About Us
arl. is Aotearoa New Zealand's leading soil, plant, feed, and fertiliser analytical laboratory.
We pride ourselves on being a science-driven laboratory that offers complete analytical services of the highest quality and are passionate about using our decades of experience to help you achieve the best outcomes for your soil, crops, and animals.
Our history
Over four decades of science, service and innovation for New Zealand agriculture.
Founded in 1981 in Hawke’s Bay, ARL has grown from a small regional lab into one of New Zealand’s most trusted names in agricultural and horticultural testing. Our story is one of innovation, resilience, and deep commitment to the land and people we serve.
From our early days pioneering pesticide testing to our recent rebuilding after Cyclone Gabrielle, ARL continues to evolve — always focused on delivering fast, accurate, and reliable analysis to help New Zealand’s farmers, growers and advisers make better decisions.
In 2025 a brand-new, purpose-built laboratory was opened in Rolleston, Canterbury – the only lab in New Zealand solely dedicated to farm, food, and fibre testing for New Zealand agriculture.
ARL has always been at the forefront of agricultural science in New Zealand. We’re proud to have been:
- The first lab in New Zealand to test for herbicides and pesticides
- The first to offer a soil testing kit
- The first to produce a national soil map to help customers understand their land
- The only lab in New Zealand to provide plant sap testing
- Solely focused on the needs of New Zealand agriculture and horticulture
Why test soil, plant, feed, and fertiliser?
Testing your soil, plants, feed, and fertiliser at ARL helps you make informed decisions.
- Regular soil testing shows the levels of key nutrients and how well the soil can support plant growth. This helps keep the soil healthy and productive over time.
- Test results guide decisions about what fertiliser is needed to maintain current production or improve soil for the future. This avoids guesswork and helps apply the right product at the right rate.
- Knowing the nutrient levels in soil, plants and feed helps farmers grow more pasture and crops, and ensures animals get the nutrition they need to perform well.
- If plants or animals aren’t growing as expected, testing can help identify if something is missing, so the problem can be fixed quickly and accurately.
- Testing supports good environmental practices by helping to avoid overuse of fertiliser and preventing nutrient loss.
- Testing is required to meet regulations and industry standards. Testing provides the data needed to show compliance with rules and support certification or audit processes.
Why test with ARL?
Since our inception and early days, ARL has been known for its reliability, efficacy, and drive to give our clients the best.
- We are an IANZ (International Accreditation New Zealand) accredited laboratory (ISO 17025) and a member of the New Zealand Association of Consulting Laboratories and ASPAC (Australasian Soil and Plant Analytical Council).
- Our work is constantly monitored to ensure we continuously achieve the highest standards.
- We take pride in our modern laboratory, state-of-the-art instrumentation, and well-qualified staff.
- We have over four decades of soil, plant, feed, and fertiliser expertise.
- We’re proud to be able to offer a multitude of tests for you to choose from to help you determine what’s right for your unique situation.
- We’ll provide accurate information allowing you to make the right decision for your farm and stock needs.
Discover the right test for your farm
Gain tailoured insights designed for your needs. Discover the most suitable test for your farm and make confident, informed decisions.