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 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

Areas with similar characteristics that call for similar management inputs A A A C C C B B 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 pattern

+ Soil compaction 0-70 PSI > 700 Soil Compaction (Insertion force, PSI) Low High < >.90 Turf Vigor (NDVI) Low High + 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% % % % % % % % % > 65% Soil Moisture (Volumetric Water Content) Soil moisture + Topography Site Specific Irrigation Management: Irrigation Management Zones Low VWC High VWC Irrigation management zones defined using GIS methods

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 sensors 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 Turf Guard Communications

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 … 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 GC Bonita Springs, Florida Seashore paspalum Brackish irrigation source Turf Guard Data Interface

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

Radio System Range What types of site surveys required? –minimal What frequency band does Turf Guard Use? – MHz frequency hopping spread spectrum. Does it require a license? –No, it operates in a license free band. What type of range should I expect? –Range from buried sensor (2” depth) Installers should target 500 ft line of sight Actual range realized 1500 ft line of sight –Range from repeater to repeater Installers should target ½ mile non-line of sight 2+ miles true line of sight

Radio System (cont.) How deep can I bury the sensors? –Courses have gone down to 4” below the surface of the soil to avoid the aerification zone –There is a slight range decrease as the depth increases What feedback do I get as I install the system? –Typically we uses cell phones to continually check the communication patterns as repeaters are brought on-line and sensors are buried How do I choose which pedestal to place a repeater on? –Try to choose pedestal with a good line-of-site view of the course –Consider likely areas on each hole where the superintendents will want to burry the sensors

Battery System Questions What is the expected battery life? –3 Year Battery Life with pro-rated warranty How do I change the batteries? –Sensor returned to Toro for battery replacement Can I replace the batteries myself? –No, unfortunately the units must be sealed at the factory. When does the battery life start being used? –When the pull-tab is broken.

More Information ard/micro/index.htmlhttp:// ard/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.