Subsurface drip irrigation has long been an excellent way to irrigate steep bunker surrounds. Research has even shown that utilizing this irrigation strategy on island tees can save substantial amounts of water while providing great turf conditions. Like traditional overhead sprinklers, drip systems also can develop problems every now and then. However, unlike overhead sprinklers, seeing subsurface drip system problems is challenging because everything is buried underground. Are there leaks? Is there enough pressure through the system? Is it even on?
During a recent USGA Course Consulting Service visit, I saw a simple way to quickly confirm that a subsurface drip system is indeed working and has enough pressure. Installed at the end of the drip line was a regular pop-up spray head. When the system is charged and running, the pop-up head comes up. There is no nozzle so no water is coming out, but the spray head sticks up above the surrounding turf. If there are leaks or pressure problems – or if the drip system is failing to turn on – this indicator will not pop up and you’ll know it’s time to investigate further. If you’ve got subsurface drip systems at your course, consider adding this indicator head to the end of each zone. It’s a quick way to confirm the system is operating as it should be.
West Region Agronomists:
Brian Whitlark, senior consulting agronomist – bwhitlark@usga.org
Cory Isom, agronomist – cisom@usga.org