UNDERSTANDING VARIATION WILL REDUCE YOUR WATER

COSTS

UNDERSTANDING VARIATION WILL REDUCE YOUR WATER

COSTS

ANDY BROWNTORO EUROPE

Precision Turf ManagementPrecision Turf Management

• Variability in site conditions is the challenge - understanding & managing variability is the key to precision irrigation management

• Different conditions require different irrigation regimes to maximize efficiency

1) Soil texture & organic matter – primary determinants of “water holding capacity” (i.e. size of the tank)

2) Soil compaction – affects infiltration rate & WHC3) Topographic relief – slope steepness, aspect, depressions, high points (knobs);

affects infiltration rate & runoff (slope) and surface evaporation (aspect)4) Microclimate – shade, air movement, temperature

The aim is to produce management zones with similar characteristics and needs

• Areas with similar characteristics that call for similar management inputs

AA

A

CC

C

BB

B

Site Specific Management Units

• SSMU’s based on soil moisture distribution, topography and turf performance.

• Soil moisture (Time Delay Reflectometry)• Soil salinity (conductance)• Soil compaction (penetrometer)• Turf quality (reflectance sensor)• Topographic relief (GPS elevation)

Agronomic Site Assessment Using Toro’s PrecisionSense™ mobile mapping system

~ 850 data points~ 45 min.~ 850 data points~ 45 min.

Sampling patternSampling pattern

+ Soil compaction+ Soil compaction

0-70 PSI

70-140

140-210

210-280

280-350

350-420

420-490

490-560

560-630

630-700

> 700

Soil Compaction(Insertion force, PSI)

Low

High

< .69

.69 - .72

.72 - .75

.75 - .78

.78 - .81

.81 - .84

.84 - .87

.87 - .90

> .90

Turf Vigor (NDVI)

Low

High+ Turf Vigor+ Turf Vigor

Irrigation management zones are identified from an analysis of site data layers. Each zone represents areas of the golf course with similar characteristics requiring the same irrigation treatment.

< 25%

25 - 30%

30 - 35%

35 - 40%

40 - 45%

45 - 50%

50 - 55%

55 - 60%

60 - 65%

> 65%

Soil Moisture(Volumetric Water Content)

Soil moistureSoil moisture

+ Topography+ Topography

Site Specific Irrigation Management:

Irrigation Management Zones

Low VWC

High VWC

Irrigation management zones defined using GIS methods

Soil Moisture Sensing

Soil Moisture Sensing

• Turf Guard • Soil moisture• Soil temperature• Soil Salinity

– Real time information sent directly to your PC– Updates every 5 mins– Wireless– Easy to install

Sensor Installation

1) In-ground wireless sensors1) In-ground wireless sensors

4) Which talks to a base station with internet connection in maintenance facility

4) Which talks to a base station with internet connection in maintenance facility

2) Talk to radio repeaters in satellites(500 ft. range)

2) Talk to radio repeaters in satellites(500 ft. range)

3) Which talk to another repeater across the golf course(5000 ft. range)

3) Which talk to another repeater across the golf course(5000 ft. range)

5) Which uploads data for web-based viewing & analysis

5) Which uploads data for web-based viewing & analysis

Turf Guard Communications

Where do you put them?

Where do you put them?

• Use your own course knowledge• Identify indicator locations• Use PrecisionSense to identify areas

with similar characteristics• Carry out an irrigation efficiency

audit

Turf Guard …Turf Guard …

• Allows superintendents to know what is happening at the root zone of their course 24-hours a day

• Automatically keeps a record of historical agronomic data

• Provides scientific information to manage their course

• Provides confirmation that their instructions are followed

• Facilitates micro-control of irrigation decisions

Old Collier GCBonita Springs, Florida

• Seashore paspalum• Brackish irrigation source

Turf Guard Data Interface

General FAQGeneral FAQ

How many sensors do I need?– It is course specificper green.

How few can I start with?– We recommend a minimum of 6

What happens during aerification?– You must flag the sensors and aerify around them a direct

hit with an aerifier will most likely destroy the sensor

How do I find the sensors?– Using a basic metal detector.

How long does it take to install a starter system?– A 3 hole system can be installed in under 2 hours

When can I see the data?– Typically we wait 24-hours

More InformationMore Information

• http://www.toro.com/irrigation/golf/turfguard/micro/index.html

Understanding the variability of • soils• topography • micro climate

through the use of technology and experience will help you manage your resources more efficiently AND produce a better playing surface.