Title: Identify the importance of soil fertility and its physical properties in turf growth and development.
Course: Turfgrass Management (18054-III) > Section: Applying Science to Turf Management

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 (e.g., horizonation, color, texture, structure, consistence, bulk density)
- explaining the importance of the chemical properties of soil (e.g., cation exchange capacity, pH)
- testing soil for nutrient availability and pH
- explaining the role of pH in turf management
- explaining the importance of soil drainage
- explaining the importance of organic matter
- 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 turf 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?