soil moisture meters Cancel The title field is required!

1. Chris Buck

   

   0 posts
   
   6/21/2011 1:06 PM

   I was wondering what types of meters everyone uses?
   What are the pros and cons of the different types?
   And how well they are working and helping?

   
   
   
   
2. Jason Boyce

   

   0 posts
   
   6/22/2011 6:06 AM

   I am using the Spectrum TDR 100.... one of the best things I have ever purchased. I have learned a lot about my greens... one warning...I do a lot more hand watering, tough to turn the heads on when one spot is at 11% moisture and another is at 25%... my greens are much better for it.

   
   
   
   
3. Chris Buck

   

   0 posts
   
   6/22/2011 11:06 AM

   That is the unit that i have been looking at and it seems to be the best for its money. What if any other units where you looking at when you made your purchase and what made you decide to go with the tdr 100? I am glad to hear how much it has helped your greens and I like to see the hoses going for the very reasons you explained.
   
   Thanks
   
   Chris Buck
   Superintendent
   Patricia Island Golf Club
   Grove, OK

   
   
   
   
4. Samuel Leatherberry

   

   0 posts
   
   6/22/2011 6:06 PM

   I second the TDR 100. Gives you peace of mind to know how much moisture is really there. We are able to keep a much more even surface with these and not over water. It has also saved hrs of time on wilt watching. We can hit the spots in the morning that are reading low and not have to chase it later in the day. We still may have a little wilt here and there, but it is much more predictable.

   
   
   
   
5. Jason Boyce

   

   0 posts
   
   6/23/2011 5:06 AM

   Chris,
   
   To be honest I did not really look around that much... however, what I did see I thought the TDR100 was the best value for the money. It is great when you can check 20 spots in 2 minutes on your green, and if you need to leave for a day (or two)I know everything is going to be ok when my water percentage is over 18%. I am hoping to pick up a second one this year or next.
   
   The other great benefit is it is very easy to use and you can send out a guy with a hose to check the greens.. if it is under 13% water it.
   
   Jason Boyce
   Smuggler's Glen Golf Course
   Gananoque, Ontario
   www.smugglersglen.com
   www.glenhouseresort.com

   
   
   
   
6. Samuel Leatherberry

   

   0 posts
   
   6/23/2011 4:06 PM

   jasonboyce said: Chris,
   
   To be honest I did not really look around that much... however, what I did see I thought the TDR100 was the best value for the money. It is great when you can check 20 spots in 2 minutes on your green, and if you need to leave for a day (or two)I know everything is going to be ok when my water percentage is over 18%. I am hoping to pick up a second one this year or next.
   
   The other great benefit is it is very easy to use and you can send out a guy with a hose to check the greens.. if it is under 13% water it.
   
   Jason Boyce
   Smuggler's Glen Golf Course
   Gananoque, Ontario
   http://www.smugglersglen.com
   http://www.glenhouseresort.com

   
   
   
   
   When you do get one, it takes a little time to figure out what % works for you and your course's greens. Used the TDR 100 at two course's now and our levels were much different. One course we needed to water between 7-8% where our current course it is about 10-11%. It does give you peace of mind when you leave and know there is adequate moisture in your greens so they wont wilt.

   
   
   
   
7. Gregory Jack

   

   0 posts
   
   6/23/2011 5:06 PM

   Handheld units are useful for checking spots, but I rely on Turfguard sensors to track my watering schedule. In severe drought and high ET rates. They do the best for tracking the moisture over several days, weeks, months and even years. Not to mention temperature and salinity if you have to worry about those things. You should try a two or three at first. We have them on Fairways, Tees and Greens. If you are putting them on the greens, install them on the slopes or were someone will not hit them with a cup cutter.

   
   
   
   
8. Heath Puckett

   

   0 posts
   
   6/23/2011 9:06 PM

   Just received our brand new TDR 300, and used it for the first time today. We've had 2.15" of rain since Tuesday, and readings ranged anywhere from 16-30%. This is going to take the subjective "art" of handwatering and make it an exact science regardless of who is checking the greens. Now, just gotta find the magic number...
   
   Heath

   
   
   
   
9. Chris Buck

   

   0 posts
   
   6/24/2011 8:06 AM

   I am appreciating all the feedback and help on this subject. For those that have the handhelds, what depth of a tine do you use?

   
   
   
   
10. Chris Cook

    

    0 posts
    
    6/24/2011 12:06 PM

    cbuck said: I am appreciating all the feedback and help on this subject. For those that have the handhelds, what depth of a tine do you use?

    
    
    We use the 5 inch tines in the spring and then use the 3 inch after Memorial day.

    
    
    
    
11. Corp Chad B

    
    6/24/2011 2:06 PM

    We use the TDR 300, but I went to Walmart and bought a bunch of the $4.99 specials and calibrate them to the TDR300, that way everyone can have a meter that needs one. If it breaks so what you are out 5 bucks and they are amazingly accurate when calibrated to a good unit.