Precision Sensing in Golf Course Wildlife Precision Sensing in Golf Course Wildlife

Aesthetics vs. Agriculture

Aesthetics vs. Agriculture Two completely different industries with unrelated definitions of success using varying techniques of precision technology to satisfy the same concept… Precision has multiple meanings? Same relative goals (reduce N use, make $/save $, conserve water, efficiency, conserve environment!!!) Two completely different industries with unrelated definitions of success using varying techniques of precision technology to satisfy the same concept… Precision has multiple meanings? Same relative goals (reduce N use, make $/save $, conserve water, efficiency, conserve environment!!!)

What we both want… Improved Efficiency More Time

Ease of Use! Precision Equipment Precision Equipment That is reliable

Definition of Precision… On a golf course, precision must equal perfection … In agronomy terms, precision means having the ability to treat every square inch of your field individually in order to obtain a maximum yield

Futures in Golf Course Precision Sensing Agricultural researchers recently learned that significant differences in soil test results can occur at distances less than 1 meter (m), or about 39 inches (Raun et al., 1998), and Solie et al. (1999) suggested that soil, plant and indirect measurements should be made at the meter or sub-meter level. Raun et al. (2002) conducted a study to determine the validity of using optically sensed in-season estimates of grain yield (INSEY) and a response index in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at the 1 square meter level. Nitrogen-use efficiency was improved by greater than 15 percent when N fertilization was based on optically sensed INSEY determined for each square meter and a response index compared to traditional practices at a single N rate. The use of optical sensors may help golf course managers increase or maintain adequate turfgrass quality while reducing the total amount of N fertilizer applied. However, turfgrass managers are not concerned with increasing yield. Turfgrass managers are concerned with improving or maintaining adequate turfgrass quality for their particular playing conditions.

Precision Inevitable? Conservation is the new universal language…

Golf Course Wildlife and Precision Sensing Elk Deer Bears Voles Elk Deer Bears Voles Kangaroos?

And the damage is… Elk!!! Estimated elk in the valley Protected by Dept. of Wildlife Elk “divots”, typically 12” to 6 ft in diameter Estimated elk in the valley Protected by Dept. of Wildlife Elk “divots”, typically 12” to 6 ft in diameter

The Process… During the winter, hundreds of 1500 pound elk seek shelter and food on the golf course. During which, they are continuously urinating, sparring, feeding, and generally acting like wild beasts… Elk urine is secreted at body temperatures in high volumes, During fall and winter, when the soil and air temperatures are low, the turf is stress considerably (usually killed) and cannot synthesize the chemicals in the urine nor handle the extreme change in temperature…

The Cost… Scalp Sand & Seed Green dye, perennial rye seed Labor 3-5 men, 1 ½ weeks, 100 hrs per week Labor 3-5 men, 1 ½ weeks, 100 hrs per week Combine with monoammonium phosphate ( ) Resod?

The Problem… As you can see, just the first phase of repairing these elk divots is extremely costly…but what about maintenance? These divots become increasingly difficult to maintain throughout the season due to the plant’s need for a stable environment and the superintendent’s need for regular maintenance… Both rotary and reel-type mowers can completely destroy the new seedling environment and germination process (and usually does) while completing routine maintenance work… A fine example of spatial variability and a need for precision management…

Trees too… 1200 trees require fencing

Voles Like a mole but smaller and with a shorter tail Feeds on soil insects, eliminates contact with root and soil by burrowing and leaves trail of dead grass on top of tunnel Like a mole but smaller and with a shorter tail Feeds on soil insects, eliminates contact with root and soil by burrowing and leaves trail of dead grass on top of tunnel

Other pesky critters… Feed on trees/plants Regular activity HUGE piles of… General chaos associated with a bear on the course Feed on trees/plants Regular activity HUGE piles of… General chaos associated with a bear on the course Feed on trees Traffic Feces Feed on trees Traffic Feces

Problems… Adjustment Time Survey of damage cannot be completed until snow melts LIABILITY! The future of automated equipment is nearing…when will superintendents be willing to exchange their human operators for a computer? Adjustment Time Survey of damage cannot be completed until snow melts LIABILITY! The future of automated equipment is nearing…when will superintendents be willing to exchange their human operators for a computer? Will a machine recognize mohawks, line quality, a bad cut? Only the future will tell…

Conclusion The wildlife were here first and deserve our respect Wildlife enhance the beauty of our experience no matter what the activity Laws and restrictions in the future will force us to utilize new, innovative, & conservative management techniques What use is the equipment if the equipment manages us? The future is now…conservation is the key!

Respect & Appreciate our Planet Without it we have no golf, no agriculture, no wildlife… Respect & Appreciate our Planet Without it we have no golf, no agriculture, no wildlife… Happy Earth Day