TURF (3B) TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT
- TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
What is the difference between a macronutrient and a micronutrient? - Answer-
Macronutrients are minerals that plants need in fairly large amounts. Plants use
micronutrients in relatively smaller quantities. Both are necessary for good nutrition and
health.
List the steps involved in solving plant health problems. - Answer-1. Identify the
problem.
2. Determine the cause or causes.
3. Plan a management strategy.
4. Monitor and evaluate results.
Describe the four perspectives that should be used to detect problems and assess
turfgrass condition. - Answer-First, study the stand from a distance. Note its general
condition.
Next, make a detailed, close inspection of abnormal plant parts and tissues.
Third, consult your records or observe the plant over time. Note if the symptoms are
recent or if they have developed over a long period of time.
Finally, call on your previous experiences. Relate this incident to similar situations.
How can you determine the cause of turfgrass health problems? - Answer-Careful
observation, studying the symptoms, using tools to monitor environmental and cultural
factors, and familiarity with the pest biology will help you determine the reasons for a
stand's poor health.
You suspect temperature is causing a problem. How would you take measurements to
see if this is true? - Answer-First, you should take readings in several locations. In an
area of any size, air and soil temperatures may vary considerably. In a large area,
shading and proximity to blacktop or concrete will affect temperature. Second, you
should measure temperature at different times. Temperatures fluctuate on daily and
seasonal cycles. You can use thermometers to measure temperatures. High/low
thermometers record temperature extremes.
You suspect the supply of soil nutrients and/or the pH is causing problems. What should
you do to confirm your suspicions? - Answer-You must first know the mineral and pH
requirements for the turfgrass variety. Then, you can use litmus paper or a pH meter to
measure soil pH. You will get a more complete picture of soil conditions from a soil test.
A routine soil test done at Virginia Tech will measure the pH and mineral content. The
report will include a recommendation, based on the type(s) of plants you are growing.
Special tests will measure soluble salt level and/or organic matter content.
- TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
What is the difference between a macronutrient and a micronutrient? - Answer-
Macronutrients are minerals that plants need in fairly large amounts. Plants use
micronutrients in relatively smaller quantities. Both are necessary for good nutrition and
health.
List the steps involved in solving plant health problems. - Answer-1. Identify the
problem.
2. Determine the cause or causes.
3. Plan a management strategy.
4. Monitor and evaluate results.
Describe the four perspectives that should be used to detect problems and assess
turfgrass condition. - Answer-First, study the stand from a distance. Note its general
condition.
Next, make a detailed, close inspection of abnormal plant parts and tissues.
Third, consult your records or observe the plant over time. Note if the symptoms are
recent or if they have developed over a long period of time.
Finally, call on your previous experiences. Relate this incident to similar situations.
How can you determine the cause of turfgrass health problems? - Answer-Careful
observation, studying the symptoms, using tools to monitor environmental and cultural
factors, and familiarity with the pest biology will help you determine the reasons for a
stand's poor health.
You suspect temperature is causing a problem. How would you take measurements to
see if this is true? - Answer-First, you should take readings in several locations. In an
area of any size, air and soil temperatures may vary considerably. In a large area,
shading and proximity to blacktop or concrete will affect temperature. Second, you
should measure temperature at different times. Temperatures fluctuate on daily and
seasonal cycles. You can use thermometers to measure temperatures. High/low
thermometers record temperature extremes.
You suspect the supply of soil nutrients and/or the pH is causing problems. What should
you do to confirm your suspicions? - Answer-You must first know the mineral and pH
requirements for the turfgrass variety. Then, you can use litmus paper or a pH meter to
measure soil pH. You will get a more complete picture of soil conditions from a soil test.
A routine soil test done at Virginia Tech will measure the pH and mineral content. The
report will include a recommendation, based on the type(s) of plants you are growing.
Special tests will measure soluble salt level and/or organic matter content.
