Rolleston robotics double potential soil testing capacity

ARL’s advanced new purpose-built soil testing laboratory in Rolleston will increase New Zealand’s capacity for soil and plant testing at a time of growing demand from the agriculture sector.

Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg at the new lab.

The new facility replaces ARL’s previous site in Hawke’s Bay, which was destroyed by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023.

After operating from a temporary site in Hastings for two years, ARL owner Ravensdown decided to relocate it to Canterbury, closer to key research partners and core farming communities.

Commissioned in June, the new lab is 50 per cent larger than the original one and includes automated robotics and five custom-built machines developed by ARL’s team. These are expected to double the lab’s soil testing capacity over the next five years.

“This new lab positions us to meet the growing demands of modern farming,” said ARL general manager Suzan Horst.

“Accurate, timely data is essential. It allows farmers to apply nutrients only where needed, which is good for the environment and increases crop production and pasture growth.”

Seven staff relocated to Canterbury from the original team when the decision was made to shift the facility south, helping preserve expertise while building a foundation for future growth.

The lab employs 30 people from diverse backgrounds, with over 50 tertiary qualifications across the team, including five PhDs. It currently processes around 80,000 samples per year, mostly soil. The new lab is capable of doubling that in soil samples alone and expands testing capacity for plant, crops, and feed samples.

Selwyn District Council mayor Sam Broughton says it is ‘fantastic’ to see more investment in Rolleston. The town’s strategic location—right on State Highway 1, at the junction of the South Island’s two main rail lines, and close to Christchurch’s airport and port—makes it an ideal base for businesses serving the agricultural sector, he says.

“Selwyn continues to be one of NZ’s most agriculturally productive districts, with a rural economy built on dairy, cropping, sheep and beef farming, and increasingly horticulture and viticulture. This new facility is a valuable asset that supports our farmers.”

The investment adds to the growing scientific and technical infrastructure of Canterbury, reinforcing its position as a hub for agricultural innovation.

“This lab is about more than rebuilding,” says Ravensdown general manager of innovation Jasper van Halder. “It’s about strengthening the systems that support farmers, researchers, and land managers across the country.”

ARL conducts more than 500,000 tests annually across 50 different test types.

Most demand focuses on elements such as phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, and magnesium, essential to efficient fertiliser use and soil health. ARL independently tests and has direct APIs with many organisations, including Hawkeye Pro, Ravensdown’s digital mapping and nutrient management platform. These tools turn results from the lab into applicable tools farmers can use to effectively manage their farms.