moisture meter Cancel The title field is required!

1. Kim Brock

   

   3 posts
   
   4/3/2015 7:04 PM

   Just got a new moisture meter and was wondering what is a good level on bentgrass/poa greens with a sand base? I know every one has different ideas for their own courses but would like a starting point. Thanks in advance.

   
   
   
   
2. Andrew Cross

   

   5 posts
   
   4/3/2015 11:04 PM

   mid to high teens from my experience, on a tar 300 with 3" rods.
   
   Usually would see wilt around 12 or less. If I'm 16 or higher could usually make it through the day with no wilt.
   
   Best way to check is go out after a big rain or irrigation event and get readings on your field capacity number, then take readings at wilt point as well. Your magic number is somewhere in between!

   
   
   
   
3. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   4/4/2015 8:04 AM

   I've noticed that the numbers are different at wilting point as well. For instance, checking wilt, the % could be 12-15 while other areas are showing no signs at all at 12-15%. Probably has something to do with root length and available nutrients across a green. Haven't quite figure that one out yet...
   
   You'll also need to figure out your watering threshold. Check in the morning and get the %, then check in the afternoon and see how much it dropped. You may find that a 15, let's say, in the morning will give you a 10 in the afternoon. So you may want to set your watering point a bit higher, 18-20, so that by the afternoon it's around 13-15 and you are still good.

   
   
   
   
4. Mahaffey Donald

   
   4/5/2015 6:04 PM

   Andy Jorgensen said: I've noticed that the numbers are different at wilting point as well. For instance, checking wilt, the % could be 12-15 while other areas are showing no signs at all at 12-15%. Probably has something to do with root length and available nutrients across a green. Haven't quite figure that one out yet...
   
   You'll also need to figure out your watering threshold. Check in the morning and get the %, then check in the afternoon and see how much it dropped. You may find that a 15, let's say, in the morning will give you a 10 in the afternoon. So you may want to set your watering point a bit higher, 18-20, so that by the afternoon it's around 13-15 and you are still good.

   
   Andy,
   Salt will impact the the WP as well. This is the value of using a meter that also takes an EC reading.

   
   
   
   
5. Dennis Ingram

   

   5 posts
   
   4/9/2015 2:04 PM

   Not only are moisture numbers different from course to course, they will be different at different times of the year. Your "ideal" number to get thru the day on June first will be different than your "ideal" number on August first. A great tool, will give you something in black and white to show members or other club staff(club professional/director of golf) instead of relying on using a core from a soil probe. Has saved my butt more than once out here on TOUR!!!

   
   
   
   
6. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   4/9/2015 3:04 PM

   Donald Mahaffey said:

   Andy Jorgensen said: I've noticed that the numbers are different at wilting point as well. For instance, checking wilt, the % could be 12-15 while other areas are showing no signs at all at 12-15%. Probably has something to do with root length and available nutrients across a green. Haven't quite figure that one out yet...
   
   You'll also need to figure out your watering threshold. Check in the morning and get the %, then check in the afternoon and see how much it dropped. You may find that a 15, let's say, in the morning will give you a 10 in the afternoon. So you may want to set your watering point a bit higher, 18-20, so that by the afternoon it's around 13-15 and you are still good.

   
   Andy,
   Salt will impact the the WP as well. This is the value of using a meter that also takes an EC reading.

   
   
   
   I thought the same thing. My EC meter would always read consistent in these spots and under 100ppm. That's why I always thought it had something to do with other nutrient availability like Potassium. Only thing I haven't played with is pH in these areas.

   
   
   
   
7. Michael Rogers

   

   2 posts
   
   4/10/2015 5:04 AM

   Andy, Inconsistencies in granulometry and rootzone depth will greatly affect the ability of roots to take up water.
   
   Saludos Mike
   
   Michael Rogers
   Marbella Golf Country Club