Newsletter
Spring 2002
Mapping Drainage Systems In
Golf Greens Using a Ground Penetrating Radar
Boniak, R., S.-K. Chong, and Boniak, T., Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, S.J. Indorante, and J.A. Doolittle, United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Good golf green drainage is important for healthy turf and proper playing surface. With time, golf green drainage systems can fail or become plugged up due to improper construction and/or management. Unfortunately, many golf green drainage maps are either unavailable or incorrectly marked. Locating a drainage system in a green is very time consuming and frustrating job. Many golf course superintendents invested many hours in locating theses pipes when drainage problems arose. Correcting the drainage problems can be destructive to the green and expensive when location of the present system is unknown.
In this study, a SIR System 2000 GPR manufactured by Geophysical Surveys Systems Inc. was used to map the drainage systems in a USGA style green and a California style green. A previous SIU-C study indicated that GPR could accurately locate the drainage tiles in a golf green with minimum time and minimum disturbance to the green.
Study Area and
Site Conditions
The two study sites were located near
The Radar
Equipment and How It Works
Our study used the Subsurface Interface Radar (SIR)
System-2000, manufactured by Geophysical Survey Systems Inc (GSSI)(Photo 1).
With ground-penetrating radar, depth of observation decreases rapidly with increasing antenna frequency and soil conductivity. In one soil, radar may reveal features 10 feet deep, while in another soil material, the radar may only reveal features 2 feet deep. In many radar studies, resolution is often sacrificed for increased observation depths as lower-frequency antennas (10 to 300 megahertz) are used.
When profiling and investigating golf greens, the depth of interest is generally 0 to 24 inches. For this study, a 400-megahertz antenna (Photo 2) was used, because it provides improved resolution of subsurface features at shallow observation depths.
The radar detects the “interface” or contact points between materials with different electromagnetic properties. Density, water content, texture or foreign bodies can influence electromagnetic properties. Each interface revealed on the radar profile is generally displayed as a group of dark bands.
Figure 1 is a portion of a radar scan from the USGA green No. 3 at Stone Creek Golf Club.
The uppermost interface in Figure 1 (the top red band) represents reflections from the soil or green surface. The major subsurface reflections in this radar profile are the sand mix, the gravel layer and the interface where the sand mix meets the gravel layer. With ground penetrating radar even small objects such as rocks, roots or buried cultural features produce unique reflections. These features are referred to as “point reflectors”. A point reflector can be seen within the gravel layer can be seen between the 1 and 2 meter marks. This point reflector is the cross sectional view of a 4-inch-dimeter, perforated, plastic drainage pipe. To map the drainage system in golf greens, the radar scans are made perpendicular to the drainage system and the parallel scan lines are spaced 1 meter apart.
Figure 1.
Drainage
System Maps
Prior to scanning, a 1m x 1m grid pattern was overlaid on the entire green. To establish this grid pattern, the sprinkler heads were used as reference points. The grid was flagged at every meter including the boundary of the green. The GPR system is then calibrated for each green to allow for the best viewing window.
A three persons team worked together for scanning of the greens. A green of 5,000 square feet took about one hour to flag and scan. In general, flagging takes longer time than scanning. The scanning (Photo 3) takes about 15-20 minutes. The data was then analyzed by Radan software (GSSI). The results were transferred and mapped using a simple spreadsheet to plot the boundary and the drainage system of the green. Figure 2 shows the drainage system of Green #3 (USGA Style Green) at Stone Creek Golf Course and Figure 3 shows the drainage system of Green #2 (California Style Green) at Hickory Ridge Golf
Course.
Photo 3. Richard Boniak attempts to locate tile lines using the GPR to scan a golf green.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Summary
Use of ground penetrating radar for mapping drainage tile in golf greens can be very effective. Superintendents can use this technology to accurately and precisely identify drainage tile and other subsurface features (e.g. areas of compaction or wetness) in a golf green. The application of GPR technology to golf greens is still in the early stages, but it already shows great promise in the trouble shooting and management of golf green drainage systems. Having the ability to study the subsurface features of a golf green without digging a hole will minimize the cost of finding and fixing subsurface drainage problems.
________________________________________________________________________
Richard Boniak, She-Kong Chong and Thomas Boniak are affiliated with the Plant and Soil Science
Department at Southern Illinois University in
CERFTIFICATION BOARD
The following individuals comprise the Certification Board for 2002. Dana Grantham has been approved by the ISCA Council as one
of the new Certification Board members.
Steve Elmer has agreed to serve on the Board also. But
his appointment is tentative, at this point, until approved by the ISCA
Council. Officers for the Certification
Board were also selected and approved at the certification board meeting after
the ISCA Annual
Meeting.
Jerry Berning,
Chair. 2811 Brown St. , Alton , IL 62002
Bob Oja,
1143
N. Seminary Ave. Box 168 , Woodstock , IL 60098
Jim Hornickel,
Sec.-Treas., 104 Cornell Dr Normal , IL 61761
Doug Gaines,
8611 Wieseman
Road ,
Worden , IL 62097 , (618)-459-8619
Dana Grantham,
9238 N. 15th Ave. , Butler , IL 62015-2301 , (217)-532-5285
Steve Elmer*, 27892 Ebenezer Rd. , Geneseo , IL 61254
*tentative - pending ISCA Council approval
Expiration of board
members terms are during the Annual Meeting in the
year as follows:
2003 - Berning and Oja
2004 - Gaines and Hornickel
2005 - Grantham and
Elmer*
Submitted by: Jim Hornickel, Secretary/Treasurer, ISCA Certification Board
MINUTES
ISCA COUNCIL MEETING
NRCS FIELD OFFICE,
Present:
Karla Hanson, President
Lester Bushue, President-Elect
Ken Anderson, Past-President
Bill Teater, Vice-President
Charles Frazee, Treasurer
Bob Tegeler, Secretary
Jim Hornickel, Secretary-Treasurer
Certification Board
Jeff Deniger, Chairperson Constitution, By-Laws, and Legislative
Committee
Don Fehrenbacher, Chairperson Public Relations
and Education Committee/Special Appointee to State Advisory Commission on
Private Sewage Disposal
The Council Meeting was called to order by President Karla Hanson at
Secretary's
Report - Bob Tegeler. The minutes were approved with one correction
noted. Bob mentioned that new stationary
was ordered and received. He also
reported that 27 non-certified members have paid their 2002 dues to date. Bob contacted Tom Hanzely
at his new address, and he has paid his membership dues.
Treasurer's
Report - Charles Frazee. Two
reports were handed out. The first
report showed income and expenses since the last council meeting. The second report showed income and expenses
for the past year, January through December 2001. Charles mentioned that the $2000.00 seed
money for the Central States Forest-Soils Workshop plus an additional $500.00, will be sent to the state hosting the workshop next
year. The Treasurer's reports were
approved as written.
Certification Board - Jim Hornickel,
Secretary/Treasurer. No new applications
have been received to date. Jim reported
that there are currently 44 Certified ISCA members. Three of these members will need to recertify
by the end of this year. 29 Certified
Members have paid their 2002 dues to date.
Jim mentioned a note he had received from Earl Voss concerning an
individual interested in ISCA Certification.
Jim will forward the note to Mark Bramstedt, Chairperson of the Ethics, Certification and Membership Committee.
Standing Committee reports
Constitution,
By-Laws and Legislative - Jeff
Deniger. Jeff discussed options developed by his
committee to stagger the terms of Secretary and Treasurer. Various items were discussed. It was decided that the office of Treasurer
will be placed on the ballot this year.
The candidate receiving the most votes will serve a 3 year term. This will stagger the offices of Secretary
and Treasurer. The office of Secretary
will be on the ballot in 2003.
Ethics,
Certification and Membership -
No report. No new applications are pending.
Finance - Bill Teater. No new
activities to date. Charles Frazee, Treasurer, will provide the
necessary audit information to Bill.
Newsletter -Karla Hanson reported that the next newsletter
will be sent during the first week of February.
The deadline for articles is January 31.
Nominations
- Ken Anderson. The
ballot for the upcoming election of officers is set. Ken will have the candidates provide
biographical information to Matt McCauley, for the newsletter.
Public
Relations and Education Committee/Special Appointee to State Advisory
Commission on Private Sewage Disposal - Don Fehrenbacher. Don reported that there will probably not be
a uniform state code, but it may be revised.
There is still support for eliminating perc
tests. It is possible that aerobic
systems will need a subsurface filter field in the future. Don is continuing to work on the database for
the ISCA webpage, particularly the map of
Program - Karla Hanson read a report prepared by Chris
Cochran, Program Chairperson. The Annual
Meeting will be held on
Ad Hoc Committees
Historic
- No report.
State
Soil -No report.
Technical Criteria (Key to
Wastewater Loading Rates) - No
report. The new key will need to be ready to be
inserted in the code, if the code is updated.
Old Business
ISCA Web page - The state soil information was updated
on the web page.
Special Event Plates - Karla Hanson mentioned that information
concerning the license plates will appear in the next ISCA Newsletter. The interest of ISCA members, in purchasing
license plates, will need to be determined before any further action is decided
upon.
New Business
LaSalle County Health
Department/Roy Mahnesmith - Karla Hanson discussed a letter she received
from Roy Mahnesmith concerning his interest in
becoming a certified member of ISCA. He
would like to obtain soil classification experience by assisting the LaSalle
County Soil Survey Update with field transects, etc. Karla Hanson will meet with him to discuss
his request. Jim Hornickel
mentioned that he had talked with
The next ISCA Council Meeting
will be held on
The meeting adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Tegeler, Secretary
MINUTES
ISCA COUNCIL MEETING
ILLINI STUDENT UNION, COLONIAL ROOM,
Present:
Lester Bushue, President-Elect
Bill Teater, Vice-President
Charles Frazee, Treasurer
Bob Tegeler, Secretary
Gerald Berning, Chairperson Certification Board
Doug Gaines, Certification Board
The Council Meeting was called to order by Vice-President Bill Teater at
Secretary's
Report - Bob Tegeler. The minutes were approved as written. Bob mentioned that three non-certified
members have not paid their 2002 dues to date.
Treasurer's
Report - Charles Frazee. The
treasurer's report showed a balance of $10,011.09 as of
Certification Board - All 44 ISCA Certified Soil Classifiers have paid
their 2002 renewal fee.
Standing Committee reports
Constitution,
By-Laws and Legislative - No
report.
Ethics, Certification and
Membership -Bill Teater handed
out copies of the membership application of Roy Mahnesmith. Based on the recommendation of the committee and a review
of the application by the Executive Council,
Finance - Bill Teater. The
Finance Report and Proposed Budget for 2002 was handed
out. It was reviewed by the Executive
Council.
Newsletter -No report.
Nominations - No report.
Public
Relations and Education Committee/Special Appointee to State Advisory
Commission on Private Sewage Disposal - No report.
Program - No report.
Ad Hoc Committees
Historic - Bill Teater presented Chairperson Roger Windhorn's report.
All of the historic information has been filed. There are still gaps in some areas. ISCA needs to consider having an
"Official ISCA Photographer".
State Soil -Bob Tegeler presented
a draft of a poster designed at the Illinois NRCS State Office. It shows some of the soils of
Technical
Criteria (Key to Wastewater Loading Rates) - No report.
Old Business
ISCA Web page - Bill Teater reported that the
New Business
ISCA Purchase of publisher software
- Bob Tegeler
discussed the possibility of purchasing software to enable both the ISCA
Secretary and the Secretary-Treasurer of the Certification Board to print the
membership cards. No decision was made.
The next ISCA Council Meeting
will be held on
The meeting adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Tegeler, Secretary
ISCA 27TH ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
Illini Student Union, Colonial Room,
Welcome, opening remarks, and call for ballots by Bill Teater, ISCA
Vice-President.
Invocation was given by Bill Teater.
Approximately 32 members and guests were in attendance.
Lunch was served.
Vice-President Bill Teater called the business meeting to order at
Secretary’s Report - Bob Tegeler reported
that he prepared minutes for the five Executive Council Meetings held since the
last annual meeting. The ISCA database
was coordinated with Charles Frazee, ISCA Treasurer; and Jim Hornickel, Secretary/Treasurer of the Certification
Board. Bob urged members to contact ISCA
if their address changes during the year. Currently there are 100 members of
ISCA.
Treasurer’s Report - Charles Frazee reviewed income and
expenses for the past year. He mentioned
the inventory of shirts, caps, magnets, and ISCA cards. Charles also reminded ISCA Members to contact
him if they have paid their Soil Survey
Horizons subscription. ISCA will
refund the subscription fee to those ISCA Members who paid the fee.
Certification
Board – Gerald Berning, Chairperson. Currently there are 44 ISCA
Certified Members. Apparently some of
the county lists of ISCA Certified Soil Classifiers,
do not have the addresses listed correctly.
Individuals were urged to check the county lists where they work to
insure that the list is accurate.
Special
Appointee to State Advisory Commission on Private Sewage Disposal – No
report.
Committee Reports
Constitution, By-Laws
and Legislative – Jeff Deniger,
Chairperson. Jeff reported that the
committee also included Dale Calsyn and Cathy Swain. He discussed his committee's efforts
regarding the need to stagger the terms of ISCA Secretary and Treasurer. The Executive Council decided to put the
Treasurer's office on the ballot this year.
Ethics, Certification and
Membership – Mark Stelford,
committee member, presented the report.
The committee also included Mark Bramstedt, Chairperson, and Gloria Westphal. Mark
mentioned that the committee received three inquiries for ISCA membership
information, during the past year. The
committee received two requests for membership.
The Committee received and approved one application for Associate Membership. The Committee also received and approved one
request to upgrade membership status from "Out of State Member" to
"Full Member".
Finance\ISCA Web site – Bill Teater, Chairperson. Bill audited the books of the Illinois Soil
Classifiers Association and found that the books were in order and accounts
verified. The bank balance as of
Newsletter – No report.
Nominations – No report.
Public
Relations and Education – No
report.
Program – Chris Cochran, Chairperson. The
committee also included Ron Collman, Doug Gaines, and
Sam Werner. This year the committee
planned the Summer\Fall Meeting and the Annual Meeting. Chris reported that a two day ISCA
Summer\Fall Meeting was held on September 14 and 15, 2001. A
tour of Fragipan soils was held in Crawford,
Historic – Earl Voss, committee member, read Chairperson
Roger Windhorn's report. All information received to date has been
filed. However, there are still some
gaps in some of the information. The
Committee suggests that ISCA consider having an Official ISCA Photographer.
State
Soil – Robert McLeese,
Chairperson. Bob handed out an information sheet
discussing the events that led to the designation of Drummer as the State Soil
of Illinois. He reported that the State
Soil Bill was signed by Governor Ryan on
Technical Criteria (Keys to Wastewater Loading Rates) – Chris
Cochran reported that according to Bruce Putman, Chairperson, the information
in the ISCA Newsletter concerning the new loading rates did not generate any
response from ISCA Members. The new
loading rates may need to be inserted in an upcoming ISCA Newsletter for
additional comment. Wiley Scott
mentioned that he tested the new key for loading rates, and found it to be less
restrictive than the old key. He thought
the new keys worked well.
OLD BUSINESS – None
NEW BUSINESS
Election
Results – Mark Stelford,
President-Elect; Dale Calsyn, Vice-President; and Charles Frazee, Treasurer.
The Keynote Address – The address was presented by David Grimley and Nancy Arruda,
Illinois State Geological Survey. They
discussed the use of Magnetic Susceptibility to Delineate Hydric Soils.
Raffle -Bob McLeese and Jaimee Hammit each received a
book from the dedication of the new Agriculture Library; Larry Gramm received a $25.00 gift certificate; and Earl Voss
received a refund for the cost of the Annual Meeting Dinner.
Bent Auger Award – No nominations were received, so the Bent
Auger Award remains with last year's recipients, Ron Collman
and Sam Werner.
Special Presentation - A plaque was presented to Bob McLeese in
appreciation for his efforts as Chairperson of the State Soil Committee.
Passing of the Gavel – Vice-President Bill Teater handed the gavel to
incoming President Lester Bushue. Les
briefly discussed the inconsistency of criteria for conducting on-sites between
adjacent states.
2001 ISCA Officers and Committee
Chairpersons
Executive Council
President – Lester
Bushue
Vice-President –
Dale Calsyn
Treasurer – Charles
Frazee
Secretary – Bob Tegeler
Past-President –
Karla Hanson
President-Elect –
Mark Stelford
Committees
Nominations – Karla Hanson
Finance – Dale Calsyn
Newsletter – Matt McCauley