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Principles of Turfgrass Management
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Chapter 1 - Turfgrass Growth, Development And Physiology
Chapter 2 - Turfgrass Identification, Adaptation, And Use
Chapter 3 - Basic Soils
Chapter 4 - Establishment
Chapter 5 - Fertilization
Chapter 6 - Mowing
Chapter 7 - Water Management and Irrigation
Chapter 8 - Sports Turf Cultivation
Chapter 9 - Weeds
Chapter 10 - Insects
Chapter 11 - Diseases
Chapter 12 - Pesticides
Chapter 13 - Sports Field Construction and Renovation
Chapter 14 - Special Sports Field Management Practices
Chapter 15 - Diagnosing Common Sports Turf Problems
Chapter 16 - Turfgrasses and the Environment
Chapter 1 - Turfgrass Growth, Development And Physiology
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Discuss the difference between monocotyledon and dicotyledon plants
* Explain why an overall understanding of the growth and development of the turfgrass plant is important
* List the conditions necessary for seed germination
* Discuss the structure and function of roots
* Describe the three basic types of turfgrass stems
* Explain the importance of photosynthesis, respiration, and stored carbohydrates to the health and recuperative ability of the turfgrass plant
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Chapter 2 - Turfgrass Identification, Adaptation, And Use
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Describe the characteristics of the five climatic zones of turfgrass adaptation and list the turfgrass species used on sports fields in each zone
* Identify the major turfgrass species
* Discuss the growth, adaptation, use, establishment, and maintenance characteristics of the major cool- and warm-season turfgrasses
* Explain how turfgrass mixtures and blends can be important management tools
* List those factors that should be considered when selecting a turfgrass species for a particular site
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Chapter 3 - Basic Soils
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Define soil from a sports turf manager's point of view
* List the factors involved in the formation of soils
* Describe the four principle soil horizons
* Discuss the importance of soil texture and soil structure
* Explain the importance of cation exchange capacity
* Discuss the methods used for correcting soil pH, saline soils, sodic soils, and saline-sodic soils
* Explain the importance of soil organic matter
* Discuss the significance of soil macropores and soil micropores in regard to soil, water and air
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Chapter 4 - Establishment
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Explain how a sports field should be prepared for planting
* Describe the methods used to establish sports-field turfgrasses
* Explain why cool- and warm-season turfgrasses should be established at certain times of the year
* Effectively use label information to ensure that you are purchasing the highest quality seed, sod, and sprigs possible
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Chapter 5 - Fertilization
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Explain what mineral nutrients turfgrass plants require, what these nutrients do, and how to recognize deficiency symptoms
* Explain the parts of a fertilizer label
* List the characteristics associated with fast-release and slow-release nitrogen fertilizers and the importance of each
* Determine the fertility requirements of turfgrasses
* Explain how rates, frequency, and timing of application influence the success of a fertilization program
* Describe the different ways fertilizers are applied to turfgrass areas
* Explain how to avoid fertilizer burn on turfgrasses
* Discuss the pros and cons of fertilizer/pesticide combination products
* Make calculations necessary to buy and apply fertilizers
* Calibrate both rotary and drop-type fertilizer spreaders
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Chapter 6 - Mowing
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Explain why mowing is the most basic practice in turfgrass management
* Explain how the physiology and growth of turfgrasses are affected by mowing
* List the factors that determine the best cutting heights for turfgrasses
* Explain how the one-third rule is used to determine mowing frequency
* Describe how sports fields are striped to create attractive patterns
* Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of reel and rotary mowers
* Explain the importance of using or recycling grass clippings
* Describe growth regulators and how they can reduce the need for mowing
* Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the most commonly used growth regulators
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Chapter 7 - Water Management And Irrigation
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Discuss how turfgrasses utilize water
* Explain why proper irrigation is one of the most challenging aspects of turfgrass management
* List the factors that must be considered when planning a turfgrass irrigation program
* Recognize the visual symptoms exhibited by turfgrasses under water stress
* Discuss methods to measure soil water content
* Explain how pan evaporation measurements can be used to determine irrigation amount
* Test an irrigation system to determine its delivery rate and distribution uniformity
* Discuss what cultural practices affect water use rates and drought hardiness
* Explain why syringing is used in turfgrass management
* Explain how wetting agents are used in turfgrass culture
* Discuss methods to conserve water
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Chapter 8 - Sports Turf Cultivation
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Describe the characteristics of a compacted soil
* Explain the methods used to relieve soil compaction
* Define thatch and explain how it is best controlled
* Determine how frequent core cultivation should be done
* List the benefits and disadvantages of core cultivation
* Discuss other cultivation options
* Explain the process of topdressing and why it is beneficial
After completing Chapter 8, you will take Exam #1 covering materials contained in Chapters 1-8!
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Chapter 9 - Weeds
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Explain why weeds are a problem in turfgrasses
* Discuss how good turfgrass cultural and sanitary practices help to prevent weed infestations
* Describe methods used to control turfgrass weeds
* Explain how herbicide classification relates to use
* Explain how to control broadleaf weeds, annual and perennial weedy grasses
* Outline a basic weed control program for sports fields
* Identify features of common turfgrass weeds
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Chapter 10 - Insects
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Describe the two types of developmental changes that occur in insects
* Explain how insects damage turf
* Identify the characteristics and life cycles of insects that attack turfgrass
* Diagnose turfgrass injury caused by insects
* Detect the presence of injury-causing insects in turf
* Discuss the principles of insect pest control in turf
* Describe the factors that influence the effectiveness of an insecticide
* Discuss the benefits and limitations of biorational insecticides
* Discuss cultural practices that can be used to suppress insects and reduce the damage they cause
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Chapter 11 - Diseases
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Explain how disease-causing fungi infect plants and how the infection is spread
* Diagnose the major diseases that affect turfgrasses
* Identify the symptoms, signs, affected turfgrasses, associated conditions, and possible control measures for the major diseases of turfgrass
* Explain how nematodes damage turfgrasses and how they can be controlled
* Discuss why the environment, host, and pathogen are critical factors in developing a turfgrass disease control program
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Chapter 12 - Pesticides
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Discuss the six basic methods of pest control
* Define the term Apesticide® correctly
* Describe the characteristics of various pesticide formulations
* Explain how to select the proper pesticide formulation
* Describe the information found on a pesticide label and why it is important
* Define LD50 and LC50 and how they are used to determine pesticide toxicity
* Describe the symptoms of pesticide exposure
* Discuss the three ways pesticides move in the environment
* Explain how to handle, mix, and apply pesticides safely
* Use the proper procedures for storing and disposing of pesticides
* Explain what precautions and procedures should be followed when faced with a pesticide spill
* Describe the various types and uses of pesticide application equipment
* Discuss the basic principles of integrated pest management
* Discuss some of the common misconceptions regarding pesticides
* Calculate the area of various turf sites
* Calibrate different types of pesticide application equipment
* Calculate pesticide rates
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Chapter 13 - Sports Field Construction And Renovation
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Understand the importance of soil amendments to field performance
* Discuss the three basic types of sports-field construction
* Discuss some specific aspects of construction needs for football, soccer, baseball, and softball
* Identify sports-field renovation options
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Chapter 14 - Special Sports Field Management Practices
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Mark off the boundaries of basic sports playing fields
* Maintain skinned surfaces on baseball/softball fields
* Protect a field for non-sporting events
* Overseed a sports field
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Chapter 15 - Diagnosing Common Sports Turf Problems
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Identify the basic growth-limiting factors of sports fields
* Identify soil characteristics and how they influence turf growth
* Identify turf management factors that affect turf growth
* Know the importance of record keeping for diagnosing turf problems
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Chapter 16 - Turfgrasses And The Environment
At the conclusion of this chapter, you will be able to:
* Explain how turfgrasses help remove pollutants from the air
* Discuss how turfgrass provides oxygen and helps to combat the greenhouse effect at the same time
* Explain how turfgrass controls soil erosion
* Explain how turfgrass aids to purify and conserve water
* Illustrate how turfgrass helps to control temperature
* Discuss how turfgrass improves soil fertility
* Explain why natural turf is superior to artificial turf as a playing field surface
* Explain how turfgrass improves our physical and emotion well being
After completing Chapter 16, you will take Exam #2 covering materials contained in Chapters 9-16!
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