Answer: It’s a worthwhile investment for many different reasons. For one thing, a soil moisture probe that measures the amount of available water in the soil is one of the best ways to make something that is very subjective into something that actually has a number assigned to it. This simple measurement can save water, the expense in pumping it, the aggravation in having under-watered grass, or, worse yet, over-watered grass and associated summer diseases that come with it. We understand your skepticism, but at the USGA we use soil moisture probes in preparing golf courses for USGA championships. It takes the guess-work out of irrigation, and keeps the grass healthy, firm and playable. Spend the money, it will be very well spent.
For more information, read a story on how soil moisture probes are changing the game of putting green irrigation: A Giant Leap Forward.