We are constantly checking the operation of the sprinkler heads on the golf course to be certain that they are functioning properly. This is extremely important to ensure they are watering as effectively and efficiently as possible and with over 1200 sprinkler heads on the course, this can be awfully time consuming. It's become our #1 priority now that we are dealing with bryozoans.
While watering in a fertilizer and wetting agent application on fairways today, I observed 3 sprinkler heads malfunctioning on #14 fairway due to bryozoans clogging the screens at the bottom of the heads. Here is a series of short video clips showing exactly how they affect our irrigation system and what we have to do to clear the heads of them:
Part 1 - observing poor pressure
Part 2 - pressure loss resulting in turf stress
Part 3 - removing the sprinkler "guts" to clean the screen
Part 4 - cleaned screen and ready to operate properly again
Part 5 - operating properly again
As I stated in my previous blog post, cleaning each affected head and resetting the sprinkler to operate properly again can take anywhere from 6-12 minutes, depending on how badly clogged they are. Unfortunately, flushing these screens only affords us some temporary relief as they are sure to clog again, but it is important that we continue to do so.
We are exploring long-term solutions and I will say that all the industry professionals that I've spoken to offered the same advice of not making any knee-jerk reactions and to continue "maintaining" the problem as we determine what solution is best for us. Being that we are now into the fall season and the cooler temperatures that come along with it, we do have some time to "do our homework" and make the right decision. Until then you'll continue to see us testing sprinkler heads and cleaning them throughout the day!
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