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UNDERSTANDING VARIATION WILL REDUCE YOUR WATER COSTS

UNDERSTANDING VARIATION WILL REDUCE YOUR WATER COSTS. ANDY BROWN TORO EUROPE. Precision Turf Management. Variability in site conditions is the challenge - understanding & managing variability is the key to precision irrigation management

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UNDERSTANDING VARIATION WILL REDUCE YOUR WATER COSTS

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  1. UNDERSTANDING VARIATION WILL REDUCE YOUR WATER COSTS ANDY BROWN TORO EUROPE

  2. Precision Turf Management • Variability in site conditions is the challenge - understanding & managing variabilityis 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 & WHC 3) 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

  3. A B B C C A A C B Site Specific Management Units • Areas with similar characteristics that call for similar management inputs • SSMU’s based on soil moisture distribution, topography and turf performance.

  4. Agronomic Site Assessment Using Toro’s PrecisionSense™ mobile mapping system • Soil moisture(Time Delay Reflectometry) • Soil salinity (conductance) • Soil compaction(penetrometer) • Turf quality(reflectance sensor) • Topographic relief(GPS elevation)

  5. Sampling pattern ~ 850 data points ~ 45 min.

  6. Irrigation Management Zones Low VWC High VWC Site Specific Irrigation Management: Soil Moisture (Volumetric Water Content) < 25% 25 - 30% 30 - 35% 35 - 40% 40 - 45% 45 - 50% 50 - 55% 55 - 60% 60 - 65% > 65% Soil moisture Turf Vigor (NDVI) + Topography < .69 .69 - .72 .72 - .75 .75 - .78 .78 - .81 .81 - .84 .84 - .87 .87 - .90 > .90 Low Soil Compaction (Insertion force, PSI) 0-70 PSI 70-140 140-210 210-280 280-350 350-420 420-490 490-560 560-630 630-700 > 700 Low + Turf Vigor High Irrigation management zones defined using GIS methods + Soil compaction High 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.

  7. 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

  8. Sensor Installation

  9. 5) Which uploads data for web-based viewing & analysis  4) Which talks to a base station with internet connection in maintenance facility 3) Which talk to another repeater across the golf course (5000 ft. range) 2) Talk to radio repeaters in satellites (500 ft. range) Turf Guard Communications 1) In-ground wireless sensors

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. Turf Guard Data Interface • Old Collier GC • Bonita Springs, Florida • Seashore paspalum • Brackish irrigation source

  13. General 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

  14. More 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.

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