GREENKEEPER BLOG

Driving Progress: How the GreenKeeper Team is Advancing Turf Management

Just as turf managers worked tirelessly through another challenging summer, our team at GreenKeeper has also been busy. With the arrival of meteorological fall, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the progress we’ve made together—on the course, on the research plots,...

“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 Until recently, measuring and managing organic matter relied largely on assumptions and outdated methods.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...
Late Summer Sugar Lows

Late Summer Sugar Lows

It's mid-August 2022 and many turfgrass managers feel as tired as their grasses. The sun is slower to rise, the shadows are starting to lengthen, and it's more difficult for me to pop out of bed when my alarm clock sounds. The weather has been brutal across much of...

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PGR Resistance During Summer Heat?

PGR Resistance During Summer Heat?

It's been hot and humid, and many golf course putting greens are growing rapidly. Plant growth regulator programs that were dialed-in during May and June appear to be non-existent during July. Growth rate is surging, green speeds are declining, and puffy conditions...

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Cold Spring Weather Wreak Havoc on Spray Programs

Cold Spring Weather Wreak Havoc on Spray Programs

Spring can be a frustrating season for many in the golf industry. Golfers, Club Professionals, GMs, and owners want to escape the winter doldrums and return to their predestine golf courses with firm and fast conditions. Unfortunately, the weather doesn't always...

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Winterkill Recovery Techniques

Winterkill Recovery Techniques

There are more reports of turfgrass winterkill from around the US. At first, we thought most of the damage was limited to winter desiccation in the Central Great Plains. Unfortunately, we've received reports from coast to coast. Zac Reicher, PhD from Bayer...

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P is for Purple

P is for Purple

Last spring, a handful of the research putting green plots at OJ Noer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison were showing some pretty impressive signs of phosphorus deficiency. The OJ Noer research facility gives us the opportunity to push grass to its limits. About...

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Don’t Let the Tail Wag the Dog

Don’t Let the Tail Wag the Dog

Many factors influence turfgrass growth rate. Some are beyond the manager's control while others are frequently manipulated through normal management. Environmental factors including the recent weather and soil conditions, turfgrass genetics, traffic levels and even...

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