TEXTBOOK(S)

Optional: Turfgrass Management by A.J. Turgeon, 5th, 6th or 7th edition

WEBSITE

For more information, visit the course Web Site.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Utilization of turfgrasses for lawns and recreational areas. Emphasis on: the cultural and environmental benefits of grassed areas, concepts of grass growth and development, selecting adapted grasses for proper use, techniques for successful establishment and management of cool-and-warm-season turfgrasses, fertilization, irrigation, aeration, and pest management. The history and benefit of natural and artificial sports fields will also be discussed.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/GOALS

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have an understanding of:

1. Plant morphology and specific structures that will enable them to identify the various species used as turfgrasses.

2. The components of the environment (atmosphere, soil, biotic) and how they affect turfgrass growth and development.

3. Soil physical and chemical properties as related to turfgrass management.

4. What a fertilizer is and how it is used to achieve a high-quality turf.  How the turfgrass plant uses nutrients, and how fertilizers behave in soils.  Emphasis is placed on ability to calculate and apply appropriate amounts of the chemical.

5. The dynamics of water in a turfgrass system.  How a plant uses water and why, how much water is required, and how it is applied most efficiently.

6. The impact of mowing on the turfgrass plant.  Proper mowing techniques will be covered.

7. The basics of supplementary management practices, such as aerification, topdressing, and overseeding.

8. The basics of best management practices (BMP’s).

9. The turfgrass industry in its broadest sense.

10. Environmentally responsible management is emphasized throughout the course. 

GRADING

A total of 600 points is possible as follows:

Three lecture exams (100 points each)

Final Exam (100 points)

Five quizzes/mini-papers/reports (10 points each)

Lab Grade (150 points possible)

EXTRA CREDIT:   Students can earn extra credit by giving a 7-10 minute oral presentation on a turfgrass topic. A total of 25 points can be earned for a good presentation. Topics will be selected with the approval of the instructor. This is an excellent way to raise your grade, especially if you are “on the fence” between two grades. 

Final grades are based on a curve of the total scores. The +/- system is used for final grades.

Class participation (lecture and lab) is expected of all students

Final exam:  Monday, December 17, 8:00-11:00

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students are expected to attend all lectures and examinations.  Attendance will be taken.  Students must inform the instructor if they expect to be absent for a valid reason.  A student is allowed two unexcused absences. Each additional unexcused absence will result in a 2% reduction in the overall course point total. For example, a total of 6 unexcused absences will reduce your final grade total by 8%. Students can access university definitions of excused absences from Attendance Regulation (REG02.20.3). Exams may be scheduled early with valid reason only. Students must report to the instructor within one week of missing lectures or examinations due to an emergency (illness, injury or death in the family). Make-up exams are allowed only due to legitimate emergencies and a letter from a doctor or clergy may be required. 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Students will comply with the NCSU policies governing academic honesty.  Violations (cheating, plagiarism, providing unauthorized assistance) will be dealt with in accordance with the NCSU Code of Student Conduct (POL11.35.1).

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR

Students are expected to be in their seats when class starts. Eating is not permitted. Sleepers may be publicly embarrassed.

DISABILITY SERVICES FOR STUDENTS (DSS)

If you are currently registered with Disability Services for Students, or suspect you may have a learning disability, please make an appointment with Dr. Bowman to discuss your situation. In conjunction with DSS, every effort will be made to accommodate students with special needs. You may contact DSS at 5156-7653 if you wish to make an appointment with their staff. For more information on NC State’s policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation (REG02.20.1).

Revised September, 2007

INTRODUCTION TO TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT

Lecture Schedule

Lab Instructor:     Ben Wherley, 4415 Williams Hall, 515-3637

Assistant:             Chenxi Zhang, 4112 Williams Hall