3A TURFGRASS PEST MANAGEMENT
PRACTICE TEST SCRIPT 2026 FULL
SOLUTIONS PROVIDED
◍ Explain how to correct for iron deficiency in turf: Answer: Short
term, by applying an iron containing fertilizer. Long term, by
lowering the pH of the soil.
◍ How do soil organisms contribute to the well being of turfgrass?
Answer: They break down organic matter, making nutrients available
for absorption by turf roots.
◍ How are turf stands of blends or mixes superior to stand of a single
variety? Answer: Different grasses do better under different
conditions. The ones in a blend most suited to a site will out-compete
the others. This allows for a more versatile seed.
◍ Why should turf managers use grass seed containing endophytes?
When should endophyte seed not be used? Answer: To reduce the
potential of damage by some insects. Should not be used to feed
livestock.
◍ Improper planting procedure: Answer: Planting vegetative material
during dry weather.
,◍ Improper method of pest-planting care: Answer: Fertilize new
stands with nitrogen but not potassium.
◍ Mowing: Answer: Regularly performing this operation will
generate a dense, uniform, vigorous turf; one of the most costly
maintenance procedures.
◍ Aerating: Answer: A process used especially for improving
compacted and heavy soils.
◍ Watering: Answer: The amount of this practice needed is measured
by evapotranspiration.
◍ Dethatching: Answer: Removal of tightly intermingled living and
dead stems, leaves, and roots.
◍ Fertilizing: Answer: Requires having soil samples analyzed to
determine desired amount.
◍ Mowing height affects turf by: Answer: High turf creates deeper
root growth, which allows grass to tolerate more drought and damage
from root feeding insects. Mowing higher also tends to reduce the
amount of weeds.
◍ Under what circumstance(s) should grass clippings be removed
from a turf stand? Answer: If it will affect the use of the turf, such as
on golf course greens.
, If the grass is infected with any pathogens.
◍ Complete fertilizer: Answer: Contains the three main nutrients
plants need: nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
◍ Ways to avoid fertilizer burn: Answer: Don't load fertilizer
spreaders over turf.
Don't over apply fertilizer.
Apply fertilizer evenly.
Don't apply fertilizer to stressed turf.
◍ Soils that are compacted lack these for good growth: Answer: Good
drainage.
Air around the roots.
Good supply of beneficial microorganisms.
◍ How does a light layer of thatch benefit turf? Answer: By
providing insulation for the roots.
PRACTICE TEST SCRIPT 2026 FULL
SOLUTIONS PROVIDED
◍ Explain how to correct for iron deficiency in turf: Answer: Short
term, by applying an iron containing fertilizer. Long term, by
lowering the pH of the soil.
◍ How do soil organisms contribute to the well being of turfgrass?
Answer: They break down organic matter, making nutrients available
for absorption by turf roots.
◍ How are turf stands of blends or mixes superior to stand of a single
variety? Answer: Different grasses do better under different
conditions. The ones in a blend most suited to a site will out-compete
the others. This allows for a more versatile seed.
◍ Why should turf managers use grass seed containing endophytes?
When should endophyte seed not be used? Answer: To reduce the
potential of damage by some insects. Should not be used to feed
livestock.
◍ Improper planting procedure: Answer: Planting vegetative material
during dry weather.
,◍ Improper method of pest-planting care: Answer: Fertilize new
stands with nitrogen but not potassium.
◍ Mowing: Answer: Regularly performing this operation will
generate a dense, uniform, vigorous turf; one of the most costly
maintenance procedures.
◍ Aerating: Answer: A process used especially for improving
compacted and heavy soils.
◍ Watering: Answer: The amount of this practice needed is measured
by evapotranspiration.
◍ Dethatching: Answer: Removal of tightly intermingled living and
dead stems, leaves, and roots.
◍ Fertilizing: Answer: Requires having soil samples analyzed to
determine desired amount.
◍ Mowing height affects turf by: Answer: High turf creates deeper
root growth, which allows grass to tolerate more drought and damage
from root feeding insects. Mowing higher also tends to reduce the
amount of weeds.
◍ Under what circumstance(s) should grass clippings be removed
from a turf stand? Answer: If it will affect the use of the turf, such as
on golf course greens.
, If the grass is infected with any pathogens.
◍ Complete fertilizer: Answer: Contains the three main nutrients
plants need: nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
◍ Ways to avoid fertilizer burn: Answer: Don't load fertilizer
spreaders over turf.
Don't over apply fertilizer.
Apply fertilizer evenly.
Don't apply fertilizer to stressed turf.
◍ Soils that are compacted lack these for good growth: Answer: Good
drainage.
Air around the roots.
Good supply of beneficial microorganisms.
◍ How does a light layer of thatch benefit turf? Answer: By
providing insulation for the roots.
