PSS 145  Turfgrass Management This course is offered every other year  (next - Spring 2009)

PSS 145, Turfgrass Management covers the scientific principles and practical applications of the establishment and maintenance of turfgrasses of the Northeast. The course will involve a combination of lectures, reading assignments, "hands-on" activities, problem solving exercises, quizzes and exams and independent projects.  Guest speakers will include active professionals that represent many aspects of the turf industry including landscapers, athletic field managers, golf course superintendents, consultants and government regulators.

Instructor:  Sid Bosworth  656-0478  (sid.bosworth@uvm.edu)

Location and Time
Location: TBA
Lecture/Lab Times: TBA

Course Outline
The course outline will be posted just prior to the semester.  The following topics will be covered in PSS 145:

• Introduction to turf utility, uses and quality
• The turf ecosystem and cultural practices
• Turf and the environment
• Turfgrass biology
• Turfgrass species description and adaptation
• Turfgrass seed physiology and quality
• Turfgrass estasblishment by seed and sod
• Turf fertility and pH
• Turf fertilizers
• Mowing practices
• Compaction and thatch control
• Irrigation
• Turf pest management
• Diagnosing turf problems
• Turf renovation

Reading Materials and Text:
Most of the reading material for this course will be in downloadable format (pdf) that will be posted on the course website.  There will also be several books on reserve at the library under PSS 145.  

Independent/Group Projects
There will be three  projects during the course of the semester. A handout will be given the first day of class for each assignment providing instructions, due dates and grading procedures. Projects include the following:

• Designing an establishment/renovation turf plan
• Research paper and presentation relating to "Current Issues in Turf Management"