New Soil Sensors

This past week we installed a new wireless soil monitoring system in several of the greens throughout the golf course.  This new system is designed to give us up to the minute updates on the key indicators of greens health, which include soil moisture content, temperature, and salinity.

The new system will give us the information we need to help determine when and how much water needs to be applied, predicting stress on the green before we see it on the surface, and the ability to manage our salts before they create problems with the turf.  What used to take hours to gather and evaluate can now be done with the click of the mouse on site or remotely.

Below are pictures of a sensor being installed on #8 green.




Sensor prior to installation

 

Sensor installed in cup hole

 

Sensor back filled approximately 1" below the surface

   

Finished product



Repeater installed in irrigation satellite

Bunker Rake Placement

Proper placement of the Bunker Rake

Over the years we have gone back and forth on where to place the bunker rakes.  Although the USGA has a rule for everything else, there is no rule for the proper placement of bunker rakes.  The rules simply state that, "Ultimately, it is a matter for the Committee to decide where it wishes rakes to be placed."

Initially, we were placing the rakes outside of the bunkers.  This was primarily to avoid the likelihood of a ball coming to rest against a rake inside of the bunker.  Unfortunately, due to the amount of rake handles being broken from traffic driving over them, at $20 per handle, we made the decision to move the rakes inside the bunker.

After a few comments regarding the problems with reaching the rakes due to the steep slopes on the bunker edges, we have since moved to a modified version of placing the rake head in the bunker with the handle propped up on the edge.

This makes it easy to find the rake and has solved our issues with rakes being driven over by carts and equipment.  Although there is no perfect answer for limiting the potential influence of a rake on the golf ball, this seems to reduce the likelihood of a ball coming to rest against the rake.

To make a long story short, please do your part in assisting with the proper placement of the rakes.  Rake heads in the bunker, handle propped up on the side, avoiding steep slopes, on the back side of the bunker.

Aerification

Below is a video from La Jolla CC showing immediate results of the benefits of Deep Tine Aerification.

At Wichita Country Club, we use a combination of both Deep Tine Aerification, as well as the standard aerification which would involve pulling a core from a depth of around 3-4".  For our purposes, we are attempting to relieve compaction as well as modify the upper portion of the soil profile.  The benefits are not only reducing compaction but also reducing organic matter and layering that occur naturally over time in greens.  The end result is a healthier green, capable of withstanding the stress of traffic and weather extremes during the summer months. 

 

This spring one our concerns has been the rate at which we are recovering from aerification.  Although temperatures have been slightly cooler than normal, the real concern has been a lack of rain.  Ultimately, we need a good flushing rain to remove salts from the profile and assist with releasing the fertilizer that was applied prior to and following aerification.

The good news is that it looks like we are going to get some rain this weekend and into next week.  We'll keep our fingers crossed as we hold out for a good soaker!

Link to USGA Green Section Record

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/USGA-Green-Section-Record--April-8--2011.html?soid=1103157499740&aid=MeYE84ca250

 Attached is a link to a weekly USGA Green Section Newsletter.  Several good topics from ball mark repair to course etiquette.  If you choose, there is a link to sign up to receive the newsletter.

The article regarding Precision Turf Management gives good insight to the direction of Golf Course Management.  Here at WCC, we will be using moisture sensors placed in the profile of several greens, along with the use of portable moisture sensors to assist with the daily task of water management on our greens.  Not only does this emerging technology assist with better playing conditions, in our case there is clearly a monetary savings with more efficient use of irrigation water.

The article by Jim Moore on golf course etiquette is a must read for those new to the game, as well as the seasoned golfer needing a brush up on the importance of course etiquette.

Almost Finished!




Close up of Aerification holes prior to
Sand Topdressing.

 


Final pass on #10 Approach

 

 Although the 40 mph winds have been less than ideal, the greens aerification is approaching completion without any setbacks.  Today we are wrapping up a few greens on the back nine, as well as the Practice Greens.

Following aerification, the first question is always, "how long until the greens are back to normal?".  One of our biggest challenges is managing our fertility levels for optimum response, without forcing excessive growth leading to slow, puffy greens.  Although less fertilizer, may require more time for the holes to fill in, ultimately, we are able to get the greens back to the desired speed and firmness in a shorter amount of time.  Typically, after one full week greens should be back to "normal".

Now if we could just get some rain!  We are already 2.3" below normal for precipitation since January.  Most concerning is the lack of moisture deep in the soil profile.  Keep in mind, irrigation is in place to supplement rainfall, not take the place of it.  Ultimately, we need the occasional slow soaking rain for not only the health of the turf, but also the trees and landscape.  Looks like we've got a descent chance over the next few days...we'll keep our fingers crossed!