Course CodeBHT202Fee CodeS3Duration (approx)100 hoursQualificationTo obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of £30. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested. Learn to Become a Greenkeeper Learn about the differences between sports turfs and ornamental ones. Explore a range of different grass species used in sports turf and reasons to choose them. Find out about different types of turf care equipment and their use in maintaining sports turf. Learn about cultivation methods and developing a maintenance program. Lesson Structure There are 10 lessons in this course: Turf Variety Selection Introduction Turf Varieties in Parks Sowing Feature Lawns Picnic Areas Sports Grounds Gardens Parks Turf Species; bent, fescue, rye, kentucky, couch, etc Turf Cultivar Selection Criteria Mixing Varieties Mowing Introduction Types of Mowing Equipment Mower Types; slasher, cylinder, flail Preparation before mowing How to Mow Leaf Rakes and Vacuums After Mowing Changing Mower Blades Mowing Sports Turf Sports Turf Mowers Problems that can Occur when Mowing Edging Options for Mower Power Systems; 2 stroke, 4 stroke, electric Hover Mowers, Ride on Mowers Choosing a Mower Cultivation Techniques When to Cultivate Methods of Cultivation Spiking, coring, drilling, grooving, forking, raling, air blast, etc Coring and hollow tining for Sports Turf Scarifying (Grooving) Dethatching (Vertical Mowing) Preparing for Play on Sports grounds Introduction Dew Removal Water Removal Combing Vertical Mowing Mowing Rolling Marking for Play Preparing for Play of Greens Golf, Croquet, Lawn Tennis, Lawn Bowls Cricket Wicket Preparation Turf Protection and Preservation Managing Use Minimising Damage on Turf Why Repair Turf How to Repair Turf Reconditioning Soil Reducing weed populations in turf Managing turf Pests Managing Demand Repairing Turf Irrigation and Drainage Introduction Travelling Sprinkler Systems Quick Coupling Valve Systems Manually Operated Irrigation Systems Semi automatic Irrigation Systems Automatic Irrigation Systems Sprinklers, Valves, Controllers Management of Water Features on Golf Courses Improving Surface Drainage after Construction Understanding Soils and Drainage, and Soil Compaction Soil Treatment and Sprays Major Nutrients and Trace Elements Fertilizer Types Fertilizer Application Soil pH and Soil Ammendments Cation Exchange Capacity Pest Control; ants, beetles, caterpillars, grasshopers and crickets, leatherjackets Disease Control; viruses, bacteria, fungi Evaluate Maintenance Facilities Bent Grass for Bowling Greens Couch Grass Greens Analysis of Park Maintenance Park Maintenance Tasks Develop a Management Plan Common Environmental Problems; folia burn, pollution, lack of water Drainage Problems in Turf Frost Temperature Wind Plants have Varying Tolerance Levels Programming Works; maintenance, new works, construction crew Weeds Weed Control Methods Developming a Management Plan for a Specific Site Aims Select turf varieties to suit different sports surface requirements; including different climates & soil types. Select turf varieties to suit different sports surfaces (eg. lawn bowls, fairways, greens, league football, cricket) Identify turf blends, their application and reason for use. Explain alternative procedures for sports turf maintenance, used for different types of facilities. Explain specific wear problems and solutions for the five types of turf facilities Evaluate procedures being used to maintain different types of facilities. Determine the resources required to maintain a selected sports turf. Develop management plans for different types of sports turf facilities. Explain the management of a turf nursery to produce a reliable supply of sod. Explain the irrigation and drainage requirements for sports turf Choose and Use the Most Appropriate Grasses Some turf surfaces are designed, created and maintained with the intention of being used; while others are created for aesthetics. A playing field that is used extensively will be likely to be damaged. Shoes can bruise or dislodge plant material, soil can become compacted; and when the surface is too wet or too dry, these problems tend to become exaggerated. Some grass cultivars are more tolerant of these problems, and have a greater capacity to regrow quickly after they have been damaged. The lawn created for a home garden or at the front of a commercial property may be a very different cultivar to the elite playing field. These lawns may not be run across at all, and may even be rarely walked over. Grasses that are more sensitive to physical damage may be appropriate; if they look better. How This Course Could Benefit You This course is of value to people who have an interest in sports grass and playing surfaces. It will also appeal to anyone with a general interest in turf care and repair. People who take this course are most likely those working in or aspiring to work in: Sports turf maintenance Green keeping Lawn mowing Grounds maintenance Landscaping Horticulture Parks & gardens The course will also be of value to people wishing to include a sports turf maintenance service as part of an existing mowing, turf care or landscaping business. HOW TO ENROL Click box below on left hand side -follow instructions. IF YOU NEED ADVICE - click here to use our FREE ADVISORY SERVICE