Dominic Petrella, Ph.D.: Using Data for Smarter Turf Decisions

Spiio Technology
Dominic Petrella, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor, Program Co-ordinator - Turfgrass Management at Ohio State University. His research focuses on turfgrass response to environmental cues and stresses. 
Learn from Dominic as he explains why golf needs to embrace data and make decisions based on numbers rather than feel, in order to improve the playing experience for golfers...

 

How can superintendents make better turf decisions? 

According to Dominic, data is the key to long-term turf health and playability. By adopting the following tips, golf course superintendents can gather more accurate insights into their turf, and make decisions that elevate playing experiences for their golfers for years to come...

  1. Embrace Technology - Leverage tools such as soil moisture readers or TDR probes to make turf management more precise and efficient.
  2. Be guided by data - Use real-time data to drive turf decisions, removing guesswork and improving consistency.
  3. Don't be afraid to try different things - Start small and test new tools and practices to discover what works best for your course.

"Make decisions that are based on numbers instead of feel, because that makes sustainable choices and actually makes you spend less money"

What Syngenta thinks

We have long championed the importance of collecting agronomic data to inform decision-making, resulting in far more precise, efficient turf management. 

What we are now seeing is superintendents around the world embracing technology such as Spiio, building it into their everyday routines and being more informed than ever before. Over time, this data will help them view trends from across their respective properties, helping them to recognize areas where particular issues may arise and the indicators to look out for.

Useful Links 

Want to Learn more about the sustainability of golf? 

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