The POGO Turf Pro System - Turf-Tec International · The POGO requires the use of any Apple or Android phone, tablet or iPod touch device to run the powerful POGO Turf Pro app

The POGO Turf Pro System

www.pogoturfpro.com

POGO Turf and Soil Insight Tool - POGO Turf Pro app - POGO Turf Pro Cloud

For distribution opportunities or to participate in our worldwide case

study research analysis efforts, contact us at @POGOTurfPro

http://www.pogoturfpro.com/

mailto:[email protected]

Table of Contents • The POGO System (Turf and Soil Insight Tool, Apple/Android

app, POGO Turf Pro cloud analytics system

• The Unique POGO Integrated Sensor - Optimally Designed for Turfgrass

• Charging the POGO

• Taking Samples Properly with the POGO

• Downloading the POGO Turf Pro app to your Device

• Connecting the POGO to your Apple or Android Device

• Connecting the POGO Turf Pro App to your POGO

• Logging in a New User

• Choosing and Adding a Course – The Course Screen

• Sampling with the POGO, Sample Screen

• Sample Setup Basics

• Additional Sampling Considerations

• The Setup Menu

• Setup Functions

• Set Up a Zone

• Setting a Zone Boundary

• Maximizing GPS Accuracy and Precision

• Mounting the POGO to a Utility Cart

• Locations

• Warnings

• The POGO Turf and Soil Analysis

• Logging Cups

• Logging Sprinklers

• Accessing Specs

• The POGO Turf Pro Cloud Analytics System - Overview

• Sync Up with the Cloud (Syncing settings/device setup)

• The Syncing Process

• The Data Screen

• Cloud Login (Uploading Data and Syncing with the Cloud)

• Confirming Data Upload (Sync Complete)

• Disconnecting, Logging Out, Using HELP

• Support

• Common Errors and Error Messages

• Using the POGO Effectively – POGO’s Information and What it Means

Tap this icon on any page to return to the Table of ContentsTap any topic to link to that page

The POGO System - The POGO Turf and Soil Insight Tool

Stevens’ Hydra Probe II sensor measuring

moisture, salinity and canopy temperature. 5 year warranty. No calibration needed.

High grade marine steel

Durable anodized aluminum shaft. Contains 9 industrial grade NiMH rechargeable batteries

with extended life performance

Durable Delrin plastic built for long life

protection of internal components

Charger port

Power (On/Off) button Battery Level LED Indicator.

6 Green, 2 Yellow, 2 Red lights

Internal sub-meter GPS chip and Wi-Fi board

The POGO requires the use of any Apple or Android phone, tablet or iPod touch device to run the powerful POGO Turf Pro app

Wi-Fi Ad Hoc POGO to Apple/Android device

connection

The POGO System - The POGO Turf Pro App

Find the free ‘POGO Turf Pro’ app on the Apple App store for Apple or Google Play Store for Android devices.

Search: ‘pogo turf pro’

Note that on iPad devices, be sure to search the ‘iPhone only’ category of apps as the POGO Turf Pro app is categorized that way with Apple. It

works perfectly well with iPad regardless of this

The Optional POGO Turf Pro Cloud Analytics system allows for rapid interpretation and analysis of all POGO samples, weather, user-inputted information and more instantly!

Includes these and so much more: Organized Data

Trend analysis

Full Weather/ET/GDD Array with the optional POGO weather station

POGO Visual Analysis and Custom Mapping

Instant Insight Dashboards

Instant Cup Reports and Pin Sheets

Customized Analysis Reports

The POGO System – POGO Cloud

The Unique POGO Integrated Sensor - Optimally Designed for Turfgrass

Measures Moisture (wfv), Salinity (EC in dS/m) and Canopy Temperature

The integrated sensor targets the top 2.2“ (5.6 cm)…the primary indicator of turf and soil health as it impacts surface performance

>80% of all salinity and moisture exchange occurs in this region in all turf systems, regardless of root depth

The metal must come in contact with the targeted zone (turf canopy) and may require a brief period of time to acclimate when air or sun cause variance in temperature between the sensor and the turf prior to sampling

The POGO’s integrated sensor is the Stevens Hydra Probe II (www.stevenswater.com, Est. 1911), utilized by the USDA, NASA, NOAA and other academic and governmental agencies around the world

No Calibration Required

Stable, precise and accurate measurements despite dynamic changes in compaction, EC, organic matter, plant growth, sun/shade, microbial activity and other influencing variables within turf zones or from zone to zone or region to region

http://www.stevenswater.com/

Charging the POGOThe POGO will turn off when the charger is inserted. The POGO is ‘On’ when the battery indicator LED is illuminated as indicated in the image to the left (2 green lights indicating a near full charge)

Hold power button momentarily to turn on/off

Plug the silver charger connector into the battery charger port on the POGO as indicated by the arrow to the left

Connect the 2-piece charger cord by inserting the black electrical cord connector into the transformer block

Plug the AC outlet plug into any available 110-220 volt electrical outlet (Non US outlets may require a local adapter not supplied with the POGO)

The POGO’s industrial grade NiMH batteries are engineered to last well beyond a day of heavy sampling and mapping. However, it is advised that you charge the POGO at the end of each day so you have a full charge for the next day’s use

There are 10 lights on the POGO’s LED battery indicator panel. These include 6 green, 2 yellow and 2 red. It is BEST to operate the POGO when the battery indicator remains in the green light status. If you see yellow lights, charge as soon as possible. At any time you may see one solid light and an additional solid or flashing light indicating movement to the next level of discharge

Never operate the POGO when RED lights are showing. Charge immediately if you have discharged the POGO to this level

Taking Samples Properly with the POGOThe POGO is designed to be inserted in the ground the same way time after time allowing for consistent measurements

Be sure to insert the POGO completely into the turf so that the plate at the base of the shaft is firmly compressed against the turf canopy

Routinely sample putting greens at 2 samples for every 1000 ft2 (93 m2) or 9-10 samples for an average size green measuring approximately 5,000 ft2 (465 m2). Sample fairways, sports fields and other larger areas at approximately 20 samples per acre

The 2 images to the bottom left show typical patterns for routinely sampling 2 different putting greens…one of which is average in size while the other is larger requiring more samples to adequately capture the conditions of the green

Be sure to completely insert the POGO into the turf as indicated on the right photo

5,000 ft2 PG on the right = 9 samples

8,000 ft2 PG on the left = 15

samples

Downloading the POGO Turf Pro App to your DeviceSearch ‘POGO Turf Pro’ on the Apple App store or Google Play store (Android) to install the free POGO Turf Pro app on your phone, tablet or iPod Touch device

For Apple iPad users, be sure to search with the option ‘iPhone Only’ since Apple’s App organization lists the POGO Turf Pro app as an iPhone app. POGO Turf Pro works perfectly well on the iPad once the app has been installed

In your Apple or Android device’s Wi-Fi settings, de-select the option to ‘Auto switch to mobile network’ when the internet connection is unstable. The POGO requires a Wi-Fi Ad-Hoc connection with an Apple or Android device. Allowing the device to auto connect to an internet source will result in constant disconnection from the POGO so be sure to not select this when prompted

Once installed on your device, the ‘POGO Turf’

icon will show up in your app list as indicated here

Connecting the POGO to your Apple or Android DeviceTo use the POGO Turf and Soil Insight Tool with the POGO Turf Pro app, you must simply connect the POGO to your device ANDconnect the POGO Turf Pro app to the POGO

To connect the POGO Turf and Soil Insight Tool to your device, power on the POGO by pressing and holding the power button momentarily (the battery level indicator LED lights will illuminate)

On your Apple or Android device, open the Wi-Fi settings and ensure your Wi-Fi radio is ‘On’

Your POGO will appear as the word ‘POGO’ followed by your POGO’s serial number (Example: POGO 123456). See image:

With the Wi-Fi radio on and the POGO powered on, you will see your POGO in the

available Wi-Fi networks list

To connect your device to the POGO, simply choose your POGO from this list, and accept

any messages confirming you wish to connect

In this image, the POGO 111111 is connected as indicated by the check (√) mark

Connecting the POGO Turf Pro App to your POGOOnce your device is connected to the POGO in the Wi-Fi settings, you are now ready to connect the POGO Turf Pro App to the POGO

Open the POGO Turf Pro App by clicking it as you would any app on your device. You may be prompted if it is OK to share your location, use your photos or access other parts of your device. Agree to allow those so the app can function properly. POGO TurfPro will not interfere with your other apps or mobile functions

Upon clicking the POGO Turf Pro app, the intro screen for

the app (left) will appear briefly before taking you to

the ‘Login’ page

The app requires at least one user to function

On initial use, create a new user by tapping ‘Add New User’ on the Login page

(right)

Logging in a New UserOnce you open the POGO Turf Pro app, a short initialization period will occur (≈2 seconds)

If this is your first use, you will have to set up a new user. Otherwise, your user(s) will appear in a list

After tapping ‘Add New User’, enter a name and the default email for the user

Save the user

You may have any number of users

When adding a new user, choose a name and provide an email as indicated in the first image to the right

Be sure to ‘Save’ your new user

After your initial setup and after the app initializes, you will see your user(s) in the Login list as indicated to the right (only one user shown here)

Choosing and Adding a Course – The Course Screen

Once you choose a user, you are taken to the ‘Course’ page

If this is your first use, you will have to set up a new course. Otherwise, choose a course from your list (none listed until you set one up as indicated in this image)

If adding a new course, choose ‘Add New Course’

The ‘Sync Up with the Cloud’ option allows you to sync all of your settings with the POGO Turf Pro Cloud system. If you previously set up a property, you can choose this option to sync all of those settings to your mobile device or any number of devices

You must have a POGO Turf Pro cloud account to utilize the Sync and cloud analytics functions (Sign up at www.pogoturfpro.com)


Adding a New CourseOnce you choose ‘Add New Course’, you are prompted to enter some info

You need at least a name and GPS coordinates to log a new course. It is best to get the GPS position of the course using the POGO’s GPS radio (Tap button)

When connected to the POGO in your Wi-Fi settings and when the POGO has a GPS fix, you can use the POGO’s GPS. This is indicated in the app by showing ‘Get POGO GPS’ in the lower left hand button. Simply tap this button to fill in the GPS position of the course (from anywhere on the property)

Be sure to ‘Save’ your course info

Fill in the GPS position of your course by tapping ‘Get POGO GPS’ from anywhere on the property

while the POGO has a clear view of the sky

Save your course once you have at least a name and GPS coordinates for your course or property

Choosing a CourseOnce you either set up a new course or have at least one in your course list already, choose the course you

are sampling

This will take you to the ‘Connect’ screen

Make sure that your POGO and serial number are listed above the ‘Connect’ button. If they are not, you must access your device’s Wi-Fi settings and make sure your

POGO is connected with Wi-Fi

Tap ‘Connect’. You will be taken to the ‘Sample’ page where you are ready to start sampling at will

In this case, the POGO 100002 is connected to this mobile device and is ready to be connected to the app.

Tap ‘Connect’

Sampling with the POGO – The Sample Screen

Takes you to the ‘Setup’ menu

Moisture % (wfv)

Color and bar indicators related to your ‘warning’ settings

Canopy Temperature C

Last sample info

Sample button, tap once POGO is inserted in the turf. Tap the ‘+’ sign for

one touch sample/save

Lat/Long indicator from POGO

Zone / Location of course or property where you are sampling

Current data set. Tap to change data set

Salinity, EC in dS/m

Average of all readings in current zone

Canopy Temperature F

Number of samples taken in the current zone

Save button to save your sample with or without photo and memo

Photo and memo buttons to take a photo/memo with a sample

GPS button indicating active POGO GPS (white) and # of satellites

Tap ‘SPEC’ to enter ball speed, firmness, slope and custom variables

Salinity index, indicates concentration of salts for given amount of moisture

Sampling with the POGO – Sampling Setup BasicsYou can sample on the fly right from the sample page without making

any other settings changes if you wish. Simply insert the POGO and tap Sample. However, to maximize the use of the app, a few simple settings

should be made specific to your property




Zones are specific areas of your property such as 01 Green, 09 Green, 18 FW, Football Field 01, etc. Tap to scroll your zones left to right




Zones are specific areas of your property such as 01 Green, 09 Green, 18 FW, Football Field 01, Baseball Field 3, etc

Locations (Loc) are positions within zones that you monitor regularly and are typically numbered in succession such as 01, 02, 03, etc. Tap to scroll top to bottom. (Locations are optional and not necessary when using POGO Turf Pro cloud analytics)





Locations (Loc) are positions within zones that you monitor regularly and are typically numbered in succession such as 01, 02, 03, etc.

(Locations are optional and not necessary when using POGO Turf Pro cloud analytics)

Warnings are the target levels you set for your optimal moisture, EC and Temp conditions. Their settings drive the sample colors + indicators.

Optimally, you drive conditions to the middle bar and black text





Locations (Loc) are positions within zones that you monitor regularly and are typically numbered in succession such as 01, 02, 03, etc.

(Locations are optional and not necessary when using POGO Turf Pro cloud analytics)

Warnings are the target levels you set for your optimal moisture, EC and Temp conditions. Their settings drive the sample colors + indicators.

Optimally, you drive conditions to the middle bar and black text

When you enter a zone, the app defaults to data ‘Set 1’. However, if you return to a zone for a separate set of data, you can set a new data set to average that set of values against an earlier one (i.e. fertilizer watering

in, flushing, daily dry down, etc.)

Additional Sampling ConsiderationsAlthough the GPS function is activated by default, it is a good idea to make

sure it is in fact activated as indicated by a white filled button



Sampling positions are most accurate when the satellite strength is showing 9 or higher. Values lower than this are common under trees, next to power

lines or in proximity to buildings. Weather plays an impact as well, but generally speaking, if you turn the POGO on in the open course up to 10

minutes before you start sampling and keep it on throughout your sampling processes, you will have acceptable or better GPS performance






Salinity Index is a good indicator of the concentration of salts for a given amount of water. This adds value to simply assessing EC alone since all turf

systems have different optimal EC ranges. The best way to get a full understanding of what is driving your EC is to utilize the POGO Turf/Soil lab

analysis report






Salinity Index is a good indicator of the concentration of salts for a given amount of water. This adds value to simply assessing EC alone since all turf

systems have different optimal EC ranges. The best way to get a full understanding of what is driving your EC is to utilize the POGO Turf/Soil lab

analysis report

If you return to a zone more than 15 minutes since your last sample in that zone, the app will prompt you asking if you wish to save to a new data set. At

any time, you can save a set of data to a new data set. This is helpful for analyzing flushing practices, doing daily dry down assessments and logging

other operations you wish to compare

POGO Turf Pro App SETUP Menu‘Disconnect’ will disconnect the app from the POGO. The POGO, however, is still connected in your Wi-Fi settings until you disconnect it in your device’s Wi-Fi settings

‘Spec’ will open the specifications menu where you can log ball speed, firmness, slope and customer variables

‘Data’ lists your sample data and allows you to email a basic summation of your data or upload that data to the POGO Turf Pro cloud analytics system. Or you may choose to clear your data (not advised…this data clears upon uploading to the POGO Turf Pro cloud)

‘Setup’ opens a sub setup menu allowing you to make custom settings for zones, locations, warnings, sprinkler, cup settings and more

‘Help’ opens up frequently asked questions, app version and other info that is useful in understanding the POGO, its use and values better

‘Logout (current user)’ will log out the current user and allow for another to log in if necessary

The bottom of the page lists the current POGO that is connected

(Enter by tapping <Setup on the Sample page or sliding finger across sample page. Slide back to return to sampling)

Setup FunctionsThe Setup menu allows for customization for your specific property. Basics include Zone, Location, Warning, Cup and Sprinkler.

Zone allows you to set specific zones for your property

Location allows you to set specific locations within zones for your property

Warning allows for setting your target ranges for moisture, EC and canopy temp

Cup allows you to log cup positions on putting greens to be used to create pin sheets at any time using the POGO Turf Pro cloud system

Sprinkler allows you to set sprinklers and their attributes for viewing on the POGO Turf Pro cloud system

Registered users can ‘Sync Up with the Cloud’ to sync and back up all of your app settings on your cloud account. That sync goes both ways if you make changes on the cloud. Otherwise, ‘File Name’ creates a settings backup file

Help takes you to the Help info section in the app for app info and FAQ info

At any time, press and hold the <BACK button (top left) to go back to Sample page

Set Up a ZoneAfter clicking ‘Zone’ in the Setup menu, you will be

taken to the zone screen (right) indicating the zones set up for your property. Note that POGO Turf Pro comes

set up for a standard golf course with 18 Greens as well as a Practice Green and a Putting Green




Note that the ‘Others’ zone cannot be erased as it is a default zone when another is not chosen





You can add zones by tapping ‘Add New Zone’





You can add zones by tapping ‘Add New Zone’

You can edit a zone by tapping it, or you can delete a zone by sliding your finger across the zone name and

choosing delete (or choose ‘edit’ this way as well)

You may set up any number of zones with any name you choose. These become your available zones when

sampling

For using the POGO Turf Pro cloud analytics system, each zone MUST have a boundary. This is set using the

POGO GPS function defined shortly

Setting a Zone Boundary

To set the boundary of a zone, use the POGO GPS. If you are using the POGO without utilizing the optional POGO Turf Pro cloud analytics system, boundary is not necessary

Tap the zone or slide your finger across the zone you wish to set the boundary and choose ‘Edit’.

As you stand just outside of your targeted boundary, mark your starting point and walk slowly around the perimeter while tapping the ‘Get POGO GPS’ button about every 1 to 2 steps

Take your last GPS position about a step or two before your first one, and tap ‘Save’ to commit that boundary

This process only needs to be done once. It will, however, be overwritten if you decide to do that boundary again (renovation, stronger GPS position, etc)

See further info on capturing the strongest GPS signalNumber of satellites (0-12). Best performance when >8

Setting the Zone Boundary - VIDEO

Be sure to have a strong GPS fix when setting boundaries or for any function utilizing the POGO’s GPS

Walk slowly outside of the zone

Tap the ‘Get POGO GPS’ button every 1 to 2 steps

Save your boundary

Boundaries are permanent until overwritten so you only have to set a boundary once

The POGO’s GPS chipset is a sub-meter device. Setting your boundary slightly larger than actual size is advised so that sample points taken close to the edge are captured within

the zone at all times

Tap to log GPS Tap to Save boundary when done

Maximizing the GPS Accuracy and Precision All GPS systems require correction to precisely position the point being measured. This is done on the monitoring equipment

(expensive) or through post analytics. POGO utilizes an advanced corrective toolset on the POGO Turf Pro cloud system

The POGO’s GPS chipset is a sub-meter accuracy system. To gain this level of accuracy and precision, it is important that the POGO is allowed to get a strong fix with satellites

To achieve the strongest fix, turn the POGO on 10 minutes prior to your first sample. Allow the POGO view of the sky during thisprocess. Most will turn the unit on and leave it exposed in the utility cart using a mounting device like PVC tubing clamped to the cart

At any time, the POGO GPS button will indicate the number of satellites in view. 9 or more satellites generally gives the best results. 11 to 12 is excellent reception. Fewer than 9 satellites may require some correction on the POGO Turf Pro cloud system

Leave the POGO ‘On’ throughout your sampling period of time. The batteries are capable of lasting far beyond a day of heavy use so it is advised you keep the POGO on throughout the time period you will sample in order to maintain a strong GPS fix

Charge the POGO at the end of the day so it is a full charge for the next day

Do not turn the POGO on and off in-between zones

It is better to have a clamp or holding device for the POGO rather than putting it in the case while in the on position. The case in the closed position can disrupt the connectivity with the satellites

Mounting the POGO to a Utility CartMaking a holding device for the POGO is a great way to not only protect the POGO in transportation, but also to allow for continuous connectivity with

the satellites while transporting the POGO

Great for measuring boundaries of large areas like FW’s and Fields or Roughs

While the POGO is very weather resistant, it is advised that continuous rain or wetness is not allowed to cover the POGO so be sure to protect the POGO

in wet conditions

2” PVC, using the bell end to house the POGO head

Clamp to the side, front/back or dash depending on cart type

Use foam inside the tube at bottom to protect the tines and keep them insulated from environmental influences

outside of the turf

LocationsA Location is a position within a zone (i.e. 01 could be a precise front left position on a putting green or center of a field, or whatever you choose)

The POGO Turf Pro app adds 9 locations (01-09) for every zone you add, and it includes 9 locations for each of the default zones already included. You may want more than this number of positions to monitoring regularly on a given zone or all zones

Note that Locations are NOT necessary to log when using the POGO Turf Pro cloud system which positions locations by GPS on analysis maps (For example, when sampling, you do not have to change the location name if you are using the POGO Turf Pro cloud system)

Due to battery conservation considerations, the POGO system currently will not automatically recognize a saved zone or location for you, but it is an app feature we are considering for the future Location in the Setup menu allows you to view

and/or edit, add or delete locations which are positions within zones. By default, these are

numbered 01-09. You can change these at will.

Setting Additional Locations

Access the ‘Location’ setup in the Setup menu

Unless using the POGO Turf Pro cloud where locations are automatically saved by GPS, you will likely use the ‘Add New Location’ feature to add additional spots on a zone you wish to monitor by name(For instance, you want more than the

default 9 locations for a particular zone)

Simply tap ‘Add New Location’, name the location as desired, tap the ‘Get POGO

GPS’ button and ‘Save’

Warnings

Warnings allow you to set your targeted ranges for Moisture, EC and Canopy Temperature. This drives the apps notification colors and icons to indicate your variance from your optimal conditions. (Warnings for other variables including Salinity Index, Ball Speed, Firmness and more are set on the cloud only)

Warnings in the app are in sync with your optional POGO Turf Pro cloud account, allowing for unique in-depth visual analysis (www.pogoturfpro.com)

Warnings can be set equally for all zones on a property, or they can be set individually for particular zones with different targets as you see fit

Access the ‘Warning’ setup by choosing <Setup on the top left of the ‘Sample’ page or swiping your finger from left to right on the Sample page. Then choose ‘Setup’ and ‘Warning’


Setting Your WarningsWarnings are property and zone-specific settings for Very Low, Low, High and Very High thresholds for Moisture, EC and Temperature that essentially target the desired conditions and indicate variance from them

POGO Turf Pro allows you to set warnings specific to each zone, or zones within other zones when unique attributes are present (e.g. Tiered Green)

The default settings in the app are generalized over thousands of properties to get you close to the average setting. These should be adjusted to fit your particular conditions and desires

The best way to identify your optimal moisture and salinity conditions is to conduct a POGO Turf Pro Turf/Soil lab analysis which is unique in identifying these variables (contact us at [email protected] for lab kits)

Without a lab test, setting the optimal ranges requires some time. Generally, within 30-60 days of using the POGO routinely, you will have a good understanding of where your values should be

It is highly advised that you do NOT compare POGO readings with any other technology due to POGO’s unique and unmatched sensor qualities as explained earlier. Set your warning values using the POGO


Setting Your Warnings

To set your warnings, tap the variable on the left such as ‘Moisture’ in this case

When you tap the variable, the image on the right will appear (moisture in this case)

You can adjust your Very Low, Low, High and Very High settings for each variable

Be sure to save your settings

Tap ‘Choose zones to apply these warnings’ to apply these warnings to particular zones

You can apply these settings to the all zones, one zone or a group of select zones


POGO Turf Pro allows you to apply warnings to any zone or zones you wish

You may have different rootzones such as USGA spec or modified native which will have distinctly different settings

Tapping the ‘Choose zones to apply these warnings’ will open up the screen on the right allowing you to choose the zones or all zones you wish to apply your warnings

Be sure to tap ‘Apply’ after you make your selection


POGO Turf Pro allows you to apply warnings to any zone or zones you wish

You may have different rootzones such as USGA spec or modified native which will have distinctly different settings

Tapping the ‘Choose zones to apply these warnings’ will open up the screen on the right allowing you to choose the zones or all zones you wish to apply your warnings

Be sure to tap ‘Apply’ after you make your selection

In this case, 01 Green and 06 Green will receive these warnings

The POGO Turf and Soil AnalysisIdentify Your Optimum Conditions and Nutritional Needs with Science

The POGO Turf and Soil Analysis is a unique scientific lab analysis designed to give you a full analysis of physical and chemical properties as they pertain to turf performance and health

A strong component of the analysis is that it scientifically identifies your optimum moisture and EC conditions for your particular zone. This allows for a true understanding of your performance over time and improvement processes

The test is only $89 USD per zone and is completed at an independent certified laboratory. For more information, contact us at [email protected]


Logging Cups‘Cup’ allows you to log the GPS position of your cup placement each day. These can be used to create pin sheets and pin setup planning using the POGO Turf Pro cloud system, and they can be used for analysis of stresses to give insight to proper pin rotation on any particular green

To log a cup location, tap ‘Cup’ and choose the zone from the zone list (right) where you want to save a new cup. You only have to save one cup name per zone for most greens except for practice greens where the green will have multiple cups at the same time

Saving New Cup Positions

After you choose the zone where you wish to save a cup position, you will see a list of cups saved for that zone over time. In this example (left), you can see only one cup saved. The date is listed as well as the front/back and left/right side paces in parenthesis. Back and Left edges of the green are indicated by negative (-) signs.

To set a new cup location, simply choose ‘New Cup Location’ (left). Then tap ‘Get POGO GPS’ (right) to log the GPS position. Tap to enter the paces for front/back and left/right and choose ‘Save’.

Position accuracy is greatly improved when the # of satellites in view is 9 or greater. In this example, the POGO

was turned on and the user quickly tried to log a cup position before the POGO GPS gained a strong fix

In this example, the cup was 6 paces from the front and 8 paces from the left edge of the green. Negative values

indicate from the back (first number) or left (second number) edges of the green

Logging Sprinklers

Sprinklers are logged similarly to cups. Choose Sprinkler from the Setup list (left) and a list of saved zones will populate (right). Similarly to cups, you can only log sprinklers on zones that are set up already.

If the zone you wish is not in the list, you must choose ‘Add New Zone’, add the zone and its boundary, and then you will be able to log sprinklers (and cups) to that zone for viewing on the POGO Turf Pro cloud

Saving SprinklersAfter choosing the zone you wish to log a sprinkler, a list of sprinklers already logged for that zone will populate (left) indicating the name (e.g. BL), sprinkler type (e.g. Full or Part Circle) and the radius of throw in feet (e.g. 65ft). To add a new sprinkler to this zone, simply tap ‘Add New Sprinkler’ at the bottom of the page

When adding a new sprinkler, the window on the right will appear. Name the sprinkler, tap ‘Get POGO GPS’ to log the sprinkler position, choose Full or Part Circle and insert the radius of throw in feet. Save your info when completed

Remember to ensure you have a strong GPS fix (9 or more satellites is best) by turning the POGO on for up to 10 minutes before using it each day. You can keep it on throughout your sampling and logging practices as explained earlier

Accessing Specs

Specs include ball speed, firmness, slope and 2 custom numbers of your choice

You can access specs from 2 positions. Either use the Setup Menu (left) or tap ‘Spec’ on the Sample page (right)

The advantage of using the Sample page is that the spec will default to the current operating zone and position in the zone

Just as you can do visual analysis of moisture, salinity, temperature and salinity index, you can also do analysis of any spec and relationships between specs and the agronomy variables above

Logging Specs

Once you choose Spec in either the Setup Menu or the Sample page, you can add any or all of the specs on the page as you wish

Specs are zone specific so be sure to choose your zone at the bottom left of the screen. You may also choose a location within the zone if desired.

Ensure the GPS button is white indicating it is activated. This will allow precise mapping on the cloud system

You may take a ‘Memo’ with any spec settings

Enter Speed in Feet and Inches

Firmness is in thousandths of an inch

Slope allows for positive and negative direction for both front/back and left/right positions. Positive (+) numbers means sloping uphill from front to back and from left to right

Custom numbers can be any numeral value you choose. For instance, Clegg hammers, used for firmness measurements, do not measure in a fraction of an inch. They measure in gravities. That value can be put in one of these custom cells while a performance number of your choice can occupy the other. Or use it for something else. Your choice.

Be sure to ‘Save’ your settings

Tap Back to get back to the Sample page

The POGO Turf Pro Cloud Analytics SystemThe POGO Turf Pro Cloud Analytics System allows backing up of your data and settings, and provides unique and powerful analytics for making decisions

It includes features that allow you to:• Log your course conditions• Set and visualize your course targets and conditions

by zone• Summarizes data sets for each course or zone(s)• Logs and displays photos and memos specific to each

zone and time of log• Analyze your conditions with unique methods specific

to your property• Map boundaries of all desired zones• Analyze trends over time• Log cup positions and print pin sheets• Log sprinklers and irrigation patterns• Create custom printable reports which can be sent to

you via mobile• Correlate turf/soil, water and tissue analysis reports

with routine POGO samples• Integrate on-site weather monitoring for

POGO/weather insight, degree day management and other ambient/turf correlations (POGO weather required)

• Much more!

90 Day Trial FREE for every POGO userGo to www.pogoturfpro.com/register

To be able to back up your data and settings and to use the POGO Cloud Analytics System, you must have a POGO Turf Pro cloud account. For more information on these features and functionality of the cloud system, visit

www.pogoturfpro.com or email us at [email protected] Data

Trend analysis

Full Weather/ET/GDD Array with the optional POGO weather station

POGO Visual Analysis and Custom Mapping

Instant Insight Dashboards

Instant Cup Reports and Pin Sheets

Customized Analysis Reports



Sync Up with the CloudThere are two ways to sync settings or get data onto the cloud. This first method is suggested to be used for syncing settings to or from the cloud system. We suggest you use the ‘Data’ process (next) for uploading sample data to the cloud

Note that in Version 4.1.0, both methods of syncing function the same. Check your version in HELP on the Setup menu and update if necessary

Syncing goes both ways. Any changes made in the app will sync to the cloud and any changes on the cloud will sync to the app. Learn more about using the cloud at www.pogoturfpro.com

Before attempting to sync, your device MUST be connected to an internet source. Either turn off

your WiFi and use your device’s cellular data connection, or connect your WiFi to an internet

source (disconnecting it from the POGO)

Tap ‘Sync Up with the Cloud’ and it will take you to the screen on the right. Enter your username and

password that you chose when registering at www.pogoturfpro.com/register and tap ‘Login’

‘Sync Up with the Cloud’ is typically used for syncing settings, setting up a new Apple or Android device, or recovering data to a damaged Apple or Android device


http://www.pogoturfpro.com/register

The Syncing Process

After entering your login information and tapping ‘Login’, the app will go through a series of uploading and downloading processes. This may take up to 3 minutes with slow connections, but usually takes less than 20 seconds with a good connection to the internet

When ‘Sync Up Settings Done’ appears, the sync process is complete. Tap ‘OK’

Your data has been removed from the app and placed on the cloud for your viewing and analysis as you wish

The DATA Screen

The Data screen is accessed through the main SETUP menu which is accessed by tapping the <Setup button on the Sample page OR swiping your finger from left to right on the bottom of the Sample screen (swipe back to return to sampling)

Tap DATA and this will take you to the Data screen (right), listing your data string. You can:

Clear: Will clear all data. Be Careful! Once deleted, it is gone and you cannot email or upload it to the cloud

Email: Will email basic Date/time, Zone, Location name, Moisture, EC, Temperature as a .csv file

Cloud: Will prompt for username and password to upload your data and settings to your POGO Turf Pro cloud analytics account for thoroughly analysis and reporting

Tapping ‘Cloud’ on the Data screen is typically used for sending your POGO data regularly to the POGO Cloud (samples, new zone info, specs, cups, etc.)

The DATA ScreenThe Data screen is accessed through the main SETUP menu which is accessed by tapping the <Setup button on the Sample page OR swiping your finger from left to right on the bottom of the Sample screen (swipe back to return to sampling)

Tap DATA and this will take you to the Data screen (right), listing your data string. You can:

Clear: Will clear all data. Be Careful! Once deleted, it is gone and you cannot email or upload it to the cloud

Email: Will email basic Date/time, Zone, Location name, Moisture, EC, Temperature as a .csv file

Cloud: Will prompt for username and password to upload your data and settings to your POGO Turf Pro cloud analytics account for thoroughly analysis and reporting

You can also delete a particular data entry by swiping your finger across the data and selecting ‘Delete’.

Swipe any data entry to delete

The DATA Screen

The list is in chronological order from most recent sample (top) to oldest sample (bottom)

‘P’ and ‘M’ icons indicate that a Photo or Memo, or both, were saved with that particular sample. For samples where both a memo and photo were saved, it looks like 2 circles slightly on top of each other like the ‘M’ icon here

The DATA Screen

The list is in chronological order from most recent sample (top) to oldest sample (bottom)

‘P’ and ‘M’ icons indicate that a Photo or Memo, or both, were saved with that particular sample. For samples where both a memo and photo were saved, it looks like 2 circles slightly on top of each other like the ‘M’ icon here

You can only view Photos, Memos, GPS and other variables not listed here on the POGO Turf Pro cloud system and not in the app or email file

The ‘Spec’ tab at the top right of the Data screen allows you to see the Spec data list for any specs you may have logged (ball speed, firmness, slope, custom 1 and custom 2). In this case (right), one spec was saved for 01 Green and is the only one listed in the string

To return to the sample data list, simply tap ‘Spec’ again

Cloud Login (Uploading Data and Syncing with the Cloud)

Before attempting to press Cloud and sync your data, you MUST connect your device to an internet source by either turning off your Wi-Fi radio and using your cellular data connection (if available), OR you have to disconnect your Wi-Fi from the POGO and connecting to an available internet source (e.g. office router or public Wi-Fi)

After pressing ‘Cloud’ (previous page), you will be prompted to enter your username and password. You must register your contact info and POGO serial number at www.pogoturfpro.com/register. You will use the same username and password here.


Cloud Login (Uploading Data and Syncing with the Cloud)

Before attempting to press Cloud and sync your data, you MUST connect your device to an internet source by either turning off your Wi-Fi radio and using your cellular data connection (if available), OR you have to disconnect your Wi-Fi from the POGO and connecting to an available internet source (e.g. office router or public Wi-Fi)

After pressing ‘Cloud’ (previous page), you will be prompted to enter your username and password. You must register your contact info and POGO serial number at www.pogoturfpro.com/register. You will use the same username and password here.

Choose ‘Remember Password’ so you don’t have to write it in every time you want to upload data

Tap ‘Login’ and the app will begin the upload/download syncing process (right). This process will usually take less than 20 seconds or so, but with slow connections or much data that includes photos, this could last up to 3 minutes


Confirming Data Upload (Sync Complete)

The sync process goes through a series of downloading and uploading including:• Download Settings• Upload Images (can take the longest time if

your connection is weak or you have a lot of photos)

• Upload Data• Upload Spec




• Upload Data• Upload Spec• Sync up settings done

Once you receive the ‘Sync Up Settings Done’ message, the system confirms your data was successfully uploaded and your app is sync’d to the cloud. Your data list in the app has been cleared in this situation.




• Upload Data• Upload Spec• Sync up settings done

Once you receive the ‘Sync Up Settings Done’ message, the system confirms your data was successfully uploaded and your app is sync’d to the cloud. Your data list in the app has been cleared in this situation.

If the sync process did not complete, your data will still be present and you will need to complete the sync process again

Press ‘OK’ when you receive the Sync Up Settings Done prompt

You can log in to your account at www.pogoturfpro.com and view your data in its entirety after a successful sync


Disconnecting, Logging Out, Using HELPAs with any app, it is always a good idea to properly exit the app. When you turn off the POGO, the app will disconnect from the POGO. Tapping ‘Disconnect’ does the same thing

If two users wish to use the same Apple or Android device for taking samples, use the ‘Logout’ function by tapping it. The new user can log in. This is a good practice when you use a single device that more than one user shares, and it allows you to organize your data identifying which user took the samples

The ‘Help’ function includes frequently asked questions and answers, general terminology and POGO Turf Pro app version information. (e.g. to identify your app version, tap ‘Help’ then ‘About POGO’ and scroll to the bottom as indicated on the right)

SupportUsers are encouraged to use POGO’s 24/7 support line by emailing questions, concerns or issues to [email protected]. A POGO support team professional will respond in short order.

Updated tutorials and helpful resources will be displayed at www.pogoturfpro.com/resources. You must be a registered POGO user to view these resources. Register at www.pogoturfpro.com/register while having your POGO’s serial number handy.

For any assistance that requires shipping the POGO to the factory for repair, you will need an RMA number. Request support at [email protected].

Since the POGO Turf Pro app operates on mobile devices of all types, sometimes, the app may freeze or not function to specifications. In most cases, this happens once on a particular device. It is best to completely remove the app, download it again from the Apple App store or Google Play store and reinstall the app. Registering and syncing to the POGO Turf Pro cloud will allow for rapid setup on reinstall.

When contacting support, it is necessary to have the following information available:

1) Device being used for POGO Turf Pro App (e.g. iPhone 6s, Samsung Note 4, etc.)

2) The firmware of the operating system on your mobile or tablet device (e.g. iOS 9.0.1, Android 5.1.1, etc., found in your device’s settings and typically under something similar to ‘About Device’)

3) Serial Number of your POGO having problems (e.g. 123456, found on the front panel of the POGO or on the inspection card in the POGO case)

4) Describe the error message or problem occurring and what you were doing prior to this error happening (be as specific and detailed as possible, see example message below)

Example Message: “Support, I am using an iPhone 6s with Apple iOS 9.0 and using POGO serial number 123456. I can connect to the POGO WiFi in my WiFi settings and I connect successfully to the app, but when I attempt to sample, the app shuts down suddenly. Sometimes I can make one or two samples before this happens and other times no samples are successful.”


http://www.pogoturfpro.com/resources



Common Errors and Error MessagesProblems Installing the POGO Turf Pro App:- Trouble finding the POGO Turf Pro app using your iPad

Failed connection between the POGO and POGO Turf Pro App- Error message: “Please connect POGO WiFi”- Error message: “Connect failed. Please try again.”

The App functions strangely or not to specs according to this manual, or closes unexpectedly during use

Problems while Sampling:- Error message: “POGO: Receive Failed. Please check the

connection.”- Sampling process gets hung up with a spinning wheel

Problems Syncing to the POGO Turf Pro Cloud - Error message: “Please connect to a WiFi source with

internet connectivity OR disable your WiFi and use a cellular data connection if available.”

- Error message: “Invalid login. Please try again.”

To the right are common issues users encounter with various functions of the POGO system. To see details, click the one of your choice or review on the following pages. Note that in most cases, simple fixes are made by changing some settings in your mobile or tablet device.

If you encounter any errors that are not listed, or if the POGO or POGO Turf Pro app do not function as planned without an explanation in this guide, contact POGO support, 24/7, at [email protected]. A POGO technical assistance rep will respond to your issue quickly.

You may also reach POGO customer support at 1-503-445-8000 between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific time, US, M-F. In most cases, the email support will respond quickly and within minutes resolving your issue fastest.

When using either method for support, be sure to have the information listed on the previous page available so that we can quickly resolve your issue.

?Tap the ? To return to this page


Trouble Finding the POGO Turf Pro App Using An iPad

If using an Apple iPad device with your POGO, you may have trouble finding the POGO Turf Pro app on the App store initially. By default, the iPad search engine searches for apps under the ‘iPad Only’ category. See image to the right.

Apple categorizes the POGO Turf Pro app as an ‘iPhone’ app. Despite this, the app works equally well on iPhones, iPod Touches and iPads.

To find the app successfully, change the ‘iPad Only’ setting to ‘iPhone Only’ by tapping the pull down arrow on the top left of the screen and choosing ‘iPhone Only’. POGO Turf Pro will show up in your search once you make this change.

Once located in your search on the App store, install POGO Turf Pro as you would any app on your device.

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Error Message: ‘Please Connect POGO WiFi’

If you receive the error to the right, “Please Connect POGO WiFi”, while attempting to ‘Connect’ the POGO Turf Pro app with the POGO, this is caused when the mobile device or tablet you are using is not connected to the POGO WiFi in your device’s WiFi settings.

Exit the POGO Turf Pro app and enter your device’s WiFi settings. With the POGO on and your WiFi activated in your device, choose your POGO from the available WiFi networks list.

Once connected in your device’s settings, you can open the POGO Turf Pro app and ‘Connect’ successfully

For more information on connecting, visit ‘Connecting your POGO to your Apple/Android Device’ earlier in this guide

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Error Message: ‘Connect Failed. Please Try Again’

If you receive the error to the right, “Connect failed. Please try again.”, this can be caused by a couple of issues.

1) Make sure that your mobile device, tablet or iPod touch is connected to the POGO WiFi in your device’s WiFi settings

2) If there is more than one device connected to the POGO WiFi, this can cause a delay in communication between any one device and the POGO, and it can cause the connection to fail in the app. Make sure that only one mobile device, tablet or iPod touch is connected to the POGO at a time

3) Sometimes, there is simply a delay or clutter in the WiFi signal between the mobile device and the POGO. If many WiFi devices are in range of the POGO, this WiFi traffic and cause a delayi n the connection.

Tapping ‘OK’ and then ‘Connect’ again usually results in a successful connection. If the problem persists after doing this once or twice, contact POGO Support

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The App Functions Strangely or Not to Specs According to this Manual, or Closes Unexpectedly During Use (4 Likely Causes)

Likely Cause 1:

If the app does not function as described in this guide or if you encounter the app closing unexpectedly, there are a few things that can cause this. First, it is important that a few settings are correct and permissions are given when the app is installed.

Upon completed installation of POGO Turf Pro and at initial use, you will be prompted to allow the app for GPS services and for access to your camera or photos. You MUST agree to allow these options and any others that may arise when using the app.

These messages may look different on various mobile or tablet devices, but in any case, please allow access when prompted by the POGO Turf Pro app

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Likely Cause 2:

Most mobile and tablet devices look for an internet access by default when activating their WiFi radios. Since the POGO is not an internet WiFi source, it is possible that the app will unexpectedly disconnect if you come into range with another WiFi source or cellular data connection to the internet. This can be avoided with a simple setting adjustment in your WiFi settings. This statement may look different on various devices but the command is similar so check with your device’s instruction manual to know where this setting is and how to change it

The message will read something like: “Smart network switch. Automatically switch between Wi-Fi and mobile networks, and also between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to maintain a stable internet connection.” Make sure this setting is OFF and NOT CHECKED

We have encountered this issue more with Android devices than Apple devices, but with operating system changes occurring all the time, double check this setting if you have this issue of disconnection

For VPN-capable devices (such as iPhone 6s): Be sure you are NOT connected to VPN when attempting to use the POGO

?The App Functions Strangely or Not to Specs According to this Manual, or Closes Unexpectedly During Use (4 Likely Causes)

Likely Cause 3:

With many apps installed on most devices, it is possible that too many apps are running at the same time. Normally, this will not cause any issues with the POGO Turf Pro app functionality. However, if you are encountering this problem of the app closing unexpectedly and have tried the other remedies, it is possible that another app is interfering with POGO Turf Pro. Simply closing the other apps will ensure this is not the case.

To close the open apps on Apple devices, simply double tap the home button and you will see all of your open apps. You can close these apps by swiping them off the screen. Close and re-open POGO Turf Pro to see if this resolved your issue

To close the open apps on Android devices, tap the recent apps button that looks like a window slightly on top of another window like that in the image to the right. You can tap the ‘x’ for each app you wish to close after opening the recent apps

Refer to your device’s instruction guide to know how to close open apps

Recent Apps button (reveals open apps)


Likely Cause 4:

It is quite possible that the POGO Turf Pro app did not load properly during download and installation. If you are seeing unexpected results that are not easily resolved, many times, simply uninstalling the POGO Turf Pro app and reinstalling it will resolve issues.

Refer to your device’s manual to completely remove an app as there are multiple ways to do so, even on the same device. Be sure you are not just removing the shortcut.

Generally, for Android, tap the button on any app screen that looks like 3 dots arranged vertically. That will reveal an option to ‘Uninstall/disable apps’. For Apple, simply tap and hold the app until the app shakes with an ‘x’ next to it. Tap the x and agree to remove the app.

If you have setup information saved in your POGO Turf Pro app, you can easily retrieve these settings by utilizing the POGO TurfPro cloud (www.pogoturfpro.com). Simply follow the instructions earlier to sync with the cloud. Then remove the app, reinstall it and follow the instructions again to sync with the cloud. Your settings will be installed in your device. You can also use this sync feature to quickly set up additional devices for other users on your account or property



SamplingError Message: ‘POGO: Receive Failed. Please Check the Connection.’If you receive the error to the right while attempting to sample, this can be caused by a couple of things:

1. There can be WiFi interference likely caused by more than one Apple or Android device connecting to the POGO at the same time. This happens often when more than one user on a property use the POGO. If another user is using the POGO and the previous user comes into proximity with the POGO at that time, the second device may automatically connect to the POGO thinking it is an available WiFi source. In most cases, simply sampling again will remedy the problem

2. A more technical cause can be due to the POGO being jarred to the point where a connection inside comes loose. If you attempt to resample and the problem persists, perform the following:

1. Check that the POGO did not disconnect from your WiFi settings on your device (note that in this image, the GPS button is indicating the mobile GPS and not the POGO’s. This is a sign that the POGO is in fact disconnected from the app suddenly. You can check to be sure by tapping and holding the GPS button and seeing if the POGO GPS is available in the call out icon that displays

2. Sync your data to the POGO Turf Pro cloud, uninstall the app and re-install the app as described earlier

3. If the problem still persists, contact POGO Technical Support

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Sampling Process Gets Hung Up with a Spinning Wheel

Sometimes while sampling, it may take an unusually long time to sample (>4 seconds) and get readings from the POGO. This can be due to some of the same WiFi disruption issues mentioned earlier. However, it is rare that this happens at all.

If you encounter the green and white spinning wheel in the middle of the sample screen as indicated to the right, and it is lasting for more than 4 seconds, you can exit the sampling process by tapping the green and white ‘X’ at the top right of the screen. This ‘X’ only appears during the sampling process. If you tap that, you can re-sample and this usually resolves the issue.

If you are getting this spinning wheel issue often, check the connections as indicated earlier and make sure only one device is connected to the POGO at a time.

If the problem persists beyond these remedies, contact POGO Support

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Syncing with the CloudError message: ‘Please connect to a WiFi source with internet connectivity OR disable your WiFi and use a cellular data connection if available.’

If you encounter this error while attempting to upload data to the POGO Turf Pro cloud or Sync with the cloud, then you simply are not connected to an internet source. Most users encounter this issue when trying to sync with the cloud while still connected to the POGO.

You can quickly change this setting by either minimizing the POGO Turf Pro app and accessing the WiFi settings on your device where you can switch the WiFi connection to an internet source (e.g. office, public WiFi, etc.) OR, if you prefer to use your device’s cellular connection (if available), you can simply turn off your WiFi temporarily and the app will default to the cellular connection.

Once done, if you wish to continue using your POGO, simply reconnect to the POGO WiFi in your WiFi settings or turn WiFi back on and reconnect to the POGO as usual If connected to the POGO as indicated here, you

cannot connect with the POGO Turf Pro cloud. Either connect to a WiFi source with internet

connectivity, or turn off your WiFi and utilize the cellular data connection if available

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Syncing with the CloudError Message: ‘Invalid Login. Please Try Again.’

If you encounter this error message while attempting to upload data or sync with the POGO Turf Pro cloud, it is often caused by a character misspell in your credentials. Check this first…as obvious as it is, this happens more times than you think.

In some non-English languages, there are characters in the email settings that the app will not recognize. We are continuously evolving the app to include characters from around the world. If you are running into this problem and believe you are entering your details properly, contact POGO Support as we can resolved this quickly with you if it is in fact a character recognition issue.

If you feel you are in fact entering your credentials properly and have had no issues previously with character recognition, you can attempt to reset your password by logging in to your account at www.pogoturfpro.com and then choosing ‘Setup’ at the top right of the screen. Then, choose from the pulldown menu on the left ‘User’ and ‘Reset your password’.

Sometimes, this error message can occur if there is a poor connection to the internet. Although rare, it is possible so check your WiFi or cellular connection.

If you have any further problems with this regard, contact POGO Support

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Using the POGO Effectively – POGO’s Information and What it Means?

The POGO system encompasses state of the art technology to ensure measurements are accurate, precise and repeatable in changing turf and soil conditions in any climate. Making decisions from data collected with technology depends on this while also depending on repeatable methods of collection.

Not only does the POGO utilize unique, patented equipment for measurements, its design is assembled so that you measure the same way every time which is equally as important as the technology itself. You can only put the POGO in the ground one way and its design requires you to put the same effort and movement into inserting it into the ground time and time again.

As with any data collection system, data is just data until you know how to interpret it and more importantly, make decisionsfrom it. Interpreting the data quickly and easily is of the utmost importance in POGO’s approach to providing a valuable resource to users around the world. It is important to understand what the agronomy implications are for your turf’s performance basedon POGO’s measurements.

This section is assembled to give you a good overview of how to use the POGO’s data while giving you some insight into the advanced values of the POGO Turf Pro cloud analytics system.

Moisture – Water Fraction VolumeMoisture is one of three direct agronomy variables that the POGO measures. Unlike other sensors, the POGO’s Hydra Probe II sensor requires no calibration and will not skew moisture measurements when EC, bulk density, turf/soil type, or other changing dynamics in the turf system occur. So you are assured that a given moisture measurement today (i.e. 22%) represents the same moisture condition at any other time you see that percentage. This is vitally important for making decisions.

The POGO’s moisture measurement is called ‘Water Fraction Volume’ or ‘WFV’. It is also considered to be volumetric water content and is a measurement of the available moisture in the turf and soil medium as the turf sees it. Every turf system has a given amount of pore space which is precisely measured in a unique lab analysis (see ‘The POGO Turf and Soil Analysis’ section of this manual). POGO is measuring the amount of water that fills this pore space. Since several factors affect the amount of pore space in a turf system, there is no optimal moisture that applies to everyone.

For instance, for every 1% increase in organic matter, this results in a 10X increase in water holding capacity (and salinity holding capacity). If you compact that organic matter into a dense layer even as minimal as 2 or 3 mm, this increase in water holding capacity increases even more. Ideally, turf will perform best when half of the pore spaces are filled with water (moisture measurement) and half are filled with air with no limiting layers preventing movement of moisture through the system and air in and out of it. If we have 45% total pore space in a turf system and POGO is measuring 40% moisture, you have very little air movement in that system. This will lead to anaerobic conditions, lower disease resistance or recovery capabilities, black layer development and poor surface conditions.

Moisture and air exchange ratios are of the highest importance in turfgrass management. This one focus can be the most influential factor that determines how your turf performs…no matter where you are in the world, and it is often the blame for many turf failures. Further, since a sand can act like a clay when the rootzone is not consistent or contains variations in structure or texture or has organic matter confined in one region as is usually the case due to the unique nature of turf growth, optimum moisture values cannot be generalized.

You can find your optimum moisture value by knowing what your turf systems physical (and chemical) qualities are as we provide with the POGO Turf and Soil analysis. Or you may choose to simply observe your values over time and find the ‘sweet spot’ by correlating routine measurements with conditions.

EC – Electrical Conductivity, or SalinityEC (Salinity in dS/m) is a second agronomy variable measured directly by the POGO. Since all salts, positive or negative (+ / - cations and anions) add to EC as the turf sees it, the POGO measures this total salinity that the turf sees. By definition, a salt only affects EC when it is in solution. As salts precipitate out of solution and bind to turf parts or soil and rootzone components as very small and microscopic solids, these no longer have an impact on EC as the turf sees it. Only when moisture becomes available and the salts go back into solution does the EC get affected.

This is very important to understand because one of the first things you will notice is that the POGO’s EC measurements are not in line with what you may have seen on a lab analysis where one or more EC measurements may have been made. Generally, labs will do a paste extract (saturation paste extract, or ECe) analysis. This process involved saturating a soil sample, allowing it to stay in that condition for some time and then sucking out the moisture from that sample and measuring the EC that is in that solution. Your turf may or may not ever see that condition depending on how you manage your operation, irrigation practices and other inputs you control. If you maintained saturated conditions all the time, then the POGO’s measurement would likely be closer in line with what you see from a lab…but of course, you would be out of job with poor surface conditions due to this saturation!

POGO measures salinity as the turf sees it at that point in time. It is also a measurement of all salts from the surface through the most prominent component of the rootzone that influences moisture and salinity. For a review of this, visit ‘The Unique POGO Integrated Sensor’ in this manual.

Like moisture, there is no optimal EC for everyone. Since EC is affected by irrigation, fertilization, turf type and aggressiveness, rootzone medium, compaction, organic matter, microbial activity, environmental influences and several other factors, it too will vary from course to course. Even on courses with similar grasses, rootzones and influences will we see different EC values. The POGO Turf and Soil Analysis identifies the optimal range of EC’s for your turf system precisely.

Otherwise, you have to measure your turf repeatedly for a good month or two to understand the life pulse of your turf as it is influenced by your operational inputs. Only then will you see patterns that make sense and indicate your optimal range of EC for your turf system. You can correlate clipping yield, for instance with the available EC measured by POGO. Or, on the flip side, you can see what looks like LDS (localized dry spot, discoloration of turf) influenced by high EC so that it is not LDS at all but a yellowing from high EC as the turf sees it.

EC – Electrical Conductivity, or Salinity (Continued)When EC is very low for your system, you will see a lack of recuperative capacity and a lack of upright rigid growth that your playing conditions depend upon from day to day. You will also see a lack of color consistency (not necessarily green, but inconsistent color) which indicates specific changes you need to make to your program to develop more uniform and optimally performing turf.

It is important to note that EC is important to every turfgrass manager, anywhere in the world whether cool or warm season environments. You do not have a to have a ‘Salt’ or Sodium (Na) problem to be worried about EC. If you fertilize, you are managing EC whether you think so or not…and measuring EC fluctuations from your operations and inputs is a perfect way to manage that fertilization or nutrient management program.

If you use granular products, you can very easily measure the peaks and lows of the release of the nutrients (salts) from that fertilization input. If you are primarily on a foliar-applied program, you can easily measure the residue and its effects on EC left behind from the ‘true’ foliar products, or you will see the effects of the nutrients that wash into the rootzone from these applications.

If you have inconsistent growth on greens or other zones, you can quite easily measure the uniformity of the nutrient releases across those zones to know if walk on/walk off areas, maintenance traffic, shade/sun, or other varying characteristics are impacting the release of nutrients to your turf system. POGO measures what the turf sees and gives you eyes into that system so you can understand the results of what you are doing and how you can improve them moving forward.

With all of this in mind, there are general ranges of EC values that will get you in the ballpark with where you need to be. There are 2 influencing variables that impact these ranges. This is determined from knowing if you utilize potable (aka ‘mains’) water sources or irrigation, or you utilize effluent or reclaimed water sources. Since the irrigation sources greatly impact the solution in the turf system that the turf sees from day to day, understanding your irrigation influences will help you understand the EC measurements made by POGO. POGO can provide a water analysis as we do for turf and soil. If you are interested in this, contact POGO support at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to get a test kit out to you immediately).


EC – Electrical Conductivity, or Salinity (Continued)While irrigation is a great influencing factor, the makeup of the minerals in the rootzone also can impact the general tolerable EC ranges for turf systems. For instance, turf systems in the US Southwest have high salt content soils in addition to many of them being on reclaimed water sources. It is difficult to generalize the EC influences from various soils and we highly suggest you get a POGO Turf and Soil lab analysis and water analysis to truly understand your influencing factors.

In general, turfgrass systems on potable or mains water sources will function well when EC ranges between 0.1 and 0.18 dS/m. More importantly, understanding the Salinity Index (another POGO measured value described shortly) will indicate optimal EC conditions as the turf requires. Turfgrass systems on reclaimed or effluent water sources can function well with higher ranges typically in the 0.3 to 0.6 range. It is likely that courses with high mineral content in the rootzones AND high EC level irrigation sources can exceed these ranges even significantly.

Turf adapts to its conditions over time, and all turf has optimal conditions for performance. POGO allows you to not only find that range for several variables, but understand what to do and how it further influences your turf system…as the turf sees it. Note that the significance of the effect on turf performance can be great with very small (<0.05 dSm) changes of EC in low EC systems while in high EC tolerance systems, the same performance effect may require a larger change (0.15 to 0.30 dS/m). When measuring the percentage of change, it is easy to see how this is the case. For instance, in a system where the optimal EC range may be 0.10 to 0.18 dS/m, an EC measurement of 0.23 is 28% higher in EC activity despite only being 0.05 dS/m higher. This will undoubtedly cause an EC response that will result in some symptom you observe (increased clippings, poor rigidity, variable color, etc.). If we take the same 28% increase on a system that functions well at 0.45 dS/m, that would raise the EC to 0.58, a 0.13 dS/m increase. While some of the same effects on the turf’s performance may be involved, these higher EC’s run a higher risk of negatively impacting key nutrients the turf depends upon.

The POGO Turf and Soil analysis will identify what salts are driving your EC in your turf system. That’s important because if you know what salts they are, you can make adjustments to manage them. Also, you will understand how EC changes could mean a loss of rootzone performance due to certain degrading salts that could be in the system such as Na+, Cl-, HCO3

- and others. Again, POGO measures EC as the turf sees it at that point in time. So measuring it routinely will give you the most insight. Take a few minutes a day to take readings, and you will gain a ton of insight!

Canopy TemperatureThe most influencing temperature on turfgrass performance is the canopy temperature. Many may not know that the fundamental process of Photosynthesis depends not only upon light efficiency, but it also depends on the temperature, as the turf sees it, to be less than 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). This is not the ambient temperature that determines this. And it is not the underlying soil temperature either. It is the temperature in the canopy of the turf system. While the effects of this threshold are seen quickly in C3 or cool season turf (Creeping bentgrass, Poa annua, etc.), C4, or warm season grasses (bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, Seashore paspalum, etc.) too are hindered when the canopy temperature climbs too high.

However, due to the nature of C4 grasses and how they store compounds used in Photosynthesis, this tolerance is slightly higher than C3 grasses and falls in the range of about 89 to 93 degrees F (31 to 34 degrees C). Above this level, even the more efficient C4 grasses will suffer from too high canopy heat. If your moisture level is not optimum (i.e. poor moisture/air ratio), you are securing a fate you don’t want in the very near future. As moisture is maintained optimally, the turf system causes a cooling effect rather than a heating effect.

It is quite possible and happens often that the canopy temperature is higher than the ambient air above it. Further, this canopy temperature is greatly affected by the amount of moisture present in the top 5.5 cm (2.2”) of the turf system. This moisture conducts heat very well from the sunlight above. This heat then remains through the cool part of the day (and night) when the turf would rather benefit from the subsequent cooling down of the system. Imagine that your turf system holds on to this heat through the night. Then the next day more heat is added. More and more heat is added in the following days until there is simply no relief from the heat in the turf system. This happens far too often and is greatly influenced by our moisture management practices.

In this condition, we see Photosynthesis non existent and we see a great loss of turf vigor and performance. It all starts with understanding the stresses on the system and how each variable impacts them…which POGO measures precisely and easily. Also note that as temperature rises, the impacts of EC become greater and greater on the influencing stress on turf performance.

Photosynthesis not only is influenced by temperature as noted here, it depends on free water movement and availability in addition to the free exchange of CO2 out of the soil system…which only occurs when air and water balance is optimal.

Canopy Temperature (Continued)Another key fundamental process in turf is respiration. While photosynthesis builds compounds the plant depends upon for growth and performance, respiration breaks compounds (sugars) down creating the energy exchange the turf depends upon for nearly everything it does (i.e. root growth, manufacturing of key compounds internally, movement of nutrients and other vital elements and compounds, tillering, recuperative capacity…you name it, if the plant has to do it, it depends on respiration to drive those processes with energy). While photosynthesis is light and temperature dependent, respiration occurs always. Even in dormant states in the dead of winter, we can still find some minute level of respiration occurring.

Most importantly, in stressful conditions, respiration is in high gear while photosynthesis can be absent entirely. This leads to a rapid decline of turfgrass performance and even death which some call ‘turf crash’. Respiration depends on free diffused O2 in the turf system which again, is highly influenced by the air/moisture balance we maintain on a daily basis.

Two other physiological actions in turf include transpiration and translocation. Transpiration is a one way movement of moisture form the root system up through the turf plant and out of the leaves. It ONLY occurs when the moisture beneath the top 2” or so is HIGHER than the moisture above it and through the canopy. If we allow the moisture in the top 5.5 cm (2.2”) to exceed the moisture below (or if we are in high humid states under rain or high ambient relative humidity), transpiration stops. Transpiration drives the strength and turgor in the turf plant to stand it tall and become rigid with high recuperative capacity. If we maintain moisture too high in the prominent region of the rootzone as discussed earlier, transpiration stops…period. Again, transpiration is highly impacted by the air/moisture balance measured quickly and easily by POGO.

Translocation, the last of the 4 important physiological activities in turf systems, is hard to measure. It is the movement of things internally like when you apply Iron (Fe3+) to leaves and you see an ensuing green up in turf. That is the effect of translocation of elemental components in that application that move from outside the turf to a key part of the internal makeup of the turf. Radioactive dyes are used to measure internal activities, but this is not a routine practice. However, what we do know is that when the other three processes are optimal, the translocation of elements, nutrients, compounds and internal vigor of the turf is also optimized.

So why are we talking about turfgrass physiology anyway?

Canopy Temperature (Continued)

Turfgrass physiology is predominantly influenced and driven by the things we do to our turfgrass systems and the conditions we maintain. If we maintain higher than optimal moisture in the top 2.2” (5.5 cm), we reduce air exchange, increase temperature, reduce vigor and see a great decline in turfgrass performance. At the very least, we are NOT optimizing our turfgrass performance.

Canopy temperature is simply another variable measured by POGO that indicates the overall influences on turfgrass performance. You don’t need to understand all of the physiology of turfgrass systems to use the POGO properly. You simply should use it to find your optimal conditions and drive your practices to them at all times. If you do, the physiology will take care of itself.

Remember that the POGO’s sensor measures canopy temperature using a thermistor in the plate that rests on the surface when you insert the POGO into the turf system. If you have left your POGO in the sunlight or on the dash of your cart, it is possible that the sensor tines have heated up above the turf’s actual temperature. Using the holder as described earlier will insulate the sensor in between zones so that this phenomenon does not occur. It is a good practice to insert the POGO in the ground and conduct your setup procedure or visual analysis routine of the area (i.e. cut the hole and set the pin on a putting green) briefly before sampling the zone with the POGO. This allows the POGO’s sensor to acclimate to the turf’s temperature and indicate the actual conditions being measured. The sensor is sensitive to the small fluctuations in temperature from sample to sample, but larger variations from zone to zone need several seconds or even half a minute to acclimate to the turf’s temperature in some cases.

Note that if you opt to use the POGO Turf Pro cloud system, one of the key indicators measured included POGO Degree Days which are actual zone specific growing degree days measured with the POGO. These are proving to be much more precise than ambient degree days alone while indicating many things before they occur such as seedhead emergence, weed emergence, root stresses, leaf stresses, disease likelihood, poor vigor, and many other things. Be sure to check it out and register at www.pogoturfpro.com/register.


Salinity Index

The salinity index is calculated in real time with every sample taken using the POGO Turf Pro app. While EC (salinity) is indicating the total EC activity in dS/m as the turf sees it, salinity index indicates the concentration of those salts in solution. In early turfgrass courses we learn about something called leaching requirement. It is the estimated amount of ‘extra’ irrigation you have to put out given an increased amount of EC activity. As salts go up, the competition for the available water (between the turf system and the salts themselves) also increases. In other words, it is harder for the turf to get the moisture it needs when EC increases. It is the EC concentration (salinity index) that really indicates this competition.

Say you have a given amount of EC activity in a given amount of moisture. The competition for that moisture is at a certain level that may or may not be tolerable by the turf. If we only increased the EC and kept the same amount of moisture, the concentration (salinity index) increases and thus the competition for that available water gets greater. If we proportionately increase EC with moisture, then the competition remains the same until we hit a certain level of EC that is detrimental no matter what the moisture level is.

On the flip side, say we dry down a system. If our salinity concentration is high at low moisture levels, the moisture that is present is all but unavailable to the turf system and we can see rapid deterioration of vigor and performance while dehydrated conditions will ensue. Bottom line is that not only is EC important but the concentration of the salts in solution is equally important, if not more.

Researchers may explain that as moisture goes down, we should see the EC level go up. This is a misunderstanding in the industry because this does not give you the whole picture. Researchers are referring to the lab extract analysis process where a turf soil sample is saturated for a period of time and then the solution is sucked out of the soil while the EC level is measured. That EC is based off of a ‘Saturated Paste Extract’ which is the nature of that test. So it is not assumed that as the saturated paste extract test becomes something like ‘Less than saturation paste extract’ salts too will go down. It is assumed that salts remain the same or at a higher concentration because the moisture dropped. Be careful not to misunderstand this point. POGO measures EC in real time, as the turfgrass sees it. If salts are present and bound up in the turf system waiting for moisture to put those salts into solution and thus increase the EC activity, then yes, as moisture rises, EC too will rise. This is NOT always the case as we explain further.

Salinity Index (Continued)

In the previous condition where salts are bound up and go into solution as we add moisture, salinity concentration will either stay close to the same or will rise as those salts go into solution…depending on how many salts are bound up and the nature of those salts. If salts are not present and bound up in the turf and soil system, then as we add more moisture, EC will not rise…and thus, the concentration of EC (salinity index) will fall. These two conditions tell us a lot about a turf system. It can be used to measure residual salinity for nutritional delivery. It can be used to understand the potential deterioration of rootzone structure due to bound up salts that swell when wet. These swollen salts blow up like a balloon and because they are wedged in soil structure, they can destroy soil structure as they are put into solution or wet just enough.

If we lower moisture and find our salinity concentration is climbing, than the nature of those salts is highly residual and they are hanging around without going into precipitation. Since salts all react differently than each other, the POGO Turf and Soil analysis will be of great value in this condition so that you can understand what salts are influencing your EC and what you can change in your practices to balance your system better.

Ideally, a salinity index of 0.80 to 1.20 indicates the finest balance of salts and moisture. Falling below this range indicates our salinity exchange (nutrient exchange) is light and lacking. Rising above this level indicates we have many salts persistent in our system and we need to either improve our cultural practices to move those salts out of the system, change our nutrient inputs to carry away ‘strong’ detrimental salts like sodium and chloride and add more beneficial ones that may not impact total EC similarly or simply adjust our moisture conditions to put things into better balance.

There is an ideal balance for every system. Salinity Index is simply a way to offer yet another insight to your turfgrass conditions and what you can do about it to improve your conditions.

Additional Information on Interpreting the POGO Data for Your PropertyMoisture, Salinity and Temperature are the most influential variables affecting turfgrass performance. Further, they all impact each other and the plant’s overall vigor and performance. Use POGO regularly to not only measure current conditions but to easily trend these conditions over time.

It is highly suggested that you utilize the POGO Turf Pro Cloud Analytics system (http://pogoturfpro.com). It produces visual analysis of your conditions for any set of data or trend of data over time. It sends reports and alerts directly to your mobile device so you can spend your time where you need to be…on the course. Just take samples…POGO Turf Pro does the rest and brings the analysis to you so you can make your very best decisions in a timely manner. And it allows for customization so that you can tailor the system to meet your specific needs.

New for 2016, the unique, wireless and solar powered POGO Weather station adds yet another insightful value to the system combining POGO and weather stresses for many attributes. Simply set it up, power it on and instantly, weather conditions from your specific site are fed into your POGO Turf Pro account. Talk about growing degree days and integrated pest management (IPM)! This is the ultimate insightful system for measuring your conditions, interpreting the information and making site and zone specific decisions to improve your facility.

We wish to help you make your very best decisions. Out of the box, POGO will give you insights otherwise only capable of achieving with several pieces of equipment and probably a consultant or two. Open it up, turn it on, link to the app, take samples, make decisions. Using the POGO Turf Pro cloud, after an initial course setup process that takes one to two hours on average depending on how many zones, alerts and other customized things you wish to set up, all you have to do is spend about 1 to 2 minutes per day on each of your putting greens or zones of interest. The average putting green takes less than 2 minutes to sample. You can conduct a fairway audit of your irrigation system and its impacts on turf in minutes as opposed to hours.

At POGO, we are not interested in telling you what to do. Realizing nobody knows your property better than you, we simply want to arm you with the most accurate, precise and reliable information so you can make your very best decisions.

Thank you for purchasing the POGO system. At any time, contact us at [email protected] for help with anything POGO or Turf!

http://pogoturfpro.com/


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