Green Space Data Collection: Why Is It Important?
In recent years, green space data collection has become popular among greenkeepers. With research such as clipping volume and testing organic matter becoming a common practice for most golf course managers, there are various ways to maintain and upkeep green space for championship-quality turf.
Seasonal tracking and daily data collections are essential for improving the turf and the game. These processes help greenkeepers to make well-informed decisions from greenspace data, providing a better experience for everyone on the pitch.
Clipping Volume
Clipping volume is essential for understanding how the turf responds to nitrogen, plant growth regulators and other inputs. The process includes measuring the volume of grass clippings that are collected after the course is cut and inputting the data at the end of each session.
Most greenkeepers distribute the clippings into a container with measurements inside, making it easier to transfer the data into the spreadsheet. Although the metric used for the data is optional, most greenkeepers choose mL/m2. This provides an average number between 1 and 100 when analysing and comparing the results.
Seasonal Data Tracking
Seasonal data tracking is equally as important as daily collections, with green speeds and organic matter testing being an essential part of the upkeep of a golf course.
Organic matter is the overriding factor for a successful green. Not only does it include all of the essential nutrients for plant growth, but it is also associated with the release of nitrogen which is crucial for sports performance.
How Can Green Space Data Be Tracked?
Keeping track of daily and seasonal data helps to find crucial information for the overall quality and performance of the golf course. However, it is essential to keep track of the data to make informed decisions.
Spreadsheets are a great option for collecting all of the results in one place, making it easy to collaborate and compare your findings.
Alternatively, if you are only just beginning to collect green space data, existing programmes are available to help you get started. Not only can these programmes collate the data more easily but they are also great for receiving immediate feedback.
Understand Green Space Data with Grass Science Seeds
Here at Grass Science Seeds, we are passionate about using data to make informed decisions regarding your turf. Utilising data for grass maintenance will not only help golfers see better results during their game but there will also be noticeable differences in the overall upkeep of the course.
Our team are proud to be a Regional Partner with the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA). Not only does our partnership with BIGGA allow us to deepen our knowledge in greenkeeping but it also provides our team with the opportunity to share more of our expertise on turf management.
For more information about green space data collection or to speak to a member of the GSS team, contact us today.