CFB Turf & Surface Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of topdressing a natural grass athletic field?
- To add color to the turf
- To smooth the surface and improve soil profile (Correct answer)
- To eliminate all thatch immediately
- To increase field drainage by adding sand on top
Correct answer: To smooth the surface and improve soil profile
Topdressing smooths surface irregularities and gradually improves the root zone soil profile to enhance playability and drainage.
Question 2: Which grass species is most commonly used on warm-season athletic fields in the southern United States?
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Perennial ryegrass
- Bermudagrass (Correct answer)
- Tall fescue
Correct answer: Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass is the dominant warm-season turfgrass for athletic fields in the South due to its heat tolerance, durability, and rapid recovery.
Question 3: What does the term 'thatch' refer to in turf management?
- A layer of dead grass clippings left on the surface
- The intermingled layer of living and dead organic matter between soil and green vegetation (Correct answer)
- Compacted clay layer beneath the root zone
- A fungal mat growing on the soil surface
Correct answer: The intermingled layer of living and dead organic matter between soil and green vegetation
Thatch is the spongy layer of partially decomposed organic matter—stems, roots, and rhizomes—that accumulates between the soil surface and green shoots.
Question 4: A field manager notices the soil pH is 5.4. What amendment should be applied to raise it toward the optimal 6.0–7.0 range?
- Sulfur
- Ammonium sulfate
- Agricultural lime (Correct answer)
- Potassium chloride
Correct answer: Agricultural lime
Agricultural lime (calcium carbonate) is applied to raise soil pH and make nutrients more available to turfgrass.
Question 5: What is the recommended mowing height range for bermudagrass on a game-quality athletic field?
- 3.5–4.5 inches
- 2.5–3.5 inches
- 0.5–1.5 inches
- 1.5–2.5 inches (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 1.5–2.5 inches
Bermudagrass athletic fields are typically maintained at 1.5–2.5 inches to balance density, recovery, and playability.
Question 6: Which nutrient deficiency causes yellowing between leaf veins (interveinal chlorosis) in turfgrass?
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Iron (Correct answer)
- Potassium
Correct answer: Iron
Iron deficiency causes interveinal chlorosis, where leaf veins remain green while tissue between them turns yellow.
Question 7: How often should soil compaction testing (penetrometer readings) be conducted on high-use athletic fields?
- Once per year after the season
- Every 2–3 years during renovation
- Annually before and after the season
- Monthly during the playing season (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Monthly during the playing season
Monthly penetrometer readings during the playing season help track compaction buildup so timely aerification can be scheduled.
CFB Turf & Surface Management 2
What is the primary purpose of topdressing a natural grass athletic field?