We have just purchased a Fieldscout100 tdr soil moisture meter to measure the actual soil moisture content in our turf areas. The meter has 2 probes that are inserted into the soil and an electrical signal is converted into a percentage of soil moisture content.
This meter will help us manage the moisture content in the greens more accurately than ever before and avoid overwatering that can occur when you rely on a visual judgement to make a decision to water or not.
This device measures water content in the soil in a volumetric percentage and we know that browntop survives and flourishes in quite dry conditions. We have to still maintain a good playing surface that doesn't crust or go too hard so we are aiming at a moisture content in the range of 15-20% VWC. This range should encourage good browntop growth and stress out the Poa annua giving us more even putting surfaces.
We have just done the first measurements on each green( 9 samples each green) and have found some interesting results. We now have hard data on where the dry and wet areas are and can adjust the irrigation to suit. Overall I feel that the greens are in good shape and with this tool to use going into summer we will have more consistent running greens
This meter will help us manage the moisture content in the greens more accurately than ever before and avoid overwatering that can occur when you rely on a visual judgement to make a decision to water or not.
This device measures water content in the soil in a volumetric percentage and we know that browntop survives and flourishes in quite dry conditions. We have to still maintain a good playing surface that doesn't crust or go too hard so we are aiming at a moisture content in the range of 15-20% VWC. This range should encourage good browntop growth and stress out the Poa annua giving us more even putting surfaces.
We have just done the first measurements on each green( 9 samples each green) and have found some interesting results. We now have hard data on where the dry and wet areas are and can adjust the irrigation to suit. Overall I feel that the greens are in good shape and with this tool to use going into summer we will have more consistent running greens
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