Contents
Catalog Links

AGS 123 Turfgrass Maintenance Practices

This course is an introduction to identification, cultivation, and maintenance of turfgrasses. Students are introduced to practices used to maintain golf courses, school facilities, parks, and athletic fields.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

AGS 123 Turfgrass Maintenance Practices

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

2 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course is an introduction to identification, cultivation, and maintenance of turfgrasses. Students are introduced to practices used to maintain golf courses, school facilities, parks, and athletic fields.

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Discuss the diversity and importance of the turfgrass industry.(CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC: LOH 5; TMT 5)
  2. Study the maintenance needs for existing turfgrass areas. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC: LOH 1, 4, 5; TMT 1, 3, 6)
  3. Discuss and perform the distinctive functions used on golf courses and sports fields: soil sampling, material equipment selection, field inspections, and preparing a field for play. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC: LOH 1, 4, 5, 6 ; TMT 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  4. Identify and operate tools and equipment needed for the turfgrass industry. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC: LOH 1; TMT 2, 4 )
  5. Create a stencil for use on a sports field or golf course. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC: LOH 6; TMT 6)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Discuss the diversity and importance of the turfgrass industry.
    1. Explain the role of turfgrasses.
    2. Describe the history of the turfgrass industry.
    3. Discuss why turfgrasses have become the most widely used ornamental plants in the United States.
    4. Describe career opportunities in the turfgrass industry.
    5. Identify the skills needed by a turfgrass manager.
  2. Study the maintenance needs for existing turfgrass areas.
    1. Describe how to renovate a declining stand of turfgrass.
    2. Explain what methods can be used to establish turfgrasses.
    3. Explain why mowing is the most fundamental practice in turfgrass culture.
    4. Discuss what factors determine the best cutting heights for turfgrasses.
    5. Explain the advantages of reel and rotary mowers.
    6. Practice the correct cutting heights for turfgrass species and cultivars.
  3. Discuss and perform the distinctive functions used on golf courses and sports fields: soil sampling, material equipment selection, field inspections, and preparing a field for play.
    1. Explain how the new turfgrass site should be prepared for planting.
    2. Discuss when to establish cool and warm season grasses.
    3. Interpret the information on a seed label.
    4. Demonstrate four methods of turfgrass establishment: seeding, sodding, sprigging, and plugging.
    5. Identify equipment most suitable for turfgrass establishment and maintenance.
    6. Describe how the new planting should be cared for until the turfgrass is well established.
    7. Demonstrate methods of establishing turfgrass seed and turfgrass sod.
  4. Identify and operate tools and equipment needed for the turfgrass industry.
    1. Select and operate equipment needed for greens maintenance.
    2. Perform various functions related to the care and maintenance of golf courses and sports fields.
    3. Identify and introduce methods of safe and proper handling of turf equipment.
  5. Create a stencil for use on a sports field or golf course.
    1. Discuss plans needed for construction of a stencil used for sports fields, and apply methods for construction.
    2. Design and build a stencil for football field layout.
    3. Design and build a stencil for a baseball and softball field layout.
    4. Design and build stencils needed for directional information on a golf course.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Exams (4-6) (summative) (equally weighted)

20%

Project/Serial Problems (Summative) (equally weighted)

20%

Formative Assessments (Assignments/Activities/Quizzes)

30%

Labs (10-12)  (summative) (equally weighted)

30%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

AGSAASTOH

  1. Demonstrate professional behaviors that satisfy workplace expectations and include adherence to safety and environmental concerns related to the field.
  2. Demonstrate basic management functions to include environmental controls, scheduling, production, pest control, and nutrient management of turf and ornamental plants.
  3. Cultivate and maintain golf course landscapes.
  4. Apply business principles and strategies to the turf and ornamental horticulture industries.  
  5. Explain the importance of environmental factors such as soil and water management to the turf and ornamental horticulture industries.
  6. Apply basic installation and maintenance techniques for irrigation systems. 
  7. Design and install a finished landscape plan, using native plant materials when possible.
  8. Examine current agricultural issues and topics.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal