ABSTRACT
Roughly defi ned, optical sensing is the use of refl ectance detectors to evaluate parameters that are normally assessed by visual means. Turfgrass managers generally use a visual quality evaluation to estimate turfgrass health status, including fertilizer or irrigation need, damage, or environmental stress. Evaluation of turfgrass quality and health is a routine but important job for turfgrass managers, researchers, and breeders. Turf quality includes both aesthetic and functional characteristics [1]. Qualities such as density, color, and texture are especially important to turfgrass managers and clientele. An experienced turfgrass manager can accurately schedule fertilizer applications and irrigation based on visual quality evaluations.
