Turf & Surface Management Flashcards
7 cards from real CFB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Turf & Surface Management flashcards as text
Which infill material in synthetic turf fields is known for its cooling properties compared to crumb rubber?
Answer: Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) infill
TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) infill absorbs less heat than crumb rubber, resulting in significantly lower surface temperatures on sunny days.
What is the purpose of a 'pre-emergent herbicide' application on a natural grass field?
Answer: To prevent weed seeds from germinating
Pre-emergent herbicides form a chemical barrier in the soil that inhibits weed seed germination before seedlings can establish.
A field builder notices synthetic turf fibers are lying flat rather than standing upright after a season of use. What maintenance practice corrects this?
Answer: Grooming with a power brush or groomer
Regular grooming with a power brush redistributes infill, lifts matted fibers back to upright position, and restores consistent pile height and playability.
What is the ASTM F355 standard used to measure on athletic field surfaces?
Answer: Shock attenuation (impact absorption) of surfaces
ASTM F355 measures the shock-absorbing properties of athletic field surfaces using a missile impact test to calculate Gmax values.
Which fertilizer application timing is most critical for cool-season grasses to support root development heading into winter?
Answer: Late fall application after top growth slows
A late-fall fertilization (after shoot growth slows but before hard freeze) promotes root growth, carbohydrate storage, and early spring green-up without stimulating excessive top growth.
What is the function of a perforated pipe installed at the base of a sand-based athletic field profile?
Answer: To collect and remove excess drainage water from the root zone
Perforated drain pipes at the base of the profile collect water that percolates through the sand root zone and carry it off-field to maintain playable conditions.
During a summer heat event, a synthetic turf field surface temperature reaches 180°F. What is the most effective immediate mitigation for player safety?
Answer: Watering the field surface to cool it through evaporative cooling
Watering (cooling) the synthetic surface triggers evaporative cooling that can reduce surface temperature by 30–50°F within minutes, making it safer for play.