Agronomy Research Group: Expert Consultancy and Regulatory Support

Agronomy Research Group (ARG), an independent consultancy affiliated with HITAS Products Ltd, was established to provide specialist support across the amenity turf, agrochemical, horticultural, and general chemical sectors. We help transform innovative product ideas into scientifically validated, market-ready solutions.

Our team offers a wide range of services, including:

 

    • Product Development Trials – comprehensive testing for efficacy, plant safety, phytotoxicity, application methods, and dose rate response.

    • Laboratory, Field, and End-User Trials – fully replicated trial and robust statistical analysis to validate performance under real-world conditions.

    • Physical Product Evaluation – screening of product formulations, tank mix compatibility assessments, and storage stability testing.

    • Regulatory Support – assistance with product classification and labelling, CE certification, and compliance with EU Regulation (EC) No. 2003/2003 for fertilisers and biostimulants.

    • Technical Representation – professional support for product launches, including technical training and presentations to distributors and end users.

 

What we offer under consultancy and contract research
ARG no bg

At ARG, flexibility is at the core of our approach. Contact us to discuss your specific testing needs and designing of bespoke procedures tailored to meet your exact requirements.

HITAS Research Objectives

Being an organisation involved in scientific research and development initiatives, we’re working towards changing the environment through correct product selection. We can formulate the right product for the environment and agronomic practices. Let’s use business to protect nature whenever possible. With this overview, HITAS has set fixed research objectives that it follows to maximize its contribution, these include:

  • Advancing technologies and innovating for sustainability
  • Maximising natural resources and inputs
  • Limiting Ecological impacts and the challenges of environment deterioration
  • Technical research to demonstrate sound agronomic practices
  • Evaluate the impact of HITAS products used within the environment

Areas of Research

  • Minimal pesticide usage through an integrated disease management approach
  • Conserving natural resources like irrigation water
  • Increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of nutrient uptake
  • Use of biostimulants to increase plant environmental tolerances and reduction in stress
  • Limiting ecological impacts by reducing or replacing synthetic chemistry with bio and organic alternatives
  • Regenerative farming techniques to improve soil health
Sample bottles

The Research Process

HITAS runs a continuous in-house research and innovation programme. We combine the latest analytical techniques with our own industry expertise to create unrivalled solutions for the market. An overview of HITAS research and development process includes:

  • 1
    Raw Material Sourcing: Identifying novel ingredients and ensuring the highest quality and value for our products.
  • 2
    Product Formulation Screening: Creating a stable formulation meeting the design brief.
  • 3
    Efficacy and Safety Testing: Ensuring the formulation is as effective as possible whilst minimising hazards.
  • 4
    Application and Dose Rate Response: Fine-tuning for optimal effectiveness.
  • 5
    Tank Mix Compatibility: Ensuring seamless integration with other products.
  • 6
    Product Laboratory Evaluation: Rigorous testing for quality assurance.
  • 7
    Product Field Evaluation: Real-world testing to ensure performance in diverse conditions.
  • 8
    End-user Evaluation: User feedback shapes our final product for practicality and satisfaction.
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Capabilities and Research Facilities

HITAS has the advantage of its own in-house research department on site and links to additional facilities within the surrounding areas. This ensures HITAS incorporates its research strategy and product evaluation to its full potential and supports customers strategic product decisions. Research Facilities Include:

  • Product Screening and Quality Control Laboratory
  • Agronomy and Soil Laboratory
  • Temperature Controlled Grow Room
  • Commercial Greenhouse
  • Irrigated Fine Turf Areas, Greens, Tees and Fairways

Combined with our own research team with their scientific knowledge in plant sciences this ensures our customers have access to the most advanced products in the industry.

Apple dose response aerial, March 2023

External Collaborations

We believe in the power of collaboration. HITAS has created powerful partnerships that support HITAS research. These partners include:

  • World-Leading Universities: Collaborating with experts from the University of Lancaster and University of Nottingham in environmental science and agriculture.
  • Supporting Education: Proudly supporting Masters and PhD research programs.
  • External Laboratories: Collaborating with industry renowned laboratories for detailed analysis on microbial composition, residues, and biochemical profiles, adding precision to our innovations.
  • Achieving Product Accreditations: Assessing the conformity of our products independently and impartially.
  • Testing with End Users and Distributors: To ensure each of our products are tailored to the exact needs of each end user, we collaborate with greenkeepers and grounds people across our distribution areas.
  • Collaborating with Scientific organizations: To share HITAS studies and encourage research and education in science.
Get in touch
Coir plug
university of nottingham

Publications and Sponsored Research

Publications and Sponsored Research HITAS publications and collaborative research provides a technological insight to our development commitments and offers solutions to the major challenges our market sectors. We can demonstrate through published research the right product for the environment and agronomic practices. HITAS publications and collaborative research incudes:

  • An Investigation into the Principle Modes of Action of Surfactants and how a Novel Formulation may Improve Turfgrass Quality by Increasing the Dominance of Agrostis spp. in Golf Greens.

    The International Turfgrass Society Research Journal (ITSRJ)

  • What are the Principle Modes of Action of Wetting Agents and How can they Aid Turfgrass Quality While Improving Water Conservation?

    Masters by Research, Lancaster University

  • An investigation into the effect of surface wetting and deep soil penetrating surfactants on populations of Poa annua L., Festuca rubra agg. and Agrostis spp. agg. in a fine turf sward.

    Masters by Research, Lancaster University

  • Literature Review: Essential Oils for Plant Wellbeing

    MSc Conservation & Biodiversity, Lancaster University

  • Assessing the Potential Commercial Viability of Essential Oils for Turfgrass Disease Control

    MSc Conservation & Biodiversity, Lancaster University

  • Development of Fungistatic Plant Extracts From Food Waste And Oil Based Products To Control Turf-Grass Disease

    Masters by Research, Lancaster University

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