Turfgrass quality is visually evaluated by human assessors based on a scale of 1 (dead grass) to 9 (perfect grass) in the current assessment method. This evaluation practice has several disadvantages and therefore, there is the need for a better evaluation technique. Individual biases are inevitable and lead to some level of inconsistency, even among the most highly trained observers. Research from Clemson University, “Predicting Visual Quality Ratings of Turfgrass Research Plots Using Spectral Reflectance”(Muharrem, Keskin, Roy B. Dodd, Young J. Han, Ahmad Khalilian - Paper # 031114, ASAE 2003 Annual Meeting) is the basis for the technology used in this meter.

The FieldScout TCM 500 NDVI Turf Color Meter measures reflected light from approximately a three-inch diameter section of turfgrass in the red (660nm) and near infrared (850nm) spectral bands. Using an internal light source allows the meter to negate the effect of sunny versus cloudy conditions. Data logging capability allows users to save measurements and to download to a PC*. When coupling the meter with a GPS unit**, the meter can collect geo-referenced measurements which can be used to create accurate maps of turf quality. The T-Handle option allows readings to be taken from an upright position. Data is presented as percent reflectance of red and near infrared, NDVI, and Grass Index (ie. 7.3).

Get greater use out of your NDVI meter with powerful SpecMaps online application to discover the value of spatially variable sensor measurements. Mapping program requires GPS; not included.

* Spectrum’s PC cables connect to a 9-pin serial port. USB-Serial adapter (item 3661USB) required for connection to computers with only USB ports. ** GPS interface requires two cables. The GPS/DGPS cable (item 2950CV5) is available from Spectrum. A PC serial interface cable supplied by the manufacturer of the GPS receiver is also required. *** 1.5" (3.8 cm) rods may require a TDR 300 firmware update. Please contact us for instructions.