Fundamentals of Tropical Turf Management

Book excerpt: Written in an easily-accessible style, this book provides a practical introduction to all aspects of tropical turf management. General topics covered include climate adaptation, the physiology and morphology of turf-grasses, an overview of the different turf-grass species, soil characteristics and testing, establishment techniques, cultivation, nutrition and fertilization, mowing procedures, irrigation requirements, compaction and thatch, and turf pests. It also discusses golf-course maintenance including the different methods needed for the tee, the fairway, the putting green and the rough. The book also looks at sports field management including rugby fields, tennis courts, football and hockey fields, bowling greens and croquet-courts, and playgrounds. Numerous line drawings and photographs are used to illustrate key concepts, processes and relationships.