TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT - 11:776:304

Course Synopsis

Course: 11:776:304  Turfgrass Management  (4 credits)

Normally offered:  Fall Semester

Pre-requisites and other registration restrictions:  The course has no pre-requisites; however, students will benefit by taking introductory soil, water, plant science courses.

Description:  This is an introductory turfgrass management course that fulfills the elective portion of the Cook College Plant Science requirements.  It is strongly suggested for those seeking career opportunities in the science and management of turf landscapes including lawns, gardens, parks, roadsides, cemeteries, athletic fields, golf courses, etc. as well as the commercial supplies industry associated with turf and landscape management.

The course introduces students to the identification and management of grasses used for turf.  The course uses lecture, hands-on field laboratory experience, and field trips to teach principles of turf establishment, renovation, and management.  Emphasis is placed on genetic, cultural, physical, biological, and regulatory approaches to turf management rather than a chemical approach.  The broad course outline is as follows:

            I:          Introduction to Turfgrass Management

            II:        Turfgrass Identification and Uses

            III:       Primary Cultural Practices (Mowing, Fertilization, and Irrigation)

            IV:       Supplemental Cultural Practices (Cultivation, PGRs, etc.)

            V:        Pest Management

            VI:       Cultural Systems (Lawns, Athletic Fields, Golf Courses, etc.)         

Lecture Format:  Lectures are twice a week for 80-minute class periods.  Lectures are based on the topics outlined on the lecture syllabus, and generally follow the format of the accompanying textbook.  Please note that the textbook provides introductory background information, while lecture material (outlines, handouts, slides etc) will provide greater detail on specific subjects.  Students are encouraged to read the chapters that correspond to the lecture outline prior to attending lecture periods (Textbook chapters that correspond to the lecture material are indicated on the course calendar handout.

Laboratory Format:  The laboratory section meets once a week for a 3-hour period.  The laboratory section meets at Horticultural Farm II, in the Geiger classroom building, located off of Ryders Lane (please see map for directions).  Additionally, all field trips will depart from Hort. Farm II.  The laboratory section will be a combination of “hands-on” laboratory exercises, field trips, guest lectures and the possibility of overflow lecture material from the lecture section.

Examinations:  Two hourly exams are given in lecture, plus a comprehensive final exam.  One practical exam (Turfgrass ID) and a comprehensive notebook of all laboratory exercises are required in the laboratory.

Additional Graded assignments: Students will be required to hand in typed answers to the questions at the end of each chapter of the textbook.  Due dates for handing in these chapter questions are indicated as “questions due” on the course calendar handout.  These assignments are given to encourage students to read the chapters in the textbook prior to attending lecture. - In many instances the textbook will serve as backgound information to material that will be covered in greater detail during the lecture period; therefore students should be familiar with the textbook topic prior to attending class.

Required Text:  Turfgrass Management by A.J. Turgeon (7^th edition) 15 copies available at Cook/Douglas bookstore.

Other Requirements:  Additional reading materials may be handed out in the lecture and laboratory to supplement textbook reading.  Written exercises may be given in the lecture and laboratory based on class discussion and readings.

Attendance in lecture and laboratory is expected.

Students planning a career in turfgrass management/science:  As mentioned previously, this course is the introductory turfgrass management course.  Students intending to pursue turfgrass management/science as a career should be aware that there are three additional courses offered by the Plant Science Department that deal with various aspects of turfgrass management/science in greater detail.  It is strongly recommended that students interested in a career in turfgrass management/science make every effort to take the following courses:

11:776:451 - Fine and Sports Turf Management – Offered every Spring semester

11:776:408 - Turfgrass Pest Science – Offered alternate Spring semesters: 2007, 2009 etc.

11:776:XXX – Soil Management for Sports Fields – Offered alternate Spring semesters: 2006, 2008 etc.

Please note that two of these classes are offered on an alternate year basis.  Those students who wish to take these classes should schedule carefully in order to avoid missing an opportunity to register for these classes.