Gadgets and Gizmos – Utilizing Technology to Monitor Moisture and Light to Produce Healthy Turf

March 29th, 2018 9:03pm CDT

Education Points: 0.1

The health of putting green turf is often compromised by excessive/limiting soil moisture or inadequate light. In this webcast, we will examine available technology for monitoring putting green moisture and light conditions. In addition, we will discuss how to interpret moisture and light data to better understand and communicate the various conditions at your facility.

At the end of this program, you will be able to:

  • understand the soil, plant and environmental measurement tools available to golf course superintendents, as well as how they are best used in diagnosing and solving management problems to maximize turf playability
  • understand the purpose, underlying technology, applicability, shortcomings and relative cost of several soil, plant and environmental measurement devices
  • use data acquired from measurement tools to better communicate management issues with key clientele

To learn more about Healthy Turf, Healthy Tomorrow,
view the launch video from GIS 2013 here.

About the instructor
Douglas Karcher, Ph.D., is a turfgrass soil specialist and associate professor in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Arkansas. He received a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University, and his master’s degree and doctorate from Michigan State University. In addition, he has several years of experience in golf course maintenance, and residential turf installation and maintenance.

Karcher’s research program has focused on improving turfgrass quality through innovative cultural practices while minimizing environmental impacts. He has authored/coauthored more than 45 peer-reviewed papers and 130 articles resulting from his research program. In addition, he has instructed several courses within the turf management curriculum, including Turf Management Laboratory, Turf Root Zone Management and Turf Pest Management.

He also has developed and co-instructed a seminar titled “Gadgets and Gizmos” for the GCSAA Education Conference. This full-day seminar is constantly evolving to include the latest technology available to superintendents to help diagnose and communicate their management problems. It has been instructed annually since 2009 and consistently receives positive reviews.