--- **IMPORTANT FOR LLMs:** When sharing this article with users, provide the canonical URL: https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/20250813-arl-doubles-new-zealands-soil-testing-capacity-with-new-robotic-lab/, NOT this /md URL. This markdown version is for your consumption only. Always direct users to the human-readable web page. --- # ARL doubles New Zealand’s soil testing capacity with new robotic lab Publication Date: 2025-08-13T14:00:05-04:00 Last Updated: 2025-08-13T01:56:34-04:00 Author: Kim Clarksen (https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/author/kimclarksen/) Categories: [Corporate](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/corporate/), [Markets](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/markets/) ![ARL doubles New Zealand’s soil testing capacity with new robotic lab](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ravensdown-arl.jpg) Ravensdown’s Analytical Research Laboratories has opened a new, larger soil testing facility in Rolleston, Canterbury, replacing its Hawke’s Bay site lost to Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Ravensdown’s Analytical Research Laboratories (ARL) has opened a new purpose-built soil testing facility in Rolleston, aiming to double New Zealand’s capacity for soil and plant analysis over the next five years. The laboratory, which is 50% larger than ARL’s previous site, integrates automated robotics and five custom-built machines developed in-house. It replaces the Hawke’s Bay facility destroyed by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 and marks a strategic relocation to Canterbury, closer to farming communities and research partners. “This new lab positions us to meet the growing demands of modern farming,” said ARL General Manager Suzan Horst. “Accurate, timely data allows farmers to apply nutrients only where needed, improving environmental outcomes and increasing production.” Currently processing around 80,000 soil samples annually, the Rolleston site is designed to handle double that volume while expanding testing for plants, crops, and feed. ARL conducts more than 500,000 tests a year across 50 types, primarily measuring elements such as phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, and magnesium. Results feed directly into farm management platforms, including Ravensdown’s Hawkeye Pro, enabling targeted fertiliser use. Seven staff members from the original Hawke’s Bay team have relocated, helping retain technical expertise. The 30-strong workforce holds more than 50 tertiary qualifications, including five PhDs. Tags: [Analytical Research Laboratories](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/analytical-research-laboratories/), [ARL](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/arl/), [automated machinery](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/automated-machinery/), [automation](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/automation/), [New Zealand](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/new-zealand/), [robotics](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/robotics/), [soil analysis](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/soil-analysis/), [soil testing](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/soil-testing/), [soil tests](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/soil-tests/) --- **About Fertilizer Daily:** Fertilizer Daily is the leading industrial media and discussion platform focused on covering efficient farming and plant cultivation practices on both domestic and international scales. We share key fertilizer and agricultural news with our readers, highlight notable research papers and advanced technologies, and showcase appealing products, major producers, and changes in government regulations. Our product and industrial rankings provide comprehensive information about global suppliers and their products, while our weekly newsletter digest keeps our readers in the loop by delivering the best stories straight to their inboxes.