You're a golf course manager. What are the best irrigation system design tools for you?

As a small boutique private 9-hole club with 661 irrigation heads, and city water, it is imperative that we are constantly auditing our system to ensure proper distribution. The O’Donnell Golf Club prides itself on staying “ahead of the game” when it comes to our irrigation challenges.

CAD software for detailed planning-This software enables golf course managers to create precise plans for irrigation systems, including the layout of sprinklers, pipes, and valves. It also facilitates calculations for water volume and the design of water-efficient systems. Irrigation management software for scheduling & control: This type of software allows golf course managers to schedule watering times, control irrigation duration, and monitor system performance, contributing to efficient water use. Soil moisture sensors for measuring water levels: These sensors provide real-time data on soil moisture, assisting golf course managers in making informed decisions about irrigation timing and quantity, leading to optimized water management.

For golf course irrigation system design, consider tools like Rain Bird Golf Central Control, Toro Lynx Smart Module, and Hunter Golf's Pilot Command. These offer advanced features, scheduling flexibility, and water management capabilities tailored for golf course needs.

It has been my experience that we need to look at the big picture and then break it down into manageable subcategories. 1- water conservation and use. 2-GPS mapping of the entire irrigation system 3-Areas of the golf course that can be transformed into drought-resistant landscapes and waste areas 4-Replacing sprinkler heads that are full and 3/4 heads into half and 1/4 heads which will reduce water consumption wasting less water Having a weather station at the maintenance facility gives you the current weather conditions at your facility that are specific to the climate and the grasses that you are growing on the golf course. Pay your superintendent, the assistants, the irrigator, and all the maintenance team more than market value.

The very first thing to become Top Golf Course is to make your team work together. This achievement is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the incredible teamwork and collaboration within the departments. The very first step to becoming a top Director of Sales is to make the team work together. Success is a collective effort.

In 2022 we did a complete irrigation system replacement. The original irrigation design did not have proper piping size, and it was PVC set directly on sandstone. We fixed an average of 10 leaks a week. Being in a high desert environment, water conservation and proper usage is vital. A well designed irrigation system using HDPE piping along with a state of the art irrigation program conservatively should save us 25% water usage annually. Continously monitoring and audits now make sure we are using BMPs at our facility.

Personally, I have not found an appropriate software program to achieve all these goals. Design is CAD. Soils are dissimilar but different worldwide. Climate data and plant growth are different models. But then again WHAT is YOUR GOAL? A base irrigation measurement is Megalitres of Water / kilowatts of energy (pump) / result required.

Without getting brand specific, I have found software that enables users to receive alerts via phone or laptop is hands down most cost-effective investment you can make. Remotely turn on or off your system, have data about the previous run cycle before you get to work, just time saved pays for the expense.

Essential tool for irrigation system design is irrigation software. Irrigation software is a computer program that allows you to create, simulate, and analyze your irrigation system on a digital map. You can input data such as soil type, slope, climate, plant type, and water source, and the software will generate a customized irrigation plan that meets your needs and goals. Irrigation software can help you optimize your water use, reduce runoff and erosion, and enhance your turf aesthetics and playability.

Our Groundworks in ground sensors help us monitor ground and soil moisture levels that directly influences our decision making process on a daily basis. Using the app right to my phone allows me to be in constant contact with my superintendent and gives him a second set of eyes.

Im Golf erweisen sich Bewässerungssensoren als bahnbrechend, denn sie sind darauf ausgelegt, sorgfältig verschiedene Aspekte Ihres Bewässerungssystems und der Rasenbedingungen zu überwachen, Daten zu sammeln, wie Bodenfeuchtigkeitsniveaus, Temperatur, Druck, Durchflussrate und Salinität. Die Nutzung von Sensoren ermöglicht einen planbareren Ansatz bei der Wassergabe. Durch die Überwachung dieser Parameter kann man schnell Funktionsstörungen im System identifizieren und beheben, wodurch potenzielle Ausfälle verhindert werden. Darüber hinaus erleichtern sie die Anpassung Ihres Bewässerungsplans in Echtzeit, um ihn an die sich ständig ändernden Bedingungen anzupassen, und gewährleisten, dass optimale Hydrationsniveaus aufrechterhalten werden.

There is too much variability which requires a better method of interpretation per site. Goes to Soil Physics My observation.

Flow sensors are a must for any superintendent that wants to sleep at night. We can calibrate individual zones several ways, but we need the ability to monitor gpm to be proactive. On-site weather stations can be beneficial, however most software nowadays can use internet updated weather reports.

An irrigation controller is basically turning on a system then turning it off due to data change. If the data inputted into the controller --- well. You ALWAYS need to assess the different parts (within the program) to optimise the performance (always to your knowledge).

Estação meteorológica e sensores de umidade Essas ferramentas são fundamentais para a calibração da exata quantidade de água necessária á ser reposta no solo.

Depends on what and where the system is being designed for. Also water source, environmental conditions, system expectations, sustainability and budgets for operation. Are they limiting factors such as operating hours and qualified operators and repair personnel.

Ease of creating new programs to adjust water requirements for seasonal conditions. Mobile ability (iPad or phone) to create program in the field with GPS head location for accuracy verification.

Consider a knowledge team from basic to higher to aid the effective operation of the system. The interaction can improve everyones knowledge.