AGH 112 - Introduction to Turfgrass Management

• Classify different warm and cool season turfgrasses.
• Compare different plant characteristics.
• Evaluate and test the condition of the soil.
• Determine the best turfgrass for a specific site.
• The history and importance of the turfgrass industry.
• The skills needed and career opportunities in the turfgrass industry.
• How plants grow and spread
• How is turf quality measured
• The different levels of maintenance needed for different turfgrasses.
• The different characteristics of warm and cool season grasses.
• How the turf manager selects the best species and varieties
• The different components of soil.
• Important soil characteristics like texture and structure and their effects on plant growth.
• The most effective methods of soil modification.
• The different drainage systems used to remove excess water from soil.
• The principles of soil fertility.
• Effects of soil pH on plant growth and the materials used to raise or lower the soil pH.
• Why soil testing is important.
• How to collect a soil sample and how often soil tests should be done.
• What is tissue testing.
• How the turf manager decides what species should be planted on a site.
• The information found on a seed label.
• What are the four methods of turfgrass establishment and how should the new planting be cared for until the turf is well established.
• What nutrients are required by turfgrass plants.
• Different types of fertilizers and fertilizer programs.