Product Manual

Page 3

Each infiltration reading should be duly recorded, so that comparisons can be made

periodically. You will probably find wide differences in infiltration rates from area to area,

especially when testing newly constructed areas or areas where the soil has been

disturbed compared to areas where the soil has remained unchanged. The best way to

insure infiltration results will be consistent, is to record the infiltration rate on each area so

that you can compare any changes. Use this standard for each particular area only.

Monitoring Golf Greens

If readings on the Infiltrometer are less then one inch per hour, the area is considered to

be in a very critical range. When the infiltration rate drops 10% or more, check your

topdressing and management practices. Topdressing can sometimes drastically change

infiltration rates, especially if even a slight change in the mixture occurs.

When infiltration decreases are detected, the formations of layers in the soil profile are

beginning. However, layers can be corrected with aerification and proper topdressing if

they are diagnosed with the Infiltrometer before they can cause a major problem.

Putting your readings to use - Turfgrass Areas

The results of your readings of the Infiltration rate can then be used to regulate the

amount of water applied from each sprinkler zone. Irrigation can then be adjusted to apply

only the amount of water that should be applied per hour.

To check irrigation rates, Turf-Tec precipitation / uniformity gauges can be purchased from

Turf-Tec International and placed in the soil, and spaced every 1 1/2 to 3 feet between two

sprinkler heads. The irrigation clock should be set for a 15 minute cycle and the amount

of water in each rain gauge should be recorded. This will give you the actual amount of

water applied.

Applying only the amount of water that the soil will absorb saves water lost by surface

runoff and reduces fertilizer loss. It will help prevent waterlogged soils, which reduce

oxygen levels in the soil. Excessive surface water will also reduce root systems and can

also contribute to increased disease problems. Wet soils can become compacted more

easily and in severe cases, harmful anaerobic conditions can be created.

How to get the most out of the

Infiltrometer on Turfgrass areas

Areas can be tested before and after certain management practices have been used.

These include aerification, Verti-cutting, topdressing along with all the other practices that

can change the water infiltration rate.

Monitoring Drain fields

The Turf-Tec Infiltrometer can be used to install drain fields. The double ring is much

more accurate then just using a single ring or an excavated cavity to test for infiltration.

However please check with your local ordinances to see if an ASTM 3385 Infiltration test

is required, if one is, you may need to use the Turf-Tec 12 and 24 Inch Infiltration Rings.

To test your lowest infiltration rates (similar to ASTM 3385) you should perform a

saturated test where you put the Infiltrometer into the soil and fill it up 2-3 times and then