GreenKeeper University

This course focuses on measuring and managing soil chemical properties. Topics covered include: soil pH, cation exchange capacity, soil sampling techniques, and different soil test extraction and quantification methods. Dr. Soldat will then cover different ways to interpret soil test results including SLAN, BCSR, and MLSN.

Plant growth regulators are widely used across the turfgrass industry. This course will focus on how to program PGR applications, either applied alone or in combination, on different turfgrass species and areas (greens, fairway & collars, sports turf, etc.). Both cool and warm-season turfgrasses will be covered. Students will learn how different products and application strategies impact turf health, color, and performance. It will also cover PGR-induced collar decline and how clipping volume measurements can help refine your PGR program.

This fast-paced course will use recorded lectures, live discussions, engagement with excel and web-based tools, and weekly quizzing to help students understand the subject matter. Finally, students will create a PGR program for their facility that will be reviewed by Dr. Kreuser.

Dr. Paul Koch teaches this course which provides a comprehensive introduction to the primary diseases of cool-season turfgrass. Students will learn how to identify diseases, receive the most up-to-date research related to integrated disease control strategies, and work to develop comprehensive disease control programs specific to their location.

This course is taught by Dr. Ben McGraw. The class is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of the basics of entomology, an extensive overview of the major cool- and warm-season turfgrass insect pests, and integrated pest management strategies for their control. A major emphasis of this class will be on identification and behavior of key turfgrass pests. Chemical management will be covered in-depth and the latest findings from university led research will be covered.

Part I: Manager as Communicator. The initial focus of this course will be to effectively express who you are as a manager and a leader in your operation. Topics will include the essentials of the writing process, style, and correcting common grammatical errors. The required reading will address managing oneself—a critical first step for any endeavor. This is the first required course in this series.

Manager as Influencer. Effective leadership is demonstrated in the ability to influence the culture and success of your operation. Effective leadership requires understanding how people behave and work as a group, and then moving the group toward the organization’s visionary goals. The required reading will address leadership skills that require empathy, negotiation, strategy, and decision-making. The outcome will be to produce a publishable article in a newsletter or on social media. Requires Mastering Mgmt & Communication II.

Dr. Paul Koch leads this important course on responsible pesticide use in turfgrass systems. Topics will include pesticide toxicity, use BMPs, measuring pesticide risk, organic and pesticide alternatives. The course also focuses on disease models to time fungicide applications. Students will finish the course with awareness of IPM goals and ways to document progress achieving those goals.

This course will cover various aspects of turfgrass fertilization including a thorough examination of nitrogen fertilizer, other secondary and micronutrients, cost-benefit of different fertilizer sources, nutrient demand & clipping volume, and the impact of fertilizer in the environment. At the end of the course, students will build a nutrient management plan for their facility.

Sound soil management is the building block of a healthy system. Dr. Doug Soldat leads this course focusing on the basics of soil science, management of soil physical properties including organic matter, different types of cultivation techniques, and the construction and management of different root zone systems.