Feherty writes: “A company called UgMO is manufacturing underground sensors that give exact digital readouts of soil conditions, calculate the amount of water needed for healthy turf, and apply it with the accuracy of a rifle instead of scattershot-style.  Grass that doesn’t need water doesn’t get it, in some cases reducing the amount of water used by a third, and electricity, too.”

Well said.  (Read: We couldn’t have said it better.)  Click here to see the Golf Magazine coverage.

As Feherty notes, the UgMO movement is widespread.  “These little UgMOs are under the stadia that serve the Dodgers and Dolphins and beneath holy golf dirt such as Merion, Seminole, TPC Sawgrass, Los Angeles C.C., and coming soon to a golf course near you.”

But it doesn’t stop at golf.  Nearly 50 commercial UgMO users — spanning golf courses, athletic fields, colleges and municipalities in water-strapped states across the U.S. — have collectively saved 458 million gallons of water to date.  And in 2010, underground sensors will enter the residential market, with the promise of 50%-80% savings in water usage.

What is UgMO? A revolutionary soil management technology that guarantees water savings, reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides, and optimal turf conditions.  UgMO’s wireless, rootzone intelligence system measures and analyzes soil moisture, temperature and salinity in real-time, 24/7, with wireless underground sensors, fully interactive software and best-in-class agronomic reporting.

No matter who your favorites are in the NFL playoffs, next month, Super Bowl XLIV will play out at Miami’s Dolphin Stadium (formerly Land Shark Stadium) where UgMO’s been creating some of the ‘greenest’ turf in the NFL.

This past weekend, UgMO made headlines in South Florida’s Sun-Sentinel for its underground work at Dolphin Stadium — home to the Miami Dolphins, the University of Miami Hurricanes and the Florida Marlins MLB team, and host of the 2010 Pro Bowl and Super Bowl XLIV.  As the story illustrates, UgMO soil sensors measure moisture, temperature and salinity in the upper and lower soil levels of the playing field.  From soil to computer screens and smart phones, UgMO delivers state-of-the-art sensor data and best-in-class agronomic reporting to help turf managers determine watering and fertilizing needs.

Click here to see the Sun-Sentinel coverage.

UgMO is proud to help make professional sports fields like this look their best, but it doesn’t stop there.  Nearly 50 commercial UgMO users — spanning sports turf facilities and golf courses, colleges and municipalities in water-strapped states across the U.S. — have collectively saved 458 million gallons of water to date.  And in 2010, underground sensors will enter the residential market, with the promise of 50%-80% savings in water usage.

Get your game face on!

By 9 a.m., after showering, using the bathroom, brushing our teeth and having a cup of coffee, each of us typically has used more than 30 gallons of water.

After doing the dishes – 12 gallons per load – running the washing machine – 43 gallons per load – and watering the lawn – 10 gallons per minute – by the time we go to bed, we’ve used up to 150 gallons.

Because Americans use so much, the report card shows water is an emerging crisis here.

Read full CBS story

See full-size graphic

More and more Arizona golf courses are joining the UgMO movement to save water.  And this weekend, UgMO made headlines in the Arizona Republic for its widespread smart sensor technology, increasingly at work on sports turf facilities across the state.

With UgMO, the name of the game is real-time underground monitoring and reporting.  UgMO sensors measure moisture, temperature and salinity in the soil 24/7, putting data directly at turf managers’ fingertips.  The result: positive returns all around, from optimized turf health and playability to uber-efficient resource utilization, including dramatic water savings.  In drought-prone areas like Arizona, UgMO can save as much as 40 percent of water costs, says Walt Norley, Founder and CEO of Advanced Sensor Technology, the developer and maker of UgMO.

But you don’t have to take our word for it.  Click here to read the Arizona Republic coverage.  For more on water savings with UgMO, go to UgMO.com.

What is UgMO? A revolutionary soil management technology that guarantees water savings, reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides, and optimal playing conditions on golf courses and other sports turf.  UgMO’s wireless, rootzone intelligence system measures and analyzes soil moisture, temperature and salinity in real time, 24/7, with wireless underground sensors, fully interactive software and best-in-class agronomic consultations.

The company makes UgMO, or underground monitoring, systems that help golf courses use water more efficiently.

“This is the future,” said Walter N. Norley, CEO of Advanced Sensor Technology. In drought-prone areas such as Arizona, the systems can save as much as 40 percent of water costs, he said.

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UgMO Replaces Toro Beneath Storied Sports Turf

UGA!  UGA!  You can almost hear it, can’t you?  Funny, it sounds like UgMO.

These bulldogs have more than breed and semantics in common, though.  UgMO went underground at historic Sanford Stadium last month, and now 20 UgMO sensors are closely monitoring the field’s water and temperature readings for Kenny Pauley, UGA’s director of athletic turf and grounds.  “This kind of data is very important for Sanford Stadium,” said Pauley.  “We irrigate that field with two cannons that pump incredible amounts of water.  UgMO’s already shown us where to save by zeroing in on the localized dry spots,” he said.

Pauley added that Georgia’s water restrictions are making moisture management even more challenging than it’s been, which is why precise information about what’s happening in the soil is so critical.  “Everyone in the state is dealing with the same water issues,” he said.  “If the University of Georgia can take the lead and show people that water savings are possible, then maybe they’ll do it, too.”

So why the switch from Toro to UgMO? In addition to UgMO’s robust data, its software that’s loaded with features, accessibility to the information from any Internet browser and UgMO’s agronomic support, Pauley said it just made more sense to him to buy a wireless sensor system from the company that only makes sensors.  “Listen, Toro is a very good irrigation company and a very good equipment company.  But, UgMO… all they do is sensors and they do that really well.  I like that,” he said.

According to Pauley, next up for UgMO at UGA will be the track facility, the football practice facilities, the baseball and softball fields, the soccer field, the tennis complex and the Vince Dooley Garden.

Go Dawgs!

What is UgMO? A revolutionary soil management technology that guarantees water savings, reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides, and optimal playing conditions on golf courses and other sports turf.  UgMO’s wireless, rootzone intelligence system measures and analyzes soil moisture, temperature and salinity in real time, 24/7, with wireless underground sensors, fully interactive software and best-in-class agronomic consultations.

What’s a turf manager to do?

“Those who will survive under the new water restrictions will have to be sharp and willing to use the tools and resources that can help them manage water more efficiently and economically,” predicts Bruce Williams, a director of the California Alliance for Golf (an industry resource and advocacy group) and Director of Business Development, West, for ValleyCrest Golf Course Maintenance (a national golf course maintenance contracting firm).

“With irrigation budgets tracking at $300,000 to $350,000 annually, we’re all looking for holistic approaches to water management, particularly in drought-stricken states like California.”

Toro’s Out, UgMO’s In:

Bruce first experimented with underground soil monitoring in 2007 at Los Angeles Country Club where he was Director of Golf Courses and Grounds for 12 years.  He originally installed Toro’s TurfGuard but replaced it with UgMO earlier this year.  “I was impressed from the get-go by the concept of underground, wireless sensors, but I switched to UgMO because I felt their sensors and remote reporting were more accurate and more reliable and just better suited for the property,” said Bruce.  UgMO’s now on both courses at LACC.

“What I’m seeing now as I work with ValleyCrest clients nationally is that course owners and managers don’t mind investing in technology if they can see an appropriate return on that investment,” he said.  “Even in this tight economy, if they can realize a payback within a year or so, they’re finding tools like UgMO to be a very wise investment.”

Now that’s something to raise a glass to.

What is UgMO? A revolutionary soil management technology that guarantees water savings, reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides, and optimal playing conditions on golf courses and other sports turf.  UgMO’s wireless, rootzone intelligence system measures and analyzes soil moisture, temperature and salinity in real time, 24/7, with wireless underground sensors, fully interactive software and best-in-class agronomic consultations.

It wasn’t just for kicks that Alan Sigwardt bought into UgMO.  More like all-around optimum footing.

The head of grounds and engineering at Land Shark Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins as well as the University of Miami Hurricanes and the Florida Marlins MLB team, Alan was in the market for highly accurate data, reliable agronomic support and real-time savings.  Just yesterday, he had UgMO installed to help maximize the stadium’s playability, while scoring water savings in the process.

“From where I stand, peak performance on the field has everything to do with underground moisture levels,” Alan said.  “We’ve got a 100 percent sand-based field, so the moisture content is essential for optimum footing.  The sod will tear apart if it’s too dry; it’s got to be damp to hold together and stay firm.”

Before, Alan and his team would walk the field, and water the grass by feel.  But now with UgMO underground, smart sensor technology and expert agronomic support will help direct the Land Shark’s moisture management, watering in a way that’s best for the field and the environment.  Plus, the technology means Land Shark Stadium is ahead of the game in terms of compliance with new Florida legislation — Bill #494 — that’s outlining tougher restrictions on water consumption.

“We’re working with a lot of variables.  During football season, kick-off times differ from week to week and temperature and weather patterns vary from early August through December.  The UgMO data is critical for us to be able to analyze trending patterns, develop healthy moisture thresholds, dial in our water use precisely, and ensure optimum playability for the guys out there,” Alan said.

Touchdown.

What is UgMO? A revolutionary soil management technology that guarantees water savings, reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides, and optimal playing conditions on golf courses and other sports turf.  UgMO’s wireless, rootzone intelligence system measures and analyzes soil moisture, temperature and salinity in real time, 24/7, with wireless underground sensors, fully interactive software and best-in-class agronomic consultations.

UgMO™ is the most advanced, wireless, underground monitoring system available today. The web-based system UgMO™ is fueled by data provided by its patent-protected sensors and wireless communications system. UgMO™ displays real time conditions, providing comprehensive intelligence and predictive actions.

Our advanced system capabilities are complemented by a staff of agronomists. We help you establish health and performance targets by optimizing operating threshold ranges, evaluating your data and current practices, and refining your existing programs. Together we will help you stay in the UgMO Zone™.

The results? Optimal growing conditions and real savings that generate a strong and lasting return on investment.   

UgMO^TM allows you to easily see the real time moisture, salinity and temperature conditions in your soil so that you know where you are in relation to where you need to be for real savings! In addition, the web-based interface allows for easy viewing from anywhere with an internet connection.

“Enhance your growing and watering practices while ensuring maximized performance by making decisions based on real time conditions.”

But when Greg Pheneger, golf course manager at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida, saw a New York Times story on UgMO technology, he was convinced that the water-saving system was worth investigating.

“We take our role as environmental stewards very seriously here and, of course, we’re always looking for ways to enhance playability,” Pheneger said.  “UgMO seemed to give us quite an advantage in both areas, so we signed on.”

About a month ago, 72 UgMO sensors were installed across two courses at John’s Island Club, and already, “we’re seeing a 25 percent reduction in water savings on the fairways,” Pheneger said.  (The third course at John’s Island will get its UgMO sensors in early 2010.)

In addition to measuring and regulating soil moisture levels, UgMO is working to get the club’s underground temperatures in check and salinity levels under control.

“John’s Island Club is right on the ocean, so salt build-up can be a concern for us.  Looking at our salinity data, UgMO agronomists came up with a new, more efficient plan for flushing.  Now, we’re using shorter blasts, with shorter intervals in between — about 30 minutes, instead of a couple hours — and I’ll tell you, the change is dramatic.  We’re right where we want to be,” he said.

Not only is the UgMO data helping Pheneger pinpoint his irrigation management and save water, it’s also helping demonstrate the reasoning behind his practices to club members.  “Our members are very eco-conscious, and they take our watering practices very seriously.  With UgMO technology, for the first time we can have a real dialogue with members about smart water use and optimum turf health, and show them exactly why, where and when we need to water for the best result.”

Sounds like good news all around.

What is UgMO? A revolutionary soil management technology that guarantees water savings, reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides, and optimal playing conditions on golf courses and other sports turf.  UgMO’s wireless, rootzone intelligence system measures and analyzes soil moisture, temperature and salinity in real time, 24/7, with wireless underground sensors, fully interactive software and best-in-class agronomic consultations.

Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, known for its beautiful courses, is used to hosting prestigious golf tournaments. But pumping in thousands of gallons of water a night to keep the greens green wasn’t exactly green.

“We are desperately trying to minimize our water usage, because eventually it will be a commodity,” said Matt Schaffer, director of golf course operations for Merion Golf Course.

So Schaffer turned to technology, using wireless sensors called UGMO, an underground monitoring system. The sensors measure moisture, temperature, and salinity in the soil.

Click image below to read full story, and watch CBS3 video:

STEVE PRESSLER, Vice President of Sales, West

From wine to water conservation – that was Steve Pressler’s introduction to UgMO.

After 28 years of sales leadership and senior management positions in the financial services industry, Steve was ready for a change of scenery.  He studied to become a sommelier, opening his own wine business.  But a recent trip to Napa Valley with his brother Paul – Vice Chairman of UgMO – charted yet another new and exciting career path as the tasting quickly turned into a talk with vineyard owners on irrigation practices, water conservation, and UgMO intelligence.

In the process, Steve himself was sold on UgMO, and last month he came on board as Vice President of Sales –West.

“I’m fascinated with the UgMO technology,” Steve said.  “It’s revolutionary, and it’s been launched at the right time in the right place, in this new green world we’re living in.”

While he’s putting roots down in the golf arena now, Steve says UgMO’s applications are limitless.  “The technology is applicable to any turf environment – virtually anything irrigated.  And with guaranteed water savings, it’s an easy sell.  I’m excited to be part of the team, and to help bring UgMO intelligence to the forefront of the turf world.”

A techy in his own right, previously Steve served as Vice President, North American Sales, for the Vendor Leasing division of Siemens Financial Services, Inc. (SFS, Inc.), where he focused on the technology and the commercial / industrial markets.

Steve can be reached at spressler@ugmo.com.

CAMERON JONES, Vice President of Sales, Southern California, Nevada

When you build a career in landscape management and land development in places like California, Nevada and Arizona, you know how true it is to refer to water as liquid gold.  That’s what intrigued Cameron Jones about UgMO.

Now UgMO’s Regional Vice President of Sales in Southern California and Nevada, Cameron has seen first-hand how the guesswork that typically directs irrigation practices and systems can send water costs sky-high for a property.  “I’ve run my own landscape construction businesses, I’ve managed turnarounds for large companies in the landscape construction industry, and I’ve managed irrigation systems for one of the top 10 land developers in the country,” he said.  “In every instance, water use and its costs are top concerns.  Penalties, alone, can quadruple the cost of water.”

Cameron says that UgMO’s ability to integrate with irrigation systems is key.   “Couple UgMO data with advanced irrigation systems and you enhance the abilities of landscape managers and superintendents to better manage their environments, ultimately improving the landscape and lowering the overall costs.”

His customers – including turf managers at major sports facilities like Home Depot Center and Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles – are reporting that UgMO’s soil intelligence is both confirming their hunches about watering practices and also surprising them with real data that is changing their approach to irrigation.  “Our UgMO sensors are game changers, and I’m delighted to be able to offer this technology as a proven solution to the California marketplace,” he said.

In addition to his own consulting work, Cameron’s background includes leadership positions with The Irvine Company, Rinker Materials (now Cemex), Gothic Landscape and RGS Services.

Talk to Cameron about your West Coast water concerns at cjones@ugmo.com.

KEVIN BUTLER, Vice President of Sales, Georgia, South Carolina

Are you ready for some football?   UgMO has drafted the NFL’s Chicago Bears all-time leading scorer as its newest Regional Vice President of Sales in Georgia and South Carolina.  Kevin Butler has had a storied career on the gridiron.  A Georgia Bulldog (no relation to UgMO the bulldog!), he’s the only placekicker in the College Football Hall of Fame and was a member of the Bears squad for 11 seasons, including the fabled 1985 Super Bowl team.

Since retiring from the game in 1997, Kevin’s off-the-field career has matched the success of his on-field game.  Most recently, his own consulting company has been focused on sports structures, their design and architecture, engineering, expansion, etc.  Enter UgMO.   “As a player, you appreciate a field that performs well, and soil moisture has a lot to do with that,” he said.  “But for stadium managers, especially in the South, water is at a premium.  UgMO is a technology that addresses the water issue head on, and it’s affordable – ultimately paying for itself.”

A member of the University of Georgia’s football broadcast team, Kevin is also chairman of The First Bank of Georgia and owns two luxury parking facilities at UGA – Bulldog Park and Tailgate Station.

To talk football and UgMO with Kevin, email him at kbutler@ugmo.com.   Go Bulldogs!

RICK CREESE, Vice President of Sales, Florida

Florida is Rick Creese’s home turf, and he knows they don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing.   Along with those sunny skies comes some of the driest weather in the nation.  According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, it’s estimated that the state will need an additional 2 billion gallons of water a day by the year 2025.

With the need to protect and conserve water resources in Florida front and center, Rick – UgMO’s Vice President of Sales for the state – says UgMO’s message of accountability and environmental stewardship is already hitting home.

“From marquee golf properties to local municipalities, UgMO’s ability to provide snapshots of soil conditions along with data points, trend information and corrective actions gives instant accountability for the control and management of water use,” he said.

Rick comes to UgMO with 20 years of experience in commercial, industrial and residential real estate sales and development in Florida, most recently with Prudential Florida Realty, achieving Chairman Circle status as the top 3% of all agents for the last seven years.

He’s already put his selling skills to work, having presented the water-saving message to more than 125 organizations statewide.  Currently, nearly a third of UgMO’s installations are happening in Florida.

Reach Rick at rcreese@ugmo.com.

What is UgMO? A revolutionary soil management technology that guarantees water savings, reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides, and optimal playing conditions on golf courses and other sports turf.  UgMO’s wireless, rootzone intelligence system measures and analyzes soil moisture, temperature and salinity in real time, 24/7, with wireless underground sensors, fully interactive software and best-in-class agronomic consultations.

Hansen’s been at this turf business for the Dodgers for 13 years, so he knows a thing or two about the great American pastime.  But what he couldn’t know, until UgMO’s wireless sensors went underground, was the precise soil moisture level that ensures peak performance on the field, especially in the high-traffic, super-sensitive infield area called the skin.

“The skin [or infield dirt zone] is less than 10 percent of the total field area, but it’s where 70 percent of the game is played,” Hansen said.  “Understandably, a lot of our attention is on the infield skin, where we irrigate by hand.  Before, we were watering strictly by feel and conjecture.  Now, the UgMO technology has helped direct our moisture management, confirming some things I thought were true but also revealing some things I didn’t know, like how long it really takes to get the skin’s moisture back to optimum levels.”

With UgMO’s wireless, real-time technology and ongoing agronomic consults, Hansen’s got irrigation down to a science.  “We know now that we can’t wait until the day before the team returns from the road to begin re-establishing moisture — we’ve got to start sooner.  This way, we can reach optimum moisture levels throughout the 5″ skin profile the first game they are back, not three games into the homestand.  And once those optimum levels are attained, we know to scale back watering and simply apply enough to maintain our target levels.”

Hansen says he can tell the UgMO difference by the way the field plays and the way it holds up during the games.  And bigger picture, it feels good to be doing the right thing for water conservation.  “Everyone in the Dodgers organization is eco-conscious and doing their part to go green.  This is a great way for us to contribute,” Hansen said.  “Irrigating in a way that establishes healthy turf and a great playing surface goes hand in hand with water conservation.  With UgMO, we see a big gain on both sides.”

What is UgMO? A revolutionary soil management technology that guarantees water savings, reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides, and optimal playing conditions on golf courses and other sports turf.  UgMO’s wireless, rootzone intelligence system measures and analyzes soil moisture, temperature and salinity in real time, 24/7, with wireless underground sensors, fully interactive software and best-in-class agronomic consultations.

“Merion is an old-fashioned golf course in a modern world,” he says, standing at the first tee. “Television has changed everything. Appearances are all that matter. At Merion, we are less sensitive to matters of aesthetics and more interested in playability. Other courses use much more chemicals and fertilizer than we do, but if more golfers were less concerned about brown grass, golf would be a lot cheaper for everyone.”

He lays down his words like a challenge. “I water as little as possible. Water is the catalyst for growing grass, but the less moisture you have, the less likely you are to have disease.”

Before 2005, watering was hit or miss, with primitive probes and pocket knives used to judge moisture. But that year, Merion installed sophisticated sensors, each about the size of a beer can, on greens, fairways, and roughs. The sensors send data to Shaffer’s office computer.  (That’s UgMO wireless sensor technology they’re talking about!)

“It’s like a CAT scan,” he says. “When I don’t have to water, I don’t. The sensors are an edge against Mother Nature. Joe Valentine would have loved them.”

Read more

For the time-honored Walker Cup, September 12 and 13, 2009, at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., superintendent Matt Shaffer is readying firm, fast, championship conditions with UgMO, assuring optimum playability, turf health, and water savings.

Conditions now leading up to the Walker Cup are much like they were back in August 2005 as Merion prepared to host the U.S. Amateur Men’s Championship.  “Wet, hot and humid,” says Shaffer.  With 90 UgMO sensors in the soil on Merion’s historic East Course, Matt is tapping into real-time data on subsurface temperature and moisture, along with recommended actions to keep his cool.

“What we’ve seen with UgMO’s smart technology — that we would not have known otherwise — is that not all turf is created equal, even on the same course,” Matt said.  “Our back nine are healthy at a cool 74 degrees, but the front nine are climbing up to a dangerous 91 degrees during the day.”

Thanks to UgMO’s wireless sensor readings, Matt is paying extra attention to the weaker nine, aerifying the greens to let them cool at night, running fans on them during the day, and scaling back on watering.  In the past few weeks, UgMO has helped Merion bring subsurface moisture levels down from 30 percent or more, to less than 20 percent.  By the start of play on September 12, they’ll be as low as 10 percent, Matt and UgMO agronomists expect.  That’s a 50 to 70 percent reduction in water content.

“We’re on track to achieve perfect championship playing conditions for the Walker Cup, without stressing the greens, and UgMO technology is what’s getting us there,” Matt said.

For more on Merion’s use of UgMO sensors, check out this coverage in The Philadelphia Inquirer: Healthy sod is high-tech firm’s turf

What is UgMO? A revolutionary soil management technology that guarantees water savings, reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides, and optimal playing conditions on golf courses and other sports turf.  UgMO’s wireless, rootzone intelligence system measures and analyzes soil moisture, temperature and salinity in real time, 24/7, with wireless underground sensors, fully interactive software and best-in-class agronomic consultations.

Pressler is the former president and CEO of the $16 billion global specialty retailer, Gap Inc. He also spent 15 years at the Walt Disney Company, most recently as chairman of the resorts and parks division. Currently, he is a director for Avon Products Inc., OpenTable, Inc. and Overture Acquisitions Corporation, and is an advisor to private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. “Paul brings an extraordinary wealth of operating and consumer brand experience to the UgMO team,” said Norley.

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That would be when soccer hunk David Beckham skins his flawless face on turf that is too dried out. Or if next month’s 42d Walker Cup Match at Merion Golf Club were to be scrapped because some disease ate the greens.

In short, when the right amount of soil moisture is not achieved on playing surfaces, sports tragedy can ensue.

Enter Norley, an entrepreneur with a college quarterback’s appreciation for sports (because he used to be one) and a sensitivity to environmental stewardship. That combination has yielded UgMO, a private company in King of Prussia that has boomed – in sales and in raising investment money – while others have drowned in this dismal economy.

For years, assessing the health of athletic turf has been a rather primitive exercise, largely amounting to taking a pinch of soil between one’s fingertips to feel if it is too wet or too dry. UgMO, a subsidiary of Advanced Sensor Technology Inc., has elevated the process into a state-of-the-art world of wireless underground monitoring, Google maps, and computers.

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Contact:  Cameron Jones, cjones@ugmo.com, 949-444-4119
S. California, Nevada, New Mexico, Mexico

Cooling Off in North Carolina

Sam Green will tell you: none other than golf great Gary Player talked him into it.

As Superintendent at Eagle Point Golf Club in Wilmington, N.C., Sam had heard of UgMO sensors from others in the industry.  But listening to Mr. Player talk about UgMO’s revolutionary technology and resource savings at a special GIS preview event back in February, he was persuaded to make the UgMO move.

In June, Sam installed UgMO sensors on four greens at Eagle Point, where he’s growing bentgrass in hot and humid conditions.  The soil there reaches 90 to 100 degrees during the day, and generally drops into the 70s at night, which is essential for the plant to recover.  But as the UgMO sensors have shown, when the soil is wet, it doesn’t cool nearly as much at night.

“For us, less water means less disease.  With UgMO’s smart sensors in play, we know exactly when and how much to water, based on soil temperature readings,” said Green.  “We’re equipped to keep surfaces firm without stressing the greens.”

In a state where water is a commodity — North Carolina requires water usage records to be turned in annually — Sam predicts the UgMO technology will soon come into critical demand.

“In two months, we’re already seeing strong results in terms of improved turf health and water savings.  We’re hoping to install sensors on another five or six greens soon.”

This week, superintendents in California and Florida weigh in on the UgMO advantage.

Great Agronomist Support in the Golden State

At Marbella Country Club in San Juan Capistrano, California, Golf Course Superintendent Matt Marsh looks forward to dramatic water savings, thanks to UgMO sensors.

Just within the past month and a half, he installed 18 wireless sensors across three different greens, fairways and rough.  Now, he depends on real-time data on moisture levels to dictate irrigation practices, rather than relying on aesthetic thresholds.

While still in the trial phase, Matt’s already hooked on the UgMO technology.  “I can jump on my iPhone from anywhere in the country and check on my greens.  It’s great,” he said.

Matt hopes to save five to 10 percent of Marbella’s water budget annually.  At that rate, the UgMO sensors could pay for themselves within the first year or two.

But for Matt, the biggest sell is UgMO’s expert agronomist support — something other sensor companies aren’t offering, Matt says.

Sensor Fever in Southwest Florida

At Cypress Woods Golf Club in North Naples, Florida, superintendent Francisco Navas may not be sleeping in any later, but he’s definitely sleeping easier since installing UgMO sensors two weeks ago.

Pre-UgMO, facing a prolonged period of drought and statewide water restrictions, Navas and his team had taken irrigation into their own hands.  Working through a 12″ to 18″ rain deficit mid-year, they woke up each morning to a rigorous, three-hour greens inspection, checking soil moisture and watering the dry spots by hand.  Afternoons brought more of the same.  Factoring in time and labor costs, the old ‘rinse and repeat’ just wasn’t working for Cypress Woods.

Now, with UgMO’s smart sensors in action on three greens, Navas happily lets the software do the dirty work, wirelessly reporting soil moisture, temperature and salinity levels every 20 minutes to his computer or cell phone.

The UgMO agronomist team projects a 30 percent reduction in Cypress Woods’ water usage after the first three months.  And Navas is already seeing savings in labor costs and electricity.  But just as important, he can rest assured knowing he’s helping to save earth’s precious resources.

“Turf health and playability go hand in hand,” said Navas.  “At Cypress Woods, we’re very conscious of our watering practices and the amount of fertilizer we’re using.  We strive to be good environmental stewards, and deliver the best playing conditions we can.  UgMO’s wireless technology is making that easier than ever before,” he said.

For more on the UgMO installation at Cypress Woods, check out this week’s story in the Naples Daily News: North Naples golf course the first to use water — and money — saving device

For Francisco Navas, superintendent at the Cypress Woods Golf Club in North Naples, and his crew that meant spending three hours each morning and three hours later in the day examining each green and hand-watering the dry spots, a long process that was “wasting labor,” he said.

That was until UgMO came around.

A product of Philadelphia-based Advanced Sensor Technology Inc., the UgMO Knows is a wireless underground sensor system that monitors the moisture, salinity and temperature of the soil underneath turf.

Full article: naples-daily-news_8509

The revolutionary, wireless underground monitoring system that debuted earlier this year is making its way across the country.  In fact, some 60 properties — including major golf courses and sports turf facilities as well as agricultural and municipal locations — have joined the UgMO movement to save water and other resources by summer’s end.

Beginning today, we’ll share the perspectives of those who have been UgMO’d for a look at the water and other resource savings they’re experiencing now.  First up… UgMO goes underground in Florida and Arizona.

Playing the Field in the Sunshine State

For Sean Anderson, Superintendent at Card Sound Golf Club in Key Largo, Florida, UgMO technology came on strong recommendation from Merion Golf Club’s Matt Shaffer, an avid UgMO user and advocate.

In the spring, Card Sound was combating tired greens from a lack of rainfall.  Then came summer with heavy rains that opened up the course.  With the changing Florida weather,

Sean was eager to eliminate the guesswork of when and how much to water.

Since UgMO went underground at Card Sound in early April, Sean has been working with UgMO’s agronomic team to closely monitor soil moisture.  “The readings have changed substantially from spring to summer.  With UgMO technology in place, we’re able to see exactly how much moisture the soil retains depending on the season, analyze trending patterns, and develop healthy thresholds,” Sean said.

Now, Sean’s on course to cultivate the healthiest plant possible and enhance playability at Card Sound.  “I followed the recommendation on UgMO, and would definitely pass it on to other superintendents,” he said.

Extreme Savings in Extreme Conditions

At a recent Arizona Greens tournament hosted at Desert Mountain Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, Director of Agronomy Shawn Emerson wasn’t suprised to hear players comment on the great playability of the greens, for one reason in particular: UgMO.

In May, Shawn installed UgMO technology on four of Desert Mountain’s six signature Jack Nicklaus courses, spanning 500 acres of turf in the desert.  UgMO’s advanced sensors are helping Desert Mountain optimize turf conditions over more days in a year.

Extreme Arizona weather?  No sweat.  From the baking summer sun (up to 115 degrees) to snow blasts in winter, UgMO monitors moisture in the soil and analyzes trending patterns.

“We had been using 900 million to 1 billion gallons of effluent water per year,” Shawn said.  “Before UgMO, I’d have said we were good irrigators.  But now, with UgMO’s 24/7, real-time measurements of soil moisture and salinity, we’re equipped with far better data to make better irrigation decisions.”

Soil salinity is under control, too.  With UgMO, Shawn’s been able to scale back on calcium amendments and log major savings in labor.

“Even though our courses are in the same location, they react differently to water levels and salinity, and we can see that now with the UgMO technology.  We’re definitely more consistent in our watering practices — we’re saving a good 10 to 15 percent on our annual water usage,” he said.

Toro has made a modification to its technology’s design to eliminate any dispute as to whether the Turf Guard product infringes on the ‘511 patent.

Walt Norley, CEO of AST commented after the settlement that: “We are looking forward to competing with Toro and Turf Guard in a fair and open manner, and to allowing the many potential customers to make their purchasing decisions based on the quality, price and efficiency of our respective products.”

Mr. Norley also said, “We are very focused on the future of our company and on delivering a great product to our customers.  Toro has a long history of excellence in manufacturing irrigation systems and lawnmower equipment.  We wish them future success, and look forward, as they do, to meeting the soil monitoring needs of the sports turf marketplace without the distractions of litigation.”

Terms of the settlement are confidential.

About UgMO

UgMO combines wireless, underground sensors with the most intuitive software on the market to provide 24/7, real-time monitoring of soil moisture, temperature and salinity or salt levels.  By analyzing the data, UgMO saves water, energy and other resources with precise data on when and how much water, fertilizer and pesticides are needed to maintain healthy soil and plant growth, prevent disease, and optimize turf and soil conditions.

Headquartered in King of Prussia, Pa., Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc. (AST) is a national environmental technology company that designs, manufactures and markets UgMO’s wireless soil sensor systems and software.

His crew put together a sensor technology that measures everything that should be in soil — salinity, moisture levels and temperature — to grow a healthy and beautiful landscape. In the process, the sensors save, on average, 10 percent of an organization’s water use.

Today, the patented technology is known as UgMO, a proprietary wireless intelligence system that broadcasts soil information to irrigation systems…

Read More

“I’m delighted to announce that Paul Pressler has joined our board as vice chairman,” said Walt Norley, founder and CEO of Advanced Sensor Technology, developers of UgMO.

Pressler is the former President and CEO of the $16 billion global specialty retailer, Gap Inc. He also spent 15 years at the Walt Disney Company, most recently as chairman of the resorts and parks division. Currently, he is a director for Avon Products Inc., OpenTable, Inc. and Overture Acquisitions Corporation, and is an advisor to private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. “Paul brings an extraordinary wealth of operating and consumer brand experience to the UgMO team,” said Norley.

In fact, it was UgMO’s water conservation appeal to both commercial and consumer users that caught Pressler’s attention a few months back. UgMO is an underground soil monitoring technology that Pressler says has the potential to revolutionize soil management. “What I love about UgMO is that this breakthrough technology is both affordable and accessible,” he said. “UgMO can make a material impact on water conservation and savings right now.”

With trillions of acres of the planet being irrigated every day, Pressler says the notion of conserving water and working toward a green planet is critical. “We all have a responsibility to step up and do something to address diminishing resources like water,” Pressler said. Most of the world’s irrigation systems are managed by nothing more than a timer — and that’s true whether you’re talking about sophisticated sports turf arenas, premier golf courses, major agricultural properties or someone’s front lawn. UgMO leads the way in bringing intelligent technology to the soil and removing the guesswork of how to use — and how to save — water resources.

Pressler is working with the UgMO team to help forge strategic partnerships, expand growth opportunities and promote UgMO’s water advocacy role. “Paul has led some of the world’s best known brands. We’re delighted to be adding his significant expertise in building the UgMO brand name, and our entire business,” Norley said.

About UgMO
UgMO combines wireless, underground sensors with the most intuitive software on the market to provide 24/7, real-time monitoring of soil moisture, temperature and salinity (or salt levels). By analyzing the data, UgMO saves water, energy and other resources with precise data on when and how much water, fertilizer and pesticides are needed to maintain healthy soil and plant growth, prevent disease, and optimize turf and soil conditions.

Headquartered in King of Prussia, Pa., Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc. (AST) is a national environmental technology company that designs, manufactures and markets UgMO’s wireless soil sensor systems and software.

For more information, visit UgMO.com.

Introduced by Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc., UgMO is a proprietary wireless rootzone intelligence system that monitors salinity, soil moisture and temperature.

superintendent-_july-2009

Five others courses in Florida — including Old Palm Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens and dozens more across the country, particularly in hot, dry climates — have installed the UgMo systems as well.

The company claims the systems cut water use by a quarter or more, which can translate to tens of thousands of dollars in savings at a course.”

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John Scott, Superintendent

- Shawn Emerson, Director of Agronomy, Desert Mountain

- Matt Marsh, Superintendent

Kyle Waters, VP of Operations

New York Times golf reporter Larry Dorman labels UgMO as “the leader in the clubhouse” in the golf course conservation movement. UgMO measures real-time moisture, temperature and salinity in the soil, and puts data directly at turf managers’ fingertips. The result: positive returns all around, from optimized turf health and playability to uber-efficient water and resource utilization.

“This is a green addiction with the potential to spread,” said Dorman, “with more than 20 states affected by some form of drought and water restrictions a daily reality in cities across the nation.”

Golf course industry leaders Matt Shaffer of Merion Golf Club in Pa., Shawn Emerson of Desert Mountain in Ariz., and Sean Anderson of Florida’s Card Sound Golf Club all shared their perspectives on golf’s water issue and their experience with UgMO’s sensors. Their savings, thanks to UgMO, are staggering: hundreds of millions of gallons of water conserved over the course of just one year, and hundreds of thousands of dollars back in their operating budgets.

Click here to read The New York Times coverage of UgMO.

- Bruce Williams, Director of Golf Courses & Grounds, LACC

Advanced Sensor Technology founder and CEO Walt Norley fielded questions from Silicon Valley bureau chiefJim Goldman at the Home Depot Center outside Los Angeles, where UgMO is being installed this week. Norley spoke about how this advanced, wireless, underground soil monitoring technology is positively impacting the environmental and economic factors of properties like this with precise data on water management.

Called a property manager’s “best friend” by CNBC’s Goldman, UgMO is changing the way superintendents and turf managers approach their work, especially in those areas of the country hardest hit by the drought. UgMO brings data 24/7 on soil moisture, temperature and salinity directly to turf managers’ fingertips via wireless sensors and a highly intuitive software program. It removes completely the guesswork of when, where and how much to water, when and how much to fertilize, where to target disease prevention, etc. Turf performance is optimized and resource savings, especially water savings, are dramatic – upward of 25%.

But you don’t have to take our word for it. Click here to check out CNBC’s Tech Effect coverage of UgMO.

http://www.golfcoursenews.com/news/news.asp?ID=5206

golf-course-management_may09

UgMO™ is the most advanced, wireless, underground monitoring system available today. The web-based system UgMO™ is fueled by data provided by its patent-protected sensors and wireless communications system. UgMO™ displays real time conditions, providing comprehensive intelligence and predictive actions.

Our advanced system capabilities are complemented by a staff of agronomists. We help you establish health and performance targets by optimizing operating threshold ranges, evaluating your data and current practices, and refining your existing programs. Together we will help you stay in the UgMO Zone™.

The results? Optimal performance conditions and real savings that generate a strong and lasting return on investment.

UgMO^TM shows you the real-time moisture, salinity and temperature conditions in your soil so that you can compare where you are to where you need to be for real savings! In addition, UgMO’s web-based interface allows for easy viewing from any Internet connection.

“Enhance your turf’s playability and value while ensuring maximized performance by making decisions based on real time conditions.”

UgMO™ is the most advanced, wireless, underground monitoring system available today. The web-based system UgMO™ is fueled by data provided by its patent-protected sensors and wireless communications system. UgMO™ displays real time conditions, providing comprehensive intelligence and predictive actions.

Our advanced system capabilities are complemented by a staff of agronomists. We help you establish health and performance targets by optimizing operating threshold ranges, evaluating your data and current practices, and refining your existing programs. Together we will help you stay in the UgMO Zone™.

The results? Optimal performance conditions and real savings that generate a strong and lasting return on investment.

UgMO^TM allows you to easily see the real time moisture, salinity and temperature conditions in your soil so that you know where you are in relation to where you need to be for real savings! In addition, the web-based interface allows for easy viewing from anywhere with an internet connection.

“Enhance your field’s playability and value while ensuring maximized performance by making decisions based on real time conditions.”

UgMO™ is the most advanced, wireless, underground monitoring system available today. The web-based system is fueled by data provided by its patent-protected sensors and wireless communications system. UgMO™ displays real time conditions, providing comprehensive intelligence and predictive actions.

Our advanced system capabilities are complemented by a staff of agronomists. We help you establish health and performance targets by optimizing operating threshold ranges, evaluating your data and current practices, and refining your existing programs. Together we will help you stay in the “UgMO Zone.”

The results? Optimal performance conditions and real savings that generate a strong and lasting return on investment.

UgMO^TM shows you the real-time moisture, salinity and temperature conditions in your soil so that you can compare where you are to where you need to be for real savings! In addition, UgMO’s web-based interface allows for easy viewing from any Internet connection.

“Enhance your field’s playability and value while ensuring maximized performance by making decisions based on real time conditions.”

UgMO™ is the most advanced, wireless, underground monitoring system available today. The web-based system UgMO™ is fueled by data provided by its patent-protected sensors and wireless communications system. UgMO™ displays real time conditions, providing comprehensive intelligence and predictive actions.

Our advanced system capabilities are complemented by a staff of agronomists. We help you establish health and performance targets by optimizing operating threshold ranges, evaluating your data and current practices, and refining your existing programs. Together we will help you stay in the UgMO Zone™.

The results? Optimal performance conditions and real savings that generate a strong and lasting return on investment.

UgMO^TM allows you to easily see the real time moisture, salinity and temperature conditions in your soil so that you know where you are in relation to where you need to be for real savings! In addition, the web-based interface allows for easy viewing from anywhere with an internet connection.

“Enhance your field’s playability and value while ensuring maximized performance by making decisions based on real time conditions.”

- Sean Anderson, Superintendent

Player even professes his affection for UgMO (also an AST company) during the promotional video, which is hilarious and reveals Player’s talents as a fine comedic actor. “I cannot tell you how I love this dog,” Player says as he and UgMO romp around on a golf green. “I looked into this dog’s eyes and I just saw something. He’s something special.”

http://www.golfdom.com/golfdom/Golfdom+Insider/And-the-Best-Actor-Is–Gary-Player/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/593275

golfdom_april091

This UgMO can play a vital role.

http://gcm.typepad.com/gcm/2009/03/player-talks-water-conservation-part-2.html#more

GCM: Can you talk a little about how important water conservation is to you?

Gary Player: It’s the most crucial thing that we face in the world today.

http://gcm.typepad.com/gcm/2009/03/the-black-knight-talks-water.html

asiangolfbusiness_march09

UgMO: Best in Show™

• Advanced Sensor Technology (AST) introduces UgMO™: a proprietary wireless rootzone intelligence system that measures real-time soil moisture, temperature and salinity
• The most advanced wireless sensor and analytical, intuitive, fully interactive software on the market today
• Optimizes turf health and playability, improves product quality, optimizes resource utilization
• Leading patented technology for water, salinity and environmental management

Technology On the Turf, On the Net

• State-of-the-art wireless mesh network, coupled with comprehensive software monitoring, eliminates guesswork
• Real-time trending and predictive modeling accessible via UgMO software at your fingertips
• World-class, web-enabled agronomy services help users best manage greens, fairways and rough

In the Zone: Root Zone Measurements

• UgMO Sees – each sensor collects data on rootzone moisture, salinity and temperature
• UgMO Knows – monitors healthy thresholds and calculates real-time water savings
• UgMO Says – visual demonstration and agronomic consultation for what’s needed at each location to get in the UgMO Zone

UgMO Opportunities

While UgMO is establishing its roots on the golf course, its expert capability is applicable across a variety of turf and soil markets, namely:

• Turf: $535 million market.  UgMO rolls into Residential and Commercial Turf this summer.
• Landscaping: $3.3 billion market
• Agriculture: $2.7 billion market
• Environmental: market not yet sized

Positive Returns

• Cost Saving benefits: Efficiencies in water, energy and fertilizer usage. Added salinity controls.  Decreased labor inputs.  Increased turf quality and crop yields.
• Agronomic benefits: Efficient salinity management and irrigation uniformity.  Deeper rooting for more oxygen.  Predictive disease control.
• Environmental benefits: Water conservation of 25% or more, energy savings up to 25%.  Reduced phosphates, nitrates and pesticides.  Reduced carbon footprint.
• Regulatory benefits: Water-mandate friendly, measurable compliance.  Promotes green activity.

On Course

• Field tested on some of the world’s leading golf courses – hosts to major USGA and PGA events
• Installations at Merion Golf Club, Scioto Country Club, Desert Mountain Golf Club and Los Angeles Country Club

Press Contacts: Jay Devine/ jdevine@devinepowers.com/ 215.880.0200
Christine Reimert/ creimert@devinepowers.com/ 610.639.2136

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. (December 4, 2008) – It’s not often that an invention moves swiftly through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  But it can happen.  Such was the case when Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc. (AST), a leading environmental technology company, applied for an accelerated patent for its wireless soil monitoring sensor.  Seventy-six days later, the patent was approved.

“We believe this to be one of the fastest utility patents issued in U.S. history,” said Walt Norley, Founder and CEO of AST.  “That tells us several things.  Not only does it say that the design and engineering of our wireless soil sensor are protectable, but it also indicates that our business is moving forward with technology that is a significant advancement for environmental and water conservation efforts.”

Norley said the patent also gives AST its rightful stake in the marketplace.  “Now, no other company can claim that it has wireless sensor technology which utilizes our unique features.  AST is the sensor technology company, and that is what separates us from Toro and others that are manufacturing hundreds of different products like tractors, mowers and irrigation heads,” he said.

AST’s wireless soil monitoring technology is an in-ground system that operates via a wireless mesh network.  It provides reliable, real-time measurement of soil moisture, temperature and salinity, which results in water savings and the reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides.   The technology has applications for the turf (golf courses and sporting venues), landscaping, agriculture and environmental industries.

According to Jeff Campbell, Ph.D., AST’s Vice President of Sensor Development, the wireless capability is what took sensor technology to the next level.   “I’ve been working in sensor development for 20 years, and I can say without a doubt that our wireless sensor design provides an unparalleled capture of measurement for moisture, temperature and salinity,” he said.

Campbell added, “There is a significant differential with this new sensor as compared to anything else in the turf market, and specifically with its precision and reliability in any soil type.  Since too much salt kills turf and too much water creates disease, the ability to know exactly what is happening in the soil at any moment means turf growth can be managed in a more intelligent way.”

Norley added that in addition to this utility patent for the specific sensor technology, additional patents are pending for AST’s wireless soil monitoring method.  “Our R&D work continues, too, as our team of agronomists and engineers develop new sensors that will expand our system’s capabilities to include measurement of variables like phosphates, nitrates, nutrients and specific contaminants,” he said.

About Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc. (AST)
Headquartered in King of Prussia, Pa., Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc. (AST) is a national environmental technology company that designs, manufactures and markets innovative, wireless soil sensor systems.  This hardware, software and analytical technology allows users to measure soil conditions in the root zone on a real time basis to optimize their irrigation and fertigation programs.  The results include: less water used, less fertilizers and pesticides applied, less stress on supplies of critical natural resources like water and energy, and dramatic cost benefits for users.

For more information on AST, visit www.AdvancedSensors.com.

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