Elisabeth Clover Artemis Kitchin, Caleb A. Henderson, David S. McCall
Abstract
Localized dry spot (LDS) develops on intensively managed turfgrasses in areas where the soil has become hydrophobic, resulting in extensive drought stress from insufficient available moisture for the plants. This issue can create both negative aesthetics and a nonuniform playing surface on golf courses if not managed correctly. Early detection of LDS is essential for timely remediation. This study investigates the potential of aerial thermal imagery acquired via drone flights for the early prediction of LDS development on golf course fairways. Three drone flights were conducted over a fairway to assess the changes in surface canopy temperatures over time in LDS-affected areas and asymptomatic creeping bentgrass. The results to date suggest that LDS symptoms are detectable in thermal imagery up to three weeks before they become visible to the naked eye. Analyzing the temperature patterns derived from the thermal imagery data showed significant differences between areas afflicted by LDS and nearby asymptomatic bentgrass. These differences in surface canopy temperature were statistically significant as early as three weeks before the visible symptoms of LDS became apparent. The findings of this project highlight the potential of aerial thermal imagery as a promising tool for early identification and monitoring of LDS on golf course fairways, though additional research is needed for confirmation.
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