Abstract: A turf management system for a multi-climate environment including respective micro-climates at different green surfaces that are remote from one another includes a plurality of local control circuits including respective communication interfaces that are configured to receive sensor data from environmental sensors that are locally positioned at the different green surfaces, and a central control circuit that is configured to be communicatively coupled to the local control circuits. The central control circuit includes a network interface that is configured to receive data indicating differing local conditions at the respective micro-climates from the local control circuits, and a processor that is configured to aggregate the data indicating the differing local conditions at the respective micro-climates for output to a user interface. Related circuits, methods of operation, and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: A turf management system includes a wireless receiver that is configured to receive respective wireless signals comprising sensor data from wireless sensors positioned in a soil profile at respective depths below a green surface. A control circuit is coupled to the wireless receiver and is configured to determine soil profile conditions at the respective depths below the green surface responsive to the sensor data. The control circuit is coupled to a subsoil environmental control mechanism and is configured to automatically control operation of the subsoil environmental control mechanism responsive to the soil profile conditions at the respective depths below the green surface. The subsoil environmental control mechanism may include a hydronic mechanism that is configured to circulate fluid through a hydronic tubing network below the green surface.

Abstract: A turf management system includes a wireless receiver that is configured to receive respective wireless signals comprising sensor data from wireless sensors positioned in a soil profile at respective depths below a green surface. A control circuit is coupled to the wireless receiver and is configured to determine soil profile conditions at the respective depths below the green surface responsive to the sensor data. The control circuit is coupled to a subsoil environmental control mechanism and is configured to automatically control operation of the subsoil environmental control mechanism responsive to the soil profile conditions at the respective depths below the green surface. The subsoil environmental control mechanism may include an airflow mechanism that is configured to alter airflow below the green surface, and/or a hydronic mechanism that is configured to circulate fluid through a hydronic tubing network below the green surface.

Abstract: A system for draining liquid from soil is disclosed. The system includes a passive capillary drain in combination with a core for gravity flow, including a sand top dressing layer, a native soil interface, and a rootzone, a curtain traversing from the sand topdressing layer through the native soil interface to at least one tube element, the at least one tube element pulling the water out of the soil with capillary suction, and a core central to the at least one tube element that moves excess water via gravity flow with capillary suction. The elements may be installed parallel at a 3 feet center and a depth of 10 inches, and/or may be installed vertically.

Abstract: A system and method for conditioning turf at of one or more golf course areas includes an aeration subsystem having subsurface aeration conduits for aerating the area, and an air blower unit in fluid communication with the aeration conduits configured to provide one of a vacuum in a vacuum mode and air under pressure in a pressure mode in the conduits. A control module is provided which responds to a directive for controlling operation of the aeration subsystem in response to sensing environmental parameters. The control module operates the blower in repetitive cycles of intermittent operation in one of the vacuum mode and pressure mode wherein each cycles includes a blower-on and blower-off mode. The blower-on mode operates the blower units for a first time interval and the blower-off mode ceases operation of the blower units for a second time interval during each cycle.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for managing a plurality of areas of interest of a golf course. The system comprises a plurality of subsurface aeration subsystems and a programmable master control module. Each subsystem provides to a specific area at least one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum. In each area of interest, a local control module is responsive to a directive and to a datum (environmental or operational parameter). The local control module is configured to operate the subsystem and is in communication with the programmable master control module. The programmable master control module receives from the local control modules area information representing a status of the respective specific area to which the local control module is dedicated, and in response to the area information and to a command, the programmable master control module issues a directive to the local control module to operate the subsurface aeration subsystem.

Abstract: A perforated pipe network beneath a playing surface. A blower connected to the pipe network drawing an air flow through the pipe network to create a vacuum. A drain pipe connecting to the pipe network. An air/water separator connected upstream of the blower for separating water from the air flow prior to entering the blower and channeling the water into the drain pipe for discharge. A flow control unit having a unit inlet connected to the drain pipe downstream of the air/water separator and a unit outlet discharging water to a drain outlet. The flow control unit blocking air flow through the unit inlet into the drain pipe when the blower is in the vacuum mode, and opening the unit inlet when a waterhead buildup at the unit inlet exceeds the vacuum level established by the blower to discharge water through the drain outlet.

Abstract: The invention is a battery powered source for an air handling system that provides subsurface aeration services when an available power source provides insufficient power. The system comprises a subsurface aeration duct, a motor, an air pump, a storage battery, a battery charger, and a control circuit responsive to commands. The control circuit is operatively coupled to the storage battery to control a connection of the storage battery to provide power to the motor. In response to a command, the control circuit connects the storage battery to provide power to the motor, and the storage battery provides sufficient power to operate the motor and air pump satisfactorily for operation of an air handling system used for subsurface aeration. The system further comprises a reversing valve to provide air under pressure with air flow in a first direction, and partial vacuum with air flow in a second direction.

Abstract: The invention is a system for managing a plurality of areas of interest of a golf course. The system comprises a plurality of electromechanical subsystems and a programmable master control module. Each subsystem provides to a specific area at least one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum. In each area of interest, a local control module is responsive to a directive and to a datum. The local control module is configured to operate the subsystem and is in communication with the programmable master control module. The programmable master control module receives from at least two of the plurality of local control modules information representing a status of the respective specific area to which the local control module is dedicated, and in response to the information and to a command, the programmable master control module issues a directive to the local control module to operate the electromechanical subsystem.