AGH 112 - Intro to Turfgrass Management

1. Discuss turfgrass industry
   1. Describe the history of turfgrass usage.
   2. List the turf occupations.
   3. Give examples of turfgrass related professional associations.
2. Summarize grass species and their appropriate uses
   1. Identify the traits of the various turf grass species used by the turf managers.
   2. Classify grass species by plant and seed morphology.
3. Explain the role of turf grass relationships to soils.
   1. Identify the physical properties of soils essential to turf grass growth.
   2. Describe soil sampling and testing procedures.
4. Compare and contrast the major fertilizer elements and their functions.
   1. Identify the primary elements essential to turf grass growth.
   2. Name the secondary elements.
   3. Recall the micronutrients.
   4. Assess nutrient deficiencies.
5. Outline the steps in establishing lawns
   1. Compare seeding, sprigging, stolonizing and sodding.
   2. Determine pure live seed percentages.
   3. Calculate seeding rates.
6. Justify why correct mowing practices are important to the quality of the turf.
   1. Explain the effects of mowing on turf grass plants.
   2. List the current cutting height for turf grass species and cultivars.
   3. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of different types of mowers.
   4. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of collecting grass clippings.
   5. Discuss the use of plant growth regulators.
7. Characterize the management practices of turf grass as it applies to watering
   1. Discuss irrigation needs based upon climate, season, and turf species or cultivar used.
   2. List the signs that indicate when irrigation is needed.
   3. Calculate how the amount of water to be applied is determined.
8. Evaluate the unfavorable growing conditions that occur in the shade.
   1. Explain why certain shade-tolerant species and cultivars are able to adapt to moderate or partial shade.
   2. List the maintenance practices that help turf grass plants survive on shaded sites
9. Summarize soil compaction
   1. Discuss causes of soil compaction.
   2. Describe the problems resulting from soil compaction.
   3. List methods of preventing and alleviating compaction.
10. Evaluate implications of thatch.
    1. Describe the reasons for thatch buildup.
    2. Explain how thatch is reduced and controlled.
    3. Cite topdressing practices.
11. Predict turfgrass fertilization rates
    1. Calculate rates based on different management scenarios.
    2. Examine nutrient needs of high maintenance and low maintenance turf.