Turfgrass Science - QQI...Turfgrass Science Level 6 C30116 . 1 1 Title Turfgrass Science 2 Code C30116 3 Level 6 4 Value 2 5 ... 10.5.5 list management practices which prevent or encourage

The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) was set up as a statutory body on 11 June 2001 by the Minister for Education and Science.

Under the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999, FETAC now has responsibility for making awards

previously made by NCVA.

Module Descriptor

Turfgrass Science

Level 6 C30116

www.fetac.ie

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1 Title Turfgrass Science 2 Code C30116 3 Level 6 4 Value 2 5 Purpose This module provides the learner with a detailed understanding of the

factors that influence the development and quality of turfgrass for a range of sport uses.

It is designed to develop the learner's skills in the analysis of problems associated with the growing of turfgrass.

This is a mandatory module on the Advanced Certificate in

Greenkeeping Level 6 Award.

6 Preferred Entry Level Level 5 Certificate or equivalent. 7 Special Requirements None. 8 General Aims This module aims to enable the learner to:

8.1 understand soil and its characteristics

8.2 understand the process of water movement in soil and the grass plant

8.3 understand the morphology, growth and reproduction of grasses

8.4 understand the nutrition of the grass plant

8.5 acquire skills in the identification of grasses

8.6 acquire skills in the identification and control of weeds, pests and diseases

8.7 recognise the important contribution of climate on turf development

8.8 carry out a range of tests associated with the growing of turfgrass.

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9. Units

Unit 1 Soil Science Unit 2 Drainage and Irrigation Unit 3 The Grass Plant Unit 4 Plant Nutrition Unit 5 Weed Control Unit 6 Pest and Disease Control Unit 7 Meteorology

10 Specific Learning Outcomes Unit 1 Soil Science The learner should be able to:

10.1.1 outline the processes involved in soil formation 10.1.2 list the components of a soil 10.1.3 differentiate between the major particles in the mineral matter of a soil 10.1.4 describe a simple method for the mechanical analysis of soil 10.1.5 define the term: soil texture 10.1.6 explain how soil texture affects field capacity and aeration 10.1.7 describe the development of soil structure 10.1.8 list the physical and chemical properties of sand, silt and clay 10.1.9 describe the formation and breakdown of organic soils and organic matter

in mineral soils 10.1.10 describe the characteristics of organic matter and its importance 10.1.11 define the term: cation exchange capacity (c.e.c.) 10.1.12 explain the process of cation exchange

10.1.13 describe the nitrogen cycle

10.1.14 define the terms: pH, total neutralising value 10.1.15 explain the effects of variations in pH on

• soil organisms • soil structure • organic matter breakdown • nutrient availability

10.1.16 measure the pH of a soil using a pH meter

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10.1.17 describe the processes involved in the formation of the major soil groups in Ireland

10.1.18 outline how soil temperature varies throughout the year 10.1.19 explain how soil temperature is affected by

• structure • texture • rainfall • aspect

10.1.20 explain how soil air is affected by

• structure • texture • rainfall

10.1.21 collect a soil sample using appropriate techniques 10.1.22 carry out a particle size analysis of a sand sample (sieve test).

Unit 2 Drainage and Irrigation The learner should be able to: 10.2.1 explain the necessity for the efficient drainage of turfgrass 10.2.2 list and discuss two major conditions for the efficient drainage of turfgrass 10.2.3 list soil properties that facilitate or impede drainage 10.2.4 list and analyse the four causes of impeded drainage 10.2.5 list the effects of impeded drainage on turfgrass 10.2.6 outline solutions to the causes of impeded drainage 10.2.7 sketch the layout of piped drainage systems 10.2.8 list equipment used to relieve compaction

10.2.9 prepare top dressing using materials available locally

10.2.10 outline the principles involved in the depth and spacing of moles and trenches and the backfilling of trenches

10.2.11 illustrate the construction of an outfall from a piped system into an open ditch

10.2.12 explain how economics, soil type and rainfall pattern determine drainage systems for low porosity soils

10.2.13 define the following terms:

• soil saturation • field capacity • wilting point • soil moisture deficit • hydraulic conductivity • infiltration rate • evapotranspiration

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10.2.14 calculate irrigation requirements from measurements of solar radiation and rainfall

10.2.15 list the effects of irrigation on turfgrass 10.2.16 explain how the moisture content of a soil is measured 10.2.17 devise a soil moisture balance sheet 10.2.18 list the main sources of irrigation water and outline their relative merits 10.2.19 describe the effects of drought on turfgrass 10.2.20 list the factors affecting the penetration of water into turfgrass 10.2.21 explain the detrimental effects of overwatering and underwatering turfgrass 10.2.22 collect an irrigation water sample for analysis

10.2.23 install a land drain.

Unit 3 The Grass Plant The learner should be able to: 10.3.1 identify the components of the root, stem and leaf of the grass plant 10.3.2 explain the functions of the components of the root, stem and leaf of the

grass plant 10.3.3 draw and label a diagram of a plant cell 10.3.4 explain the functions of the components of a plant cell 10.3.5 describe the process of respiration 10.3.6 describe the process of photosynthesis 10.3.7 explain how a plant absorbs water and nutrients 10.3.8 draw and label diagrams to show the morphological features used in the

identification and description of grasses 10.3.9 describe the development of a leaf on the apical meristem of a grass plant,

including ligule and leaf sheath development 10.3.10 describe the origin of tillers from axillary buds producing tufted habit,

stolons or rhizomes 10.3.11 explain the ability of grasses to survive repeated cutting or grazing 10.3.12 describe the changes which occur as a vegetative shoot develops a flower

stalk 10.3.13 describe the effect of the following on the growth and development of

grasses:

• light intensity • photoperiod • temperature • nutrition • water stress

10.3.14 draw and label a diagram of the structure of a grass spikelet 10.3.15 describe how pollination and fertilisation occur in the grass plant 10.3.16 describe the formation, structure, dispersal and germination of grass seed

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10.3.17 list the conditions necessary for germination of grass seeds

10.3.18 explain the following terms: • percentage germination • percentage purity • provenance

10.3.19 list the advantages and disadvantages of different grass species in relation to their suitability for use in turfgrass

10.3.20 identify with the aid of a key, the following different grass species in the

vegetative stage: 1. Agrostis stolonifera 2. Agrostis tenius 3. Dactylis glomerata 4. Festuca rubra 5. Holcus lanatus 6. Lolium perenne 7. Phleum pratense 8. Poa annua 9. Poa pratensis 10. Poa trivialis

10.3.21 identify the following five grass species by their inflorescence:

1. Agropyron repens 2. Agrostis tenius 3. Holcus mollis 4. Lolium perenne 5. Poa annua

10.3.22 identify the following five grass species by their seeds:

1. Agrostis tenius 2. Festuca rubra 3. Lolium perenne 4. Phleum pratense. 5. Poa pratensis

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Unit 4 Plant Nutrition The learner should be able to: 10.4.1 define the following terms:

• atom • molecule • element • compound • ion

10.4.2 list the major plant nutrient elements 10.4.3 list the trace nutrient elements of plants 10.4.4 describe the functions and importance of the major and trace nutrient

elements in plant nutrition 10.4.5 explain why it is necessary to apply nutrients to turf 10.4.6 explain the following terms:

• straight fertiliser • compound fertiliser • balanced fertiliser • blended fertiliser • controlled release fertiliser • slow release fertiliser • nutrient weight analysis • plant nutrient ratio • nutrient unit

10.4.7 list the fertiliser types commonly applied to turf 10.4.8 describe the effects on turf of the application of the different fertiliser types 10.4.9 list the advantages of using compound fertilisers 10.4.10 explain how fertiliser particle size affects the efficiency of distribution of

fertilisers 10.4.11 list the applications of organic fertilisers used in turf culture 10.4.12 list two main types of controlled release fertilisers 10.4.13 explain how nutrients are released into turfgrass 10.4.14 explain the effects of lime and gypsum application to turfgrass 10.4.15 explain how lime is lost from turfgrass 10.4.16 explain the terms calcicole and calcifuge 10.4.17 list materials that are used as a source of lime for turfgrass 10.4.18 explain the effects of each material listed in 10.4.17 10.4.19 interpret a soil test result for:

• mineral soil • links soil

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• sand-based green

10.4.20 follow correct procedures for labelling, storing and recording fertilisers in stock

10.4.21 discuss the importance of regular soil testing especially on sand base turfgrass surfaces.

Unit 5 Weed Control The learner should be able to: 10.5.1 explain what is a weed

10.5.2 list the characteristics of weeds 10.5.3 list the methods of dispersal and propagation of weeds 10.5.4 list the conditions under which weeds invade turf 10.5.5 list management practices which prevent or encourage weed infestation 10.5.6 identify the following common weeds of turf (common names may be used):

1. Achillea millefolium 2. Armeria maritima 3. Bellis perennis 4. Capsella bursa pastoris 5. Centaurea nigra 6. Cirsium species 7. Erodium circutarium 8. Galium verum 9. Hypochoeris radicata 10. Juncus bufonius 11. Leontodon autumnalis 12. Lotus corniculatus 13. Luzula campestris 14. Medicago lupulina 15. Plantago coronopus 16. Plantago lanceolata 17. Plantago major 18. Plantago maritima 19. Potentilla reptans 20. Prunella vulgaris 21. Ranunculus repens 22. Rumex species 23. Sagina procumbens 24. Senecio jacobea 25. Solierolia solierolii 26. Stellaria media

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27. Taraxacum officinale 28. Trifolium dubium 29. Trifolium pratense 30. Veronica filiformis

10.5.7 describe the stale seed bed technique of weed control 10.5.8 list mechanical methods of weed control 10.5.9 list the chemical control methods for all common weeds on new and

established turf 10.5.10 describe different methods of soil sterilisation

10.5.11 explain the mode of action of growth regulators

10.5.12 list the benefits of growth regulators

10.5.13 describe the correct procedures for the safe storage, handling, application and disposal of herbicides.

Unit 6 Pest and Disease Control The learner should be able to: 10.6.1 identify the following common pests of turfgrass:

1. earthworms 2. leatherjackets 3. chafer grubs 4. cutworms 5. fever fly 6. frit fly 7. ants 8. rabbits 9. hare 10. deer 11. birds 12. badgers

10.6.2 describe the damage caused by the pests listed at 10.6.1

10.6.3 identify the damage caused by the pests listed at 10.6.1

10.6.4 describe the chemical and cultural control of pests listed at 10.6.1 10.6.5 describe the positive effects of earthworms in turfgrass 10.6.6 outline the structure and reproduction of fungi and bacteria

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10.6.7 identify the following organisms which cause diseases in turfgrass: 1. Algal slime 2. Anthracnose 3. Brown patch 4. Dollar spot 5. Dry patch 6. Fairy rings 7. Fusarium blight 8. Fusarium patch 9. Grey snow mould 10. Leaf spot diseases 11. Pink patch 12. Pink snow mould 13. Powdery mildew 14. Pythium blight 15. Red thread 16. Rust 17. Slime moulds 18. Take-all patch

10.6.8 outline the life cycle and damage caused by the organisms listed at 10.6.7 10.6.9 describe the chemical and cultural control of the organisms listed at 10.6.7 10.6.10 outline the action and benefits of wetting agents on turfgrass 10.6.11 explain the following terms:

• systemic • contact • translocated • residual or soil acting

10.6.12 define the following terms: • solution • suspension • colloid • emulsion • formulation • active ingredient

10.6.13 outline the role of invertebrates, fungi and bacteria in the breakdown of

organic matter

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10.6.14 specify the correct procedures for the safe storage, handling, application and disposal of pesticides.

Unit 7 Meteorology The learner should be able to: 10.7.1 outline the main factors influencing the Irish climate 10.7.2 compare the Irish climate with the main climatic regions of the world 10.7.3 outline regional and annual variations in precipation, temperature, solar

radiation and wind in Ireland

10.7.4 explain how variations in precipation, temperature, solar radiation and wind influence:

• growth • trafficability • workability

of turfgrass and soil 10.7.5 list the effects and occurrence of different types of frost 10.7.6 list the main benefits of shelter 10.7.7 outline the range of artificial and plant materials used for shelter belts

10.7.8 list the effects of weather on disease occurrence

10.7.9 outline the effects of weather on fertilisers, pesticides and growth regulators

10.7.10 list the components in a weather station

10.7.11 outline the benefits of a weather station.

11 Assessment

Summary Practical Skill Tests Written Examination

11.1 Technique Practical Skills Tests Mode Centre based with external moderation by FETAC

Details A candidate must match the performance criteria for each practical skill test as specified in section 12.

Components 13 practical skill tests as follows, related to the Specific Learning Outcomes

shown in brackets:

1. Measure the pH of a soil sample (10.1.16)

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2. Collect a soil sample for analysis (10.1.21) 3. Carry out a particle soil analysis on a sand sample (10.1.22) 4. Collect an irrigation water sample for analysis (10.2.22) 5. Install a land drain (10.2.23) 6. Identify grass species in the vegetative state (10.3.20) 7. Identify grass species by their inflorescence (10.3.21) 8. Identify grass seeds (10.3.22) 9. Prepare a collection of 20 dried specimens of different common weeds found in turfgrass (10.5.6) 10. Identify common weeds (10.5.6) 11* Identify common pests of turfgrass (10.6.1) 12. Identify damage caused by pests (10.6.3) 13* Identify disease causing organisms (10.6.6)

* slides may be used for 50% of the specimens

11.2 Technique Written Examination Mode Centre based with external moderation by FETAC Format The examination will consist of 7 papers Duration 1 hour per paper Details Each paper will focus on a particular unit as follows:

paper unit questions 1 1 20 2 2 20 3 3 20 4 4 20 5 5 10 6 6 10 7 7 10

All questions on each paper carry equal marks. All questions must be attempted.

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12 Performance Criteria

12.1 Practical skill Tests The performance criteria for each test are detailed in the accompanying

Individual Candidate Marking Sheets C30116/MS1 - C30116/13 12.2 Written Examination A detailed marking scheme with the examination paper must be submitted

to FETAC for approval.

13 Grading Pass 50 - 64% Merit 65 - 79% Distinction 80 - 100%

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C30116/MS1

Individual Candidate

Marking Sheet

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)

Practical Skills Test # 1:

Measure the pH of a soil sample Candidate: _____________________________________ PPSN: _______________

Performance Criteria Tick (ü) as appropriate

Dry sample correctly at 40oC Crush sample correctly sieve sample correctly using a 2 mm sieve place 10 ml scoop of soil in a test tube correctly add 20 ml of distilled water correctly stir solution correctly and allow to stand for 1 hour stir and place probe correctly in solution read pH value on meter correctly Assessor's Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ External Authenticator's Signature: __________________________ Date: _____________

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C30116/MS2


Marking Sheet

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)


Collect a soil sample for analysis Candidate: _____________________________________ PPSN: _______________


mark sample box correctly with the following data:

• name • address • location • land use • type of test required

remove cores correctly from fairways, greens and tees, using the W-configuration

ensure cores selected contain the top 100 mm of soil select and sort cores correctly as follows:

• fairways - 20 cores • tees or green - 15 cores

dispatch sample to laboratory Assessor's Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ External Authenticator's Signature: __________________________ Date: _____________

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C30116/MS3


Marking Sheet

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)


Carry out a particle soil analysis on a sand sample Candidate: _____________________________________ PPSN: _______________


Dry sample correctly at 40oC weigh sample correctly set up sieves correctly in order of size:

• lid • 2.00 mm • 1.00 mm • 0.50 mm • 0.25 mm • 0.125 mm • pan

place sample in 2.00 mm sieve and shake set correctly remove and weigh sample in each sieve correctly calculate the percentage mass of each size present correctly present results correctly Assessor's Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ External Authenticator's Signature: __________________________ Date: _____________

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C30116/MS4


Marking Sheet

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)


Collect an irrigation water sample for analysis Candidate: _____________________________________ PPSN: _______________


select appropriate container (volume = 1 litre) wash container correctly rinse container in body of water to be sampled fill container with water sample and seal correctly affix label to container correctly, indicating:

• name • address • location • type of test

dispatch as soon as is possible to laboratory Assessor's Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ External Authenticator's Signature: __________________________ Date: _____________

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C30116/MS5


Marking Sheet

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)


Install a land drain Candidate: _____________________________________ PPSN: _______________


select appropriate personal protective equipment remove top soil correctly excavate trench correctly to required dimensions adjust fall on trench correctly select appropriate drain pipe install drain pipe correctly on a 25 mm bed of pebble on base of trench

cover the drain pipe with 300 mm of pebble (5-15 mm size) correctly

fill trench the surface with top-soil and firm correctly dispose of excess top soil and sub-soil correctly Assessor's Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ External Authenticator's Signature: __________________________ Date: _____________

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C30116/MS6


Marking Sheet

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)


Identify grass species in the vegetative state Candidate: _____________________________________ PPSN: _______________


identify correctly using both English and Latin names, 8 of the following 10 grass species in the vegetative state

1. Agrostis stolonifer 2. Agrostis tenius 3. Dactylis glomerata 4. Festuca rubra 5. Holcus lanatus 6. Lolium perenne 7. Phleum pratense 8. Poa annua 9. Poa pratensis 10. Poa trivialis

note: a key may be used Assessor's Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ External Authenticator's Signature: __________________________ Date: _____________

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C30116/MS7


Marking Sheet

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)


Identify grass species by their inflorescence Candidate: _____________________________________ PPSN: _______________


identify correctly, using both English and Latin names all of the following grass species, by their inflorescence:

1. Agropyron repens

2. Agrostis tenius

3. Holcus mollis

4. Lolium perenne

5. Poa annua Assessor's Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ External Authenticator's Signature: __________________________ Date: _____________

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C30116/MS8


Marking Sheet

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)


Identify grass seeds Candidate: _____________________________________ PPSN: _______________


identify correctly, using both English and Latin names all of the following grass species, by their seeds:

1. Agrostis tenius

2. Festuca rubra

3. Lolium perenne

4. Phleum pratense.

5. Poa pratensis Assessor's Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ External Authenticator's Signature: __________________________ Date: _____________

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C30116/MS9


Marking Sheet

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)


prepare a collection of 20 dried specimens of different common weeds found in turfgrass

Candidate: _____________________________________ PPSN: _______________


All specimens should have flowers, fruit, leaves and roots as far as is possible

on collection, place specimen in a plastic bag correctly label bag correctly to include:

• location • date • habitat • name (English and Latin)

insert specimens correctly between sheets of typing paper place between sheets of newspaper correctly change newspaper daily until specimens are dry stack specimens and cover with a board weighed down by a block when dry stick the specimens on A4 5 (stiff sheets) and label present collection in an A4 folder Assessor's Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ External Authenticator's Signature: __________________________ Date: _____________

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C30116/MS10


Marking Sheet

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)


Identify common weeds Candidate: _____________________________________ PPSN: _______________

Performance Criteria

identify correctly, using both English and Latin names, 15 of the following specimens of common weeds: Tick (ü) Tick (ü) 1. Achillea millefolium 16. Plantago lanceolata 2. Armeria maritima 17. Plantago major 3. Bellis perennis 18. Plantago maritima 4. Capsella bursa pastoris 19. Potentilla reptans 5. Centaurea nigra 20. Prunella vulgaris 6. Cirsium species 21. Ranunculus repens 7. Erodium circutarium 22. Rumex species 8. Galium verum 23. Sagina procumbens 9. Hypochoeris radicata 24. Senecio jacobea 10. Juncus bufonius 25. Solierolia solierolii 11. Leontodon autumnalis 26. Stellaria media 12. Lotus corniculatus 27. Taraxacum officinale 13. Luzula campestris 28. Trifolium dubium 14. Medicago lupulina 29. Trifolium pratense 15. Plantago coronopus 30. Veronica filiformis Assessor's Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ External Authenticator's Signature: __________________________ Date: _____________

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C30116/MS11


Marking Sheet

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)


Identify pests Candidate: _____________________________________ PPSN: _______________


identify correctly, 10 of the following common pests of turfgrass:

1. earthworm 2. leatherjacket 3. chafer grub 4. cutworm 5. fever fly 6. frit fly 7. ants 8. rabbit 9. hare 10. deer 11. bird 12. badger

note: English names are sufficient for correct identification 50% invertebrates Assessor's Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ External Authenticator's Signature: __________________________ Date: _____________

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C30116/MS12


Marking Sheet

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)


Identify damage caused by pests Candidate: _____________________________________ PPSN: _______________


identify correctly, the causal pest from the following list, associated with any 7 of the 9 supplied specimens of damage caused to turfgrass

1. earthworm 2. leatherjacket 3. chafer grub 4. cutworm 5. fever fly 6. frit fly 7. ants 8. rabbit 9. hare 10. deer 11. bird 12. badger

note: English names are sufficient for correct identification Assessor's Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ External Authenticator's Signature: __________________________ Date: _____________

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C30116/MS13


Marking Sheet

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)


Identify disease causing organisms Candidate: _____________________________________ PPSN: _______________


identify correctly, any 8 of 10 specimens of disease causing organisms, chosen from the following list:

1. Algal slime 2. Anthracnose 3. Brown patch 4. Dollar spot 5. Dry patch 6. Fairy rings 7. Fusarium blight 8. Fusarium patch 9. Grey snow mould 10. Leaf spot diseases 11. Pink patch 12. Pink snow mould 13. Powdery mildew 14. Pythium blight 15. Red thread 16. Rust 17. Slime moulds 18. Take-all patch

Assessor's Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ External Authenticator's Signature: __________________________ Date: _____________

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C30116/MS14

FETAC

Practical skill tests summary sheet

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)

Centre:______________________________________________________________________ Centre no.: ___________________

Candidate Practical Skill Tests Please tick (ü) on completion of each one

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Assessor's signature:_______________________________________________________________________ Date:_____________________

External Authenticator's signature:_____________________________________________________________ Date:_____________________

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C30116/MS15


Marking Sheet

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)

Written Examination

Candidate: ______________________________________ PPSN: ____________

Performance Criteria Maximum Mark

Candidate Mark

Paper 1 200

Paper 2 200

Paper 3 200

Paper 4 200

Paper 5 200

Paper 6 200

Paper 7 200

TOTAL 1400

PERCENTAGE TOTAL (=TOTAL /14) 100%

Assessor's Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ______________ External Authenticator's Signature: __________________________ Date: ______________

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FETAC

Rank Order Form

(Candidate results to be entered in descending order of total marks)

Turfgrass Science

(C30116)

Sheet number _______ of _______ Centre:___________________________________________________________________ Centre no:______________________ RANK

Candidate

PPSN Competent in all 13 Practical

Skills

Written

Examination

Grade Pass=50%

Merit=65% Dist.=80%

Moderated

Mark/Grade

FETAC use only

tick (ü) (100%)

Assessor's signature:_______________________________________________________________________ Date:_____________________

Principal's/Director's signature:___________________________________________________________ Date:_____________________

External Authenticator's signature:____________________________________________________________ Date:_____________________

Documents

Turfgrass Science - QQI...Turfgrass Science Level 6 C30116 . 1 1 Title Turfgrass Science 2 Code C30116 3 Level 6 4 Value 2 5 ... 10.5.5 list management practices which prevent or encourage