Location: Soil and Water Management Research
Project Number: 5062-12130-008-058-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2026
End Date: Aug 31, 2027
Objective:
Objective 1: Automate turfgrass data collection in the field and develop a pipeline to transfer data into the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) database quickly, accurately, and with minimal manual processing.
Objective 2: Improve data analysis tools and presentation methodology.
Objective 3: Targeted improvement of the NTEP database to ensure it can reliably support expanded data collection, analysis, and delivery workflows.
Objective 4: Redesign a new NTEP website as the primary platform for accessing, visualizing, and interpreting NTEP data.
Approach:
Under objective 1, field data collection technologies will be tested and refined. In-field data recording workflows will be evaluated and improved to ensure practicality under real trial conditions. Standardized data upload procedures will be developed, including structured templates and submission workflows. Mechanics of data ingestion will be evaluated and improved, including preprocessing, validation, and automated transfer into the database. Finally, basic validation checks at submission will be implemented to reduce downstream data cleaning.
For Objective 2, trial design will be developed and refined and data structuring tools developed to support consistent analysis across locations and years. Improved analytical workflows will be used to summarize and compare cultivar performance. Enhanced data visualization and graphics, including clearer presentation of multi-location and seasonal results will be developed. Improved website-based outputs will be made to ensure results are easy to interpret. Standardized outputs will be developed to support consistent reporting across trials and species.
For Objective 3, the existing relational database will be optimized, including performance tuning, routine updates, and data integrity checks. An improved schema design will accommodate expanded metadata, including plot layout, rater information, and rating dates, while maintaining compatibility with existing datasets. Historical NTEP data and the Turfgrass Trial Explorer data will be integrated into the database.
For Objective 4, a new NTEP website will be developed with standardized trial and site information across the platform. The website will have an Improved user interface design and navigation to better support researchers, practitioners, and the public. The cooperator will conduct final system testing, refinement, and deployment.