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American clubs have been keen to take advantage of the new technology.
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Mark Hoban Certified Superintendent at the Standard Club in Atlanta, Georgia Superintendent Of The Year 2002, takes an AQUAFLEX reading.
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AQUAFLEX is providing superintendents with up to the minute information on the conditions in their rootzones.
"This is a terrific tool to better determine the ideal moisture of the soil to maintain firm, fast, and viable greens"
Mark Hoban the Certified Superintendent at the Standard Club in Atlanta, Georgia Superintendent Of The Year 2002, was one of the first in the US to use the new technology.
"AQUAFLEX is a tool that gives me accurate information for the first time on soil moisture over a given 10 foot section of my green.
I'm using this data to better determine irrigation needs and limits as well as confirm when irrigation or rainfall comes or not. We have used this device to confirm that we are flood irrigating a green and that the heads are on long enough to obtain total saturation and the positive flushing type drainage that needs to occur."
Mark has commented on the ability of the sensor to provide critical information, which can be used to help turf management decisions.
"I am using the AQUAFLEX in conjunction with fans and Sub-Air to determine the effects these tools have on soil moisture reduction and temperature modification.
I have it set up to take readings every ten minutes and am trying to determine if indeed I am able to delay the rise of soil temperatures with the use of fans and or Sub-Air. I take my readings and can better determine when I need to apply water, in other words I'm trying to better determine how far down below 19% moisture I can maintain my green on a daily basis during heat stress."
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Darrin Spierings Golf Course Superintendent at NorthStone Club NC, with a magnificent green in mid winter.
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Using AQUAFLEX to monitor soil moisture has proven to save water, and the energy required to drive pumps. Optimising water application also minimises leaching of fertilisers and chemicals as well as encouraging root growth.
Darrin Spierings Golf Course Superintendent at NorthStone Club in North Carolina has adjusted his irrigation schedules as a direct result of using AQUAFLEX.
"In my situation, by using the AQUAFLEX, and monitoring my soil moisture levels, I have been able to cut back my watering schedule to the greens by 40%" said Darrin
"I have been able to cut back my watering schedule to the greens by 40%!"
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Bland Cooper, Director of Golf Course Operations Rocky River GC NC takes an AQUAFLEX reading on the 18th.
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At Rocky River GC in NC Bland Cooper, Director of Golf Course Operations is a Superintendent with a keen eye for new technology. He is using AQUAFLEX as a source of valuable information on soil conditions.
"I would trust this more than a weather station" said Bland "A weather station is usually situated at the turf care centre. But I'm interested in what's happening in the pore space of my greens. By using AQUAFLEX we have already learned things about our irrigation that we didn't know before."
Developed in New Zealand, by Streat Instruments, AQUAFLEX is already being used in leading European sports facilities as well as in agriculture and vineyards in the US and internationally.
"Soil moisture is critical for maintaining bentgrass in the Atlanta area during the summer months." Says Mark Hoban "This is a terrific tool to better determine the ideal moisture of the soil to maintain firm, fast, and viable greens."
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