Evaluation of the Geonics EM38 for soil moisture assessment
Summary: The success of a turfgrass track lies in the balance between soil conditions that are ideal for horse racing balanced against the needs of the turfgrass plant. One of the most critical components of this complex soil-turf-horse system is soil moisture. Frequently, the high soil moisture conditions that favor ideal turfgrass growth results in conditions that are too wet and slow for ideal racing and horse safety. Conversely, dry conditions that favor racing may be too dry for uniform turfgrass growth and development. Under optimum conditions, the root zone would maintain constant soil strength regardless of soil moisture conditions. However, until that perfect root zone is identified, soil moisture will be a critical component of turfgrass track maintenance, safety and success.
The results provided here suggest that soil moisture measurement using a Geonics EM38 might provide assistance in delivering more uniform soil moisture conditions at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC). Further research is need to confirm that the EM38 readings predict the track performance as evaluated by horse traffic or using mechanical hoof developed by Dr. Michael Peterson.
Full print version of report (680 KB)
Investigator: Larry J. Stowell, Ph.D., CPPP, CPAg
Cooperator: Leif Dickinson, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Greens Firmness Management Project
Summary: On January 23, 2006, Santa Ana Country Club and the PACE Turfgrass Research Institute embarked on a multi-month study to study the issue of greens firmness by characterizing the current situation and then identifying management practices that can help to achieve more consistent greens firmness throughout the year. Factors contributing to greens firmness were identified, with soil moisture a key component. Greens were characterized by golfers as performing well, with good surface firmness, on the 1/23/06 evaluation date. Based on data collected 1/23/06, a tentative range of 15 – 25% soil moisture was identified as the target for producing optimal levels of firmness (tentatively characterized as ranging from 70 – 125g on a Clegg meter).
Full print version of report (460 KB)
Investigator: Larry J. Stowell, Ph.D., CPPP, CPAg
Cooperator: David Zahrte, CGCS, Santa Ana Country Club
PACE proposal for 2006/2007 GCSAA funding
The proposal, "Producing an IPM template to assist golf course superintendents in developing written IPM plans for golf courses" was recently funded by the GCSAA. PACE will be working with colleagues Rick Brandenburg and Fred Yelverton (NC State University) and Kai Umeda and Dave Kopec (University of Arizona) over the next two years to implement the goals of this project. Read the full proposal here for more information.
