Maricopa Community Colleges  GCO116   19976-19995 
Official Course Description:   MCCCD Approval:  02/25/97  
GCO116      19976-19995 L+L 2 Credit(s) 3 Period(s)
Golf Course Fertilizers
Fertilizer plans used on golf courses. Focuses on the equipment used and results of different types of fertilizers. Emphasis on safety and environmental concerns. Prerequisites: None.
 
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
GCO116   19976-19995 Golf Course Fertilizers
1. Identify the nutrients required by turfgrass and plants on a golf course. (I)
2. Describe fertilizer types. (II)
3. Explain factors that influence an appropriate golf course fertilization plan. (III)
4. Explain and implement methods, rate, and frequency of fertilizer applications. (III)
5. Perform calculations as needed in a golf course fertilization plan. (III)
6. Identify common problems associated with fertilizer misapplication. (III, VI)
7. Describe and operate equipment used in the application of fertilizers. (IV)
8. Describe safety precautions with fertilizer use. (V)
9. Explain the environmental concerns related to fertilizer use. (VI)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
GCO116   19976-19995 Golf Course Fertilizers
    I. Turf Grass/Plant Nutrients
        A. Essential elements
          1. Primary
          2. Secondary
          3. Minor
        B. Fertilizers
          1. Grade
          2. Ratio
        C. Nutrient losses
          1. Nitrogen
          2. Potassium
          3. Phosphorus
      II. Fertilizer Types
          A. Granular
          B. Liquid
        III. Golf Course Fertilization Plan
            A. Rates/number of applications
              1. Level of quality
              2. Weather
              3. Growing season
              4. Soil texture
              5. Irrigation
              6. Fertigation
              7. Use
            B. Types of turf
              1. Bermuda
              2. Bentgrass
              3. Fescues
              4. Other
            C. Amount
              1. Slow-release
              2. Fast-release
              3. Soil test results
            D. Problems
              1. Overfertilization
                a. Burn
                b. Management
              2. Underfertilization
            E. Calculations
          IV. Equipment
              A. Spreaders
                1. Rotary
                2. Drop
                3. Pendulum
              B. Storage/maintenance of equipment
              C. Operation
                1. Spreaders
                2. Tractor-pulled
                3. Other
            V. Safety/Environment Issues
                A. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations
                B. Toxicity
                  1. Contact
                  2. Airborne
                  3. Ingestion
                C. Hazard statement on labels
                  1. Read
                  2. Follow directions
                D. Protective clothing
                E. Equipment cleaning
                F. Storage
                G. Disposal
              VI. Environmental Concerns
                  A. Inappropriate use of fertilizers
                  B. Allergic reactions to fertilizers
                  C. Contamination
                    1. Water
                    2. Soil
                    3. Air
                  D. Chemical pollution
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