Monday, November 5, 2007 - 3:15 PM
73-9
Utilization of Remote Sensing Technology to Assess Water and Nitrogen Stress in Ultradwarf Bermudagrass.
Jason Frank1, Bryan J. Unruh1, Barry Brecke1, Laurie Trenholm1, Wonsuk Lee2, and Jasmeet Judge2. (1) Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, 4253 Experiment Dr. Hwy 182, Jay, FL 32565, (2) Agriculture Engineering, University of Florida, Po Box 110570, Gainesville, FL 32611
Increasing restrictions on water availability as well as nutrient leaching awareness is prompting turf managers to reduce their consumptive water use and cautiously apply fertilizers. Using remote sensing technology to detect the onset of turfgrass moisture and nutrient stress may be a useful tool allowing the turf managers to make site-specific applications of irrigation and fertilizers. The objective of this research is to assess the ability of remote sensing instruments to detect moisture and nitrogen stress on hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon X C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy) turf. Research is being conducted on research plots at the University of Florida , West Florida Research and Education Center , Jay , FL. A split plot factorial design was constructed observing four nitrogen levels across four irrigation regimes. Spectral reflectance data (300-2500 nm) acquired from a hand-held Analytical Spectral Devices, Inc. hyperspectral spectroradiometer, as well a ground based vehicle mounted optical sensor (NDVI) are being correlated with volumetric soil moisture (via time domain reflectometry), nitrogen and chlorophyll tissue content, ground based canopy temperature (via IR thermometer) and turfgrass color, quality, density ratings.