoms appear
Optimise fertiliser inputs and reduce waste
Improve irrigation water suitability and efficiency
Monitor sodium, salinity, and bicarbonate risks
Track organic matter levels and refine cultural practices
Improve surface consistency and turf health
Build long-term trends for better planning and budgeting
Reduce unnecessary expenditure through data-driven decisions

Testing should not be viewed as a one-off exercise. It should form part of a structured management program.

Golf course soil nutrient test report charts — An example of the soil nutrient result history included in the BRT Agronomy report, displyed as charts with trendline

Golf course soil organic matter OM246 test report charts — An example of one of the charts included in the BRT Agronomy report for soil organic matter OM246, with results history

How Often Should You Test?

As a minimum, golf courses should conduct soil and water testing once per year.

However, for most facilities, testing at least twice per year provides a far better understanding of seasonal trends and allows for more proactive decision-making.

Regular testing is particularly valuable:

During seasonal transitions
Before and after renovation work
When changing irrigation sources
If performance declines unexpectedly
When reviewing annual budgets and programs

Consistent testing over time gives far greater value than isolated snapshots.

What BRT Agronomy Provides Beyond the Lab

Our service is designed to make the process straightforward and actionable.

BRT Agronomy provides:

Guidance on selecting the right tests for your goals
Sampling advice and support
Import permits and lab documents to streamline shipping
Detailed reports with full historical results tracking
Benchmarking against our archive of regional turf data
Clear, prioritised recommendations for implementation
A complimentary consultation call to discuss results and next steps

This approach gives clients not just data, but clarity — helping maintenance teams make better decisions with confidence.

Graden scarifying a golf green — Soil organic matter testing helps dial in your course renovation and cultural practices by allowing you to target precisely what depth the organic matter is an issue

Make Better Decisions with Better Data

The best agronomic programs are built on facts, not assumptions.

If you want greater clarity on what is happening beneath the surface — and practical advice on how to improve performance — BRT Agronomy can help.

Whether you need a once-off test, seasonal benchmarking, or physical tests for a construction project, we can help you build a practical strategy tailored to your facility.

Get in touch today to discuss your testing requirements or book your complimentary consultation call.