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Vehicle-Mounted Optical Sensing: An Objective Means for Evaluating Turf Quality
G. E. Bell1, D. L. Martin, S. G. Wiese
1Dep. of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater, OK 74078. Dep. of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater, OK 74078.
Crop Science
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Optical sensing offers an objective method for evaluating turfgrass quality, surpassing subjective human ratings. This technology provides consistent and reliable turf assessment, serving as a valuable tool for turf managers.
Area of Science:
- Horticulture
- Plant Science
- Remote Sensing
Background:
- Visual turfgrass quality assessment is subjective and requires expertise.
- Objective, quantitative evaluation methods are needed for turf quality assessment.
- Optical sensing offers a potential solution for consistent turf quality evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess the accuracy of optical sensing for turf quality evaluation.
- Compare rating consistency between human evaluators and optical sensing.
- Develop a predictive model for turf quality using optical measurements.
Main Methods:
- Collected visual turf quality data (color, texture, percent live cover) and optical reflectance measurements (Red and Near-Infrared).
- Calculated Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from reflectance data.
- Analyzed data from tall fescue and creeping bentgrass trials over 12 months.
Main Results:
- NDVI showed strong correlation with turf color and moderate correlation with percent live cover.
- Optical sensing provided more consistent ratings for color and percent live cover than visual assessments.
- A generalized model was developed to predict NDVI based on turf color and percent live cover.
Conclusions:
- Optical sensing is a fast and reliable method for turfgrass assessment.
- This technology can supplement or replace traditional visual evaluation methods.
- Optical sensing offers objective and consistent data for turf quality management.