TURF CARE BHT104

Distance Learning Turf Care Course

"A course looking at turf in commercial and private applications".

Want to Work in the Turf Industry?

or maybe just grow the best lawn in your neighbourhood?

....if so, this is the course for you!"

Thanks for the videos, they are great! I got a lot of information from them. The Turf Management video is practical and easy to understand. Plant Propagation is a video every student should watch because out here in the real world no-one would give out such information. The Rose Growing Tape was very beneficial to me as I have about 60 odd roses. I thought I knew a little about them but this tape is a real eye-opener."
- Kelvin
CONTENT

There are eleven lessons as follows:

1. Introduction - Benefits of turf, History of Turf, Turf Varieties (Bent, Couch, Buffalo, Fescues, Rye, Carpet grass, Kikuyu, Brome, Bluegrass, Philaris, etc), Lawn mixes
2. Turf Grass Physiology -Morphology, flower, stems, leaves, roots, Other characteristics, How to identify grasses, Plant Keys, Identifying short cuts, etc.
3. Turf Establishment -Soil preparation, Seeding, Sodding, Stolonizing, Sprigging, Plugging, Chitted Seed, Drainage, Work scheduling, Estimating costs.
4. Soils -Understanding soil, Texture, Soil blends, Structure, pH, Buffering capacity, Improving Soils, Choosing soils, Calculating soil quantities, Cation exchange, Plant nutrients, Fertilisers, etc.
5. Turf Weed Problems -How weeds spread, Non chemical controls, Chemical controls, chemical safety
6. Turf Pests & Diseases -Chemical and non chemical controls, Common turf health problems (Environmental, Nutrition, Pest, Disease)
7. Turf Maintenance Techniques - Mowing, Mowers, Length of Cut, Getting a clean cut, pattern of cutting, cutting on slopes, after cutting, Mower safety, Aeration, Coring, Scarification, Spiking, etc.
8. Irrigation - An Overview : Water loss from soils, Improving water retention, Movement of water in soil, Field capacity, Estimating water needs of turf, Watering turf, When to irrigate, Irrigation rate, Types of irrigation, etc.
9. Playing Fields & Bowling Greens -Gradients and dimensios for different surfaces (ornamental, types of sports etc), Construction of a playing field, Sand based technology, Golf Courses, Cricket Wickets, etc.
10. Managing Established Turf - Mowing, Watering, Topdressing, Fertilizing, Weed and Pest control.
11. Establishing Ornamental Turf -Assessing the site, Developing Plans, Preparing a budget, etc

SUMMARY OF COMPETENCIES DEVELOPED:

• Identify the range of grasses and other species available for turf culture.
• Explain the management of soils for growing turf.
• Identify methods for the establishment of turf.
• Explain the management of problems in turf including weeds, pests and diseases.
• Explain maintenance practices used in turf management.
• Plan the development of different turfs used for sport.
• Develop plans to establish a turfed area.
• Develop management strategies for the care of established turf.

  What qualification will I achieve for completing this course?

  This is an individual module course. The individual module courses are 100 hour long usually and can be taken on their own or as part of a larger program of study.

  If you wish to take an individual module course as a stand alone course, you can elect to sit an optional exam at the end of it.

  If you successfully pass the exam and all assignments, you will receive a Statement of Attainment. You can take examinations at a time and location to suit you. If you enrol, you will be sent further information on how to arrange examinations at the end of the course.

  If you do not wish to take the exam, you will receive a Course Completion letter when you have passed all assignments.

  There is an assignment at the end of each lesson. So for example, if an individual module course contains ten lessons, you will need to complete ten assignments. Assignments can be sent to us via email, post or fax.

  Other qualifications, such as certificates, diplomas etc may require examinations to be taken as part of the overall assessment process.

  You can find further information on the examinations process by clicking on the “Enrolment” link above.

  You can find further information on other courses by clicking on the “Courses” link above.

   

  More Information on ACS Distance Education and our courses

  Who are our tutors?

  Our tutors are all highly experienced and professional, knowledgeable in their field of study. We have staff from around the world, enabling us to gain a wide variety of perspectives. We have a school in the UK and in Australia. If you would like to have a look at our tutors, then click on the “The School” in the boxes above and choose “The Staff” option.

  Sample Course Notes

  Our courses are all written by highly qualified tutors and writers, who also teach on the courses, so know them well. We strive to update our courses and improve them with new information, methods and knowledge on an ongoing basis. If you would like to see examples of some of our courses, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, and then click on “Sample Course Notes”.

  What learning method should I choose?

  We offer three learning methods – e-learning, correspondence and online. If you are not sure which is the right choose for you, then click on the “Enrolment” box above, then “Learning Methods.”

  How Long will it take to complete the course?

  This obviously varies from student to student. Some students will have more time for study than others. Some students may work quicker than others, so it is an individual thing. We estimate that most students will take, for example, 4 – 6 months to complete a 100 hour individual module, but we allow up to 12 months for you to complete it.

  Longer courses will obviously take longer. You can find more information on the length of time required and so on the “Enrolment” box, then selecting “Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.”

  What Do Our Students think of us?

  If you would like to read comments from our previous students, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, then “Student Testimonials”.

  I don’t think this is the right course for me.

  If you’re not sure about this course, then why not look at our wide range of other courses. Click on the “Courses” box above.

  You may also wish to design your own course to fit in with exactly what YOU want. To do so, click on the “Enrolment” box, then “Design your Own Course”.

  If you would like more advice on a course, then you can contact us and ask a tutor about the courses. You can contact us by calling 0800 328 4723 or +44(0) 384 442752 or emailing info@acsedu.co.uk

  Recognition and Accreditation

  For more information on our recognition and accreditation, click on “The School”, then “Recognition”.

  Who is ACS Distance Education?

  If you want to know more about ACS and our history, then please click on “The School”, then “About us.”

Home Study Turf care Course

"A course looking at turf in commercial and private applications".

A comprehensive introduction to the identification, selection, culture and management of turf – for recreational, commercial and home use.

This 100 hour qualification is suitable for people already working with turf or keen amateurs.

Improve your knowledge of turf care.

Written and taught by industry experts.