TEMPERATURE SENSORS FOR GREENS
To monitor the greens during the winter months we utilize data loggers and temperature sensors to track detailed temperature conditions. The photo on the left depicts the data collected which shows the "blue" actual air temperature and the "brown" under the snow/turf cover temperature of the green. Note on November 15th the "brown" under snow temperature stabilized as evidenced by the first winter snowfall.
Throughout the winter, to date, we have seen actual air temperature lows of -34C and highs of +11C however the temperature under the covers and snow accumulation layer remains between -2C and -8C. It is always interesting how little the first snowfall can be, in this case 4", to create a proper insulating condition that protects the greens. Naturally, our total snowfall, >24" in most locations, stabilizes the temperatures through drastic freeze/thaw cycles in the middle of winter and spring. By tracking temperatures we are able to monitor green conditions accurately to determine if ice is forming (too warm) or if the green is susceptible to cold temperature kill (too cold). Click on the photo to see a larger picture of the graph.
