Aug 5 2010
Golf courses in the United States require many million gallons of water per day. In order to limit the water usage, some of the golf courses in US installed small electronic sensors into the soil.
These probes sense moisture content of the soil and provide data which helps in determining the actual time period to water the turf grass. Apart from moisture, these wireless sensing devices monitor soil salinity and temperature and retain the data in a network of software, which can be accessed easily.
In the conventional irrigation systems, monitoring the drought areas of the golf course visually and adjusting the heads in those areas manually, consumes more time and energy. To avoid these issues, moisture sensors are used which help mange water in the course by monitoring and watering the affected areas alone, providing better playing status and saving money.
To obtain maximum benefit out of these sensors, proper installation, maintenance and usage, is vital. Placing more number of sensors with proper working conditions which can transmit data efficiently and by continuous inspections moisture management can be achieved. Smooth course conditions inturn balances the saving and investment in golf course industry.
According to Lee Bladen, the superintendents of Old Palm Golf Club, moisture sensors are so precise that they provide error-free data and its implementation in crucial areas conserve water and energy to a great extend.
Source: http://www.golfcourseindustry.com