206-308 Turfgrass Science and Management I

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Subject Description

The objectives of this subject are to extend participants' ability to:

• use conventional and vegetative taxonomic keys in identifying different turfgrasses;

• identify and describe the major sport and amenity grasses;

• describe the physiology of turfgrass growth and development;

• describe the techniques by which turfgrass can be established;

• describe the post-maintenance care of juvenile turf;

• test for turfgrass seeds and vegetative material;

• describe the principles and practices of turfgrass nutrition and fertilizers;

• describe the principles and practices associated with turfgrass irrigation and drainage;

• describe the principles and practices of equipment and machinery used for mowing, aeration, dethatching, and topdressing;

• recommend control methods and strategies for weeds, insects, nematodes, and diseases of turfgrass;

• and develop a works program and schedule for fine and coarse turf maintenance.

The content includes:

• turfgrass identification and selection using appropriate classification systems;

• the physiology and ecological characteristics of turfgrass growth and development;

• cultural, environmental, and technical requirements for successful propagation of turfgrass from seed and vegetative sources;

• and post-establishment of juvenile turf, revegetation, soils and root zone modification, turfgrass nutrition and fertilizers, soil water - irrigation and drainage, mowing principles and practices, turfgrass machinery and equipment application, turfgrass weeds, diseases, weeds, nematodes and insects and their control, plan and schedule a turfgrass maintenance program.

Assessment

A three-hour examination of one hour (50%), one assignment of 3000 words (25 percent), a turfgrass plant collection (25%).

Prescribed Texts

• Aldous, D.E. (ed.), International Turf Management Handbook. (1999), Butterman-Heinemann, London, 480pp.