Mixed Deck — All CGM Topics Flashcards

A landscape manager discovers that a newly planted tree is exhibiting interveinal chlorosis on young leaves. The most likely nutrient deficiency is:

Answer: Iron

Iron deficiency causes interveinal chlorosis (yellow tissue between green veins) on young leaves, common in high-pH soils that limit iron availability.

What is the significance of professional networking in the Certified Grounds Manager field?

Answer: It facilitates knowledge exchange, referrals, and collaborative problem-solving

Professional networking facilitates knowledge exchange, generates referrals, and enables collaborative problem-solving that improves practice quality.

An Incident Command System (ICS) is best described as:

Answer: A standardized on-scene emergency management system allowing coordinated response

ICS is a standardized management system that allows multiple agencies and teams to coordinate effectively during any emergency.

Under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), employees who work with hazardous chemicals must be trained:

Answer: Before working with hazardous chemicals and when new hazards are introduced

HazCom requires training before initial exposure and whenever new chemical hazards are introduced to the workplace.

What does hearing protection help prevent?

Answer: Hearing damage from loud machinery

Hearing protection, such as earmuffs or earplugs, is specifically designed to reduce the intensity of loud noises. Operating machinery like mowers or leaf blowers can expose workers to decibel levels that cause permanent hearing damage over time. By wearing appropriate protection, individuals can significantly mitigate this risk and safeguard their auditory health.

What is the function of a master valve in an irrigation system?

Answer: To serve as a main shutoff that closes when the system is not actively running, preventing leaks from faulty zone valves

A master valve acts as a failsafe shutoff installed at the system's water source that only opens when a zone valve is scheduled to run.

What is the primary purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for pesticides used on grounds?

Answer: To provide hazard, handling, and emergency response information

SDS documents provide comprehensive hazard communication including health risks, PPE requirements, first aid, and spill response procedures.

What is a 'permeable reactive barrier' (PRB) used for in groundwater remediation?

Answer: A subsurface wall of reactive material that treats contaminated groundwater as it flows through

A PRB is installed perpendicular to groundwater flow; as contaminated water passes through the reactive medium (e.g., zero-valent iron), contaminants are degraded or immobilized.

Which of the following is a key principle of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as it relates to environmental policy compliance?

Answer: Employing economic thresholds to determine when treatment is necessary

IPM uses economic (or action) thresholds to determine when pest populations reach levels that justify treatment, minimizing unnecessary pesticide use and environmental impact.

Which OSHA standard specifically addresses the control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) for grounds maintenance equipment?

Answer: 29 CFR 1910.147

29 CFR 1910.147, the Control of Hazardous Energy standard, establishes LOTO procedures to prevent unexpected energization during servicing.

Which macronutrient is primarily responsible for turfgrass color and shoot growth?

Answer: Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen is the primary macronutrient responsible for shoot growth and the green color of turfgrass, as it is a key component of chlorophyll.

Which type of fire extinguisher is appropriate for a fuel storage area on a grounds facility?

Answer: Class B (dry chemical or CO2)

Class B extinguishers are rated for flammable liquid fires such as gasoline and diesel commonly found in fuel storage areas.

When a grounds operation generates used motor oil and hydraulic fluid from equipment maintenance, which documentation is required for legal off-site disposal?

Answer: A used oil manifest or receipt from an authorized used oil collection facility

Used oil transported off-site for recycling should be accompanied by documentation such as a receipt or manifest from an authorized used oil collection or recycling facility.

The EPA's 'Green Infrastructure' approach to stormwater management emphasizes which of the following over traditional gray infrastructure?

Answer: Natural systems that infiltrate, evapotranspire, or reuse stormwater on-site

Green infrastructure uses natural processes—bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and green roofs—to manage stormwater where it falls, reducing runoff volume and improving water quality.

Which of the following qualifies as a 'point source' of water pollution under the Clean Water Act?

Answer: Discharge from a golf course irrigation pump house into a drainage channel

A point source is a discrete, identifiable conveyance such as a pipe or channel; a discharge from an irrigation pump house into a drainage channel meets this definition under the Clean Water Act.

Which Best Management Practice (BMP) is most effective for reducing nitrogen and phosphorus runoff from fertilized turf areas into adjacent water bodies?

Answer: Establishing vegetated buffer strips along waterways

Vegetated buffer strips slow runoff velocity, promote infiltration, and allow nutrient uptake by plants, significantly reducing nitrogen and phosphorus loads reaching water bodies.

Which factor is essential for healthy plant root development?

Answer: Adequate oxygen and drainage

Healthy plant root development relies heavily on adequate oxygen and proper drainage. Roots need oxygen for respiration, and well-drained soil prevents waterlogging, which can suffocate roots and lead to rot, ensuring they can effectively absorb water and nutrients.

A CGM is reviewing a landscape maintenance contract. Which specification item ensures the contractor is legally responsible for pesticide application compliance?

Answer: A requirement that applicators hold valid state pesticide applicator licenses

State pesticide applicator licenses are legally required under FIFRA and state law, and specifying valid licensure ensures the contractor is authorized and accountable for compliant applications.

When remediating a fuel oil spill on turf, which bioremediation amendment helps break down petroleum hydrocarbons most effectively?

Answer: Compost with petroleum-degrading microorganisms (bioaugmentation)

Compost amended with petroleum-degrading microorganisms through bioaugmentation introduces specialized bacteria that metabolize hydrocarbon compounds in contaminated soil.

When a grounds worker suffers a traumatic injury causing severe bleeding in the field, the first aid priority is to:

Answer: Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or dressing

Direct pressure is the primary and most effective method for controlling external bleeding before more advanced interventions.