Product Manual

Page 2

1471 Capital Circle NW #13, Tallahassee, FL. 32303 - USA

Testing on irrigated areas:

Another way to insure a proper infiltration reading on irrigated areas is to use this instrument

approximately one hour after irrigation. A visual indication of soil moisture should also be noted by

using a Soil Profile Sampler. When using this method, be sure no rainfall has occurred within 48

hours of the test to remove this variable.

Correlating your readings

If the results from your Turf-Tec Infiltration Rings show that the soil readings are one inch of water

absorbed per hour, this should be recorded. This reading should not be used as a conclusive

result for all areas because each area tested most likely will have different variables like vegetative

cover, soil organic matter content, soil physical properties, compaction, soil texture and other

factors. The variables all affect infiltration rate.

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 Turf-Tec Infiltration Rings 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 Turf-Tec Infiltration Rings 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

Turf-Tec Infiltration Rings 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.