Identify the importance of soil fertility and how its chemical and physical properties influence turfgrass growth and development.
Identification should include
- determining the soil type
- explaining the effects of soil texture on plant growth and development (e.g., proportion of sand, silt, clay)
- explaining the effects of soil structure on plant growth and development (e.g., granular, platy, blocky, prismatic, columnar, structureless soils)
- classifying soils by texture
- explaining the importance of the physical properties of soil and how these properties affect processes such as infiltration, erosion, nutrient cycling, and biologic activity (e.g., horizonation, color, texture, structure, porosity, consistence, aggregate stability, density, temperature)
- explaining the importance of the chemical properties of soil (e.g., cation exchange capacity [CEC], pH)
- testing soil for nutrient availability and pH
- explaining the role of pH in turfgrass management
- explaining the importance of soil drainage
- explaining the benefits and risks of organic matter in the soil
- enumerating the causes and effects of compaction and how it can lead to safety concerns
- describing/illustrating a soil profile.
Process/Skill Questions:
- How do soil texture and soil structure affect plant growth?
- Why do we classify soils by texture?
- How do we use soil amendments to modify soil compaction and improve drainage or water-holding capacity?
- What are the mechanical methods to improve soil compaction?
- What is the process for testing soil for pH?
- What is the role of pH in turfgrass management?
- What is the purpose of a soil profile?
- How does failure to improve soil prior to planting lead to increased costs in the long run?
- What is the difference between soil formation and horizonation?