GREENKEEPER BLOG

“Models are Wrong,” Yet Some are Incredibly Useful for Turf Management

All models are wrong, but some are useful. — British Statistician George E. P. BoxThis classic quote largely credited to statistician George Box perfectly sums up the challenge of decision-making in turfgrass management. It captures every superintendent’s daily...

Stop Guessing. Confidently Schedule Irrigation

Each day, turf managers face the critical task of scheduling irrigation to prevent wilt tomorrow—without over-watering tonight. But this decision depends on estimating how much soil moisture will be lost today, how much irrigation will replenish it, and how tomorrow’s...

Wetting Agents For Native Soils? Yes, Especially for Bentgrass

Most turf managers use soil surfactants - frequently called wetting agents - to improve soil water uniformity and increase irrigation efficiency on sand-based root zones. These types of soils can quickly develop issues of hydrophobicity where organic coatings of...

10 Ways GreenKeeper App Helps to Save Time, Save Money, and Make Smarter Turf Decisions

At GreenKeeper, our mission is to empower turf managers with smarter decision-making tools through cutting-edge research, online education at GreenKeeper University, and continuous enhancements to the GreenKeeper App. Whether you're a longtime user or it’s been a...

New Weather Tile Now Integrated with GreenKeeper wX Station

Turf managers work in the weather. From deciding what to wear to determining job assignments, weather conditions influence nearly every aspect of daily operations. Accurate weather data is also essential for safely timing chemical applications and managing play or...

Optimizing Putting Green Performance with the New Surface Organic Matter Test

Organic matter management on putting greens is vital for maintaining playability, firmness, and overall turfgrass health. Until recently, measuring and managing organic matter relied largely on assumptions and outdated methods. But that's changing with the...

Predict wilt hours before it strikes: Proof of Concept

The turf industry has embraced various technologies to improve irrigation efficiency. Hand-held moisture meters have replaced pocketknives. Mower-mounted sensors help turf managers detect soil moisture variability, while in-ground sensors relentlessly monitor changes...

Smart Irrigation Strategies to Save Water

Water conservation is a top priority in the golf industry, as superintendents seek innovative ways to maintain high-quality turf while reducing overall irrigation. It is an active area of research and development at GreenKeeper, too. Advances in technology now allow...

Understanding Clipping Volume: How to and Why Explained

Measuring clipping volume is one of the simplest yet most impactful practices in turfgrass management. This straightforward process provides valuable insights into plant growth, nutrient uptake, and overall turf health. There is no more actionable piece of data for...

Target Pests and Save with GreenKeeper CIS

Turfgrass sprayer systems with GPS guidance can do more than reduce over-spray. These high tech platforms can be used to precisely target specific pests on your course or fields. The mapping software within GreenKeeper CIS makes it easy for users to map pest...
Mad-Tiller Disease

Mad-Tiller Disease

Bacterial etiolation or "Mad-Tiller" disease is a very frustrating growth disorder that has perplexed many turfgrass managers and researchers. While the Kerns and Vargas labs have independently shown the rapid leaf growth rate is most likely the result of bacterial...

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When Half an Inch Is Not

When Half an Inch Is Not

Not all precipitation events are created equal. That was definitely the case in Southeast Nebraska during the last week of July 2024. The high temperatures had been around 100F with dew points were in the 70s. Any storm that develops during those conditions can...

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HOW-TO Guide: Water Resource Planner

HOW-TO Guide: Water Resource Planner

The Water Resource Planner in GreenKeeper App is the most powerful irrigation scheduling tool in the professional turfgrass management market. It uses advance agronomic and meteorological models to predict changes in soil moisture with hourly resolution. While the...

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Nightly Irrigation Guidance Comes to GreenKeeper App

Nightly Irrigation Guidance Comes to GreenKeeper App

It's always a tough call. Should we irrigate tonight or stretch it another day? Make the wrong decision and you'll be hand-watering wilt tomorrow afternoon. So you decide to water, but how many minutes are required? Over-watering not only wastes water and money, but...

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One Easy Task Will Transform Your Management Program

One Easy Task Will Transform Your Management Program

I can assure you that this simple task, taking less than one minute each day, will provide valuable insight that directly impacts agronomic decisions. It is the most valuable piece of data that I collect, and it’s my biggest pet peeve when it’s skipped. This measurement predicts putting green performance, helps schedule mowing and topdressing frequency, and guides PGR and nitrogen application rates. It also helps me manage high and low performing greens differently. Still, there are a lot of questions about how to collect, log and use the data. This short article will help answer those questions.

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