Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU
- Unit(s)
- 3.00
- Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
- Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 85.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: This course is an introduction to establishing, maintaining and managing turfgrasses for sports athletic fields, golf courses, parks, cemeteries, and commercial and residential lawns. Emphasis is placed on identification of various turfgrass species, installation of proper irrigation, environmental requirements, and maintenance practices.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Use appropriate terminology used in turfgrass management and production.
- Identify common warm and cool season turfgrass species, their uses and substitutes for turfgrasses.
- Properly prepare a site for planting.
- Describe the criteria for mowing cool and warm season grasses.
- Evaluate nutrient and moisture needs of common turfgrasses.
- Evaluate the need for soil and turf aerification, and how to correct associated problems.
- Explain the differences between, and advantages of, hydro seeding, drill seeding, and top seeding.
- Outline a control procedure for insects, diseases and weeds.
- Select, operate and maintain turf equipment safely.
- Formulate and implement a turfgrass management plan including sports and golf course turf.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Turf Industry | 2.00 |
| Specialized Uses of Turfgrass | 3.00 |
| Selection of Turfgrass | 3.00 |
| Propagation of Turfgrass | 3.00 |
Identification of Turf Species | 4.00 |
| Ground Covers--Turf Substitutes | 3.00 |
Mowing, Aerification, Verti-cutting, and De-thatching | 3.00 |
| Fertilizing | 3.00 |
Irrigation | 2.00 |
Renovation and Over-seeding | 3.00 |
| Over-seeding | 2.00 |
| Pests, Diseases and Weeds | 3.00 |
| Total Hours: | 34.00 |
Lab
| Topics | Lab Hrs |
|---|---|
| Selection of Turfgrass | 3.00 |
| Propagation of Turfgrass | 3.00 |
| Identification of Turf Species | 6.00 |
| Ground Covers--Turf Substitutes | 3.00 |
| Mowing | 3.00 |
| Fertilizing | 3.00 |
| Irrigation | 3.00 |
| Verti-cutting | 3.00 |
| Aerification | 3.00 |
| De-thatching | 3.00 |
| Renovation | 3.00 |
| Over-seeding | 3.00 |
| Reseeding | 3.00 |
| Pests, Diseases and Weeds | 9.00 |
| Total Hours: | 51.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Instructor Demonstrations
- Lecture
- Lab Activities
Methods of Evaluation
- Exams/Tests
- Quizzes
- Portfolios
- Class participation
- Lab Projects
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read the article provided by the instructor on aerating of turfgrasses and be prepared to discuss in class.
- Locate and read an article about common turfgrass equipment used on a golf course. Be prepared to share your findings with the class.
Writing Assignments
- Write a 2-3 page paper on 6 common grasses identifying the management of each. Be prepared to discuss your paper in class.
- Write a 2 page paper relating to preparation and management of soil for seed or sod installation. Present your findings in class.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Evaluate 6 turfgrass areas from 6 different homes in your community and identify management practices that need improvement. Present your findings to the class.
- Visit a garden center and survey the common varieties of seeds available for establishing a new lawn. Submit your findings to your instructor.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Emmons, Robert. (2012). Turfgrass Science and Management. McMillan, 5th.
Other Learning Materials
Appropriate clothing for spring weather, a water bottle and field notebook.
Minimum Qualifications
Ornamental Horticulture
Agriculture (Masters Required)