# | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
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Absorption
The entry of a chemical or nutrient into the plant.
Acid Soil
A soil whose pH is less than 7.
Actual Amount
The specific amount of an ingredient contained in a fertilizer product or pesticide. Usually expressed as a percentage.
Aeration (Soil)
The exchange of air between the soil and the atmosphere.
Aerification (Soil)
The mechanical removal of soil cores to improve soil-air exchange.
Aerobic
The presence of air (oxygen) within an environment, in contrast to anaerobic conditions which is the absence of oxygen.
Alkaline soil
A soil whose reaction is greater than pH 7.
Amendments
Organic or mineral materials, such as peat moss, compost, or perlite, that are used to improve the soil.
Amine
A phenoxy herbicide formulation that is less prone to vaporizing and moving off-site than the ester form. Also see phenoxy herbicides, ester.
Anaerobic
The absence of free oxygen within an environment. See aerobic.
Analysis
Determination of chemical components.
Annual
A plant completing its normal growth cycle in one year or less.
Annual Plant
A plant completing its normal growth cycle in one year or less.
Annual, Summer
A plant that completes its normal growth cycle, beginning from seed, in one growing season.
Annual, Winter
A plant that begins growth in the fall, survives over winter, flowers, produces seed and dies the following season.
Auricle
Hornlike or clawlike appendage projecting from the base of the leafblade or from the sheath apex; occurs in pairs to each side.
Autotrophs
Organisms capable of making the necessary food for their survival from various raw materials. In plants, this occurs through the process of photosynthesis.
Awn
A bristlelike structure, usually extending from (attached to) the glumes of lemma of grasses.
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Biennial
A plant whose normal growth cycle spans two growing seasons. Many biennials produce roots and a cluster of leaves near the surface of the ground the first year; flower, produce seed and die the second year.
Blade (Leaf)
The flattened portion of the leaf projecting outward from the main shoot axis and located above the sheath.
Blend (Seed)
A combination of two or more varieties (cultivars) of a single turfgrass species.
Breakdown Processes
Refers to the chemical and/or microbial actions in the soil responsible for the decomposition of various organic residues, including most pesticides.
Broadcast Application
Uniform distribution of a pesticide or fertilizer over an entire area.
Buffer Zone (or Strip)
Generally considered to be an unmanaged area of vegetation along a shoreline to help slow down and filter runoff before entering the water body and prevent soil erosion.
Broadleaf
A term applied to nongrass-like plants; often used in the context of weed control. Examples include dandelion and white clover.
Broadleaf Herbicide
A weed killer designed to specifically kill broadleaf plants.
Bunch-type Growth
Plant development through the formation of clusters of tillers (shoots) at or near the soil surface. Rhizomes or stolons are absent.
Burn
Chemical burns caused by overfertilizing.
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Calibrating
The process of checking a mechanical applicator, such as a fertilizer spreader, to insure that it will accurately deliver the right amount of material to the right amount of area.
Carbohydrate
Chemical compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Examples include starch, sugar, and cellulose.
Chlorosis
Absence of the green pigment chlorophyll from plant leaves usually due to environmental or genetic factors.
Clippings
Leaf blades and, in some cases, stems and sheaths, cut off by mowing. Decompose readily due to their relatively high water content and generally simple chemical compounds.
Coleoptile
A sheathlike structure covering the shoot of grass seedlings.
Cool-Season Turfgrass
Turfgrass species whose growth is favored during the cooler portions (60: - 75:F) of the growing season (spring and fall); may become dormant, injured or even killed during hot, dry weather.
Compaction (of Soil)
Increase in soil density through destruction of its pore space, as by excessive traffic or working the soil especially when its wet. Can be hard and almost impenetrable when dry.
Competition
The other guys are ready to eat you for lunch.
Complete Fertilizer
Any fertilizer product containing at least nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Complete Metamorphosis
An insect life cycle going through the 4 distinct stages of egg, larva, pupa and adult. The larva stages include several important turfgrass pests associated with caterpillars, grubs and maggots.
Compost
Partially to completely decomposed organic materials. It is typically made by piling a mixture of grass clippings, leaves, etc., in a mound and, periodically stirring and mixing the pile hastening the decomposition process.
Contact Herbicide
A weed killer that kills primarily by contact with plant tissues.
Crop
In this definition, crop refers to percent by weight of all seeds contained in a seed package normally considered to be grown as an agriculture crop, including hay.
Crown
A tightly compressed stem-like structure or growing point that pushes new leaves upward as they form and grow. In lawn grasses it is located at the base of the plant at or near the soil line. The location of the crown allows regular mowing to be done while not compromising the plants ability to regrow.
Cultipacker Seeder
A mechanical seeder that prepares the seedbed just ahead of placing the seeds at a shallow depth followed by firming the soil around the seed. This is a rather large unit adapted for use as a tractor pull-behind or rear-mounted unit.
Cultivar
A group of cultivated plants distinguished by various features such as growth habit or leaf form that, when reproduced through seed or vegetative means, retain their distinguishing features.
Cultivation
As applied to turf, cultivation means working the soil and/or thatch without destroying the entire lawn surface; examples of cultivation include coring, slicing, spiking.
Cultural Practices
Various horticultural methods and techniques used to care for plants in the yard and garden. Examples include watering, fertilizing, mowing, weeding, and edging.
Cutting Height
Of a mower, the distance between the plane of travel (base of wheel, roller, or skid) and the parallel plane of cut.
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Damage Threshold Level
The lowest amount of a pest population where unacceptable levels of damage occur. Used to determine when, if any, pesticides are applied to control a pest population.
Decomposition
The rotting or decaying of a organic substance.
Deficiency (of Nutrients)
Growth symptoms (such as chlorosis) caused by inadequate supply or unavailability of plant nutrients.
Dethatch
Remove an excessive thatch accumulation either (a) mechanically, as by vertical cutting, or (b) biologically, as by topdressing with soil.
Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D)
A growth regulator type of weed killer often used for controlling broadleaf weeds in lawn areas. See phenoxy herbicides.
Dicot (short for Dicotyledonae)
Plant having two cotyledons (first leaves to appear as the plant emerges from the seed) and broad, net-veined leaves usually associated with broadleaf plant species.
Disease
An interaction between a grass plant, pathogen and its environment that results in abnormal growth and/or appearance.
Dormant
A condition of significantly reduced activity where little if any growth occurs and where rates of physiological activities, like photosynthesis, are minimal or non-existent.
Drainage
The movement of water through the soil. With good drainage, water disappears from a planting hole in less than a few hours. If water remains standing overnight, drainage is poor.
Drop Spreader
A spreader, used in the application of fertilizer or seeding, that distributes the material directly below the spreader through a series of small openings located at the base of the hopper. It is slower to use but can provide very precise application. Sometimes known as a gravity spreader.
Drought
Extended periods of dry weather often causing moderate to severe stress in turf. It can be particularly damaging when combined with high temperatures.
Drought Tolerance
The grass plant's ability to withstand extended periods of dry conditions with incurring permanent damage. See also tolerance.
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- E-
Ecosystem
The interaction of a turfgrass community with other plants, animals and their surrounding environment.
Edging
A shallow trench or physical barrier of metal, wood, brick or synthetic material used to define the border between lawn turf and another area, such as paving or a flower bed.
Embryo
That portion of a seed that develops into a young plant
Endophyte
A plant living and functioning within another plant. For example, a fungus.
Endosperm
That portion of a seed that contains reserve foods.
Environment
The sum of all the physical, chemical and biological components to which an organism is subjected. Soil, water, air, plants, animals, and human beings comprise the environment to which turfgrass communities are subjected.
Eradicate
To completely eliminate something from an area or the environment.
Erosion
The wearing away and transport of soil from land areas by wind or running water.
Establishment, Turf
Continual root and shoot growth following seed germination, sodding or sprigging needed to form a mature turf area.
Ester
A phenoxy herbicide formulation that is more prone to vaporizing and potentially moving off-site than the amine form. Also see phenoxy herbicides, amine.
Evaporation
Water loss back to the atmosphere through the vaporization of water.
Evapotranspiration
Sum of all the moisture lost through evaporation and transpiration.
Exposure
The intensity, duration, and variation in sun, wind, and temperature that characterize any particular lawn or planting site.
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Fertilizer
Nutrient supplements that stimulate and maintain healthy plant growth. The most common nutrients contained in fertilizers are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Fertilizer Analysis
The amount of each nutrient in a fertilizer container expressed as percent of the total weight.
Fertilizer Burn (Foliar Burn)
Plant injury (and usually death) caused by desiccation of tissue due to contact with high concentrations of certain fertilizers.
Fibrous Roots
Profusely branched roots consisting of many lateral rootlets and usually no main or taproot development.
Fluorescence Test
A test conducted on ryegrass seed that indicated the presence of annual ryegrass in perennial seed lots. The roots of annual ryegrass glow on white filter paper under the ultraviolet light.
Footprinting
During periods of mild to moderate stages of water (drought) stress, grass plants may be slow to spring back after walking on them leaving temporary foot-shaped impressions on the lawn.
Frost Heave
A disturbance or uplift of soil, pavement, or plants caused by moisture in the soil freezing and expanding.
Full shade
A site that receives no direct sun during the growing season.
Full sun
A site that receives at least eight hours of direct sun each day during the growing season.
Fungi
Organisms which live off dead or living plants or animals.
Fungicide
A pesticide used to destroy or suppress fungi.
Fungus (pl. Fungi)
A non-vascular (i.e., plants that do not contain water and nutrient conducting vessels) plant that lacks chlorophyll. Some examples are: mushrooms, molds, rusts, and yeasts.
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Germination
Sprouting of the root and shoot from a seed when environmental conditions are favorable.
Grade
The degree and direction of slope on an area of ground.
Granular
Pesticide or fertilizer formulations in which the active ingredient or nutrient is attached to small, dry particles of some inert carrier such as clay or ground corn cobs.
Grass
A common name for members of the Grass (Gramineae) family of plants.
Groundcover
A horticultural term applied to low-growing vegetation covering the ground; usually refers to broadleaf plants rather than lawn grasses.
Groundwater
Underground water found in porous rock strata or soils.
Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed minimum amount of plant nutrients contained in a fertilizer product.
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Hardiness
The genetic capability of a plant to adapt and survive the rigors of a particular climate, particularly to cold temperature stress.
Hardiness zone
A region where the coldest temperature in an average winter falls within a certain range, such as between 0 and -10 degrees Farenheit.
Hardening-off (Conditioning)
The process of conditioning plants to more stressful environmental conditions.
Heat Zone
A region determined by the average annual number of days its temperature climbs above 86 degrees Farenheit.
Herbaceous
Plants with nonwoody stems normally dying back to the ground in the fall.
Herbicide
A specific category of pesticides used for controlling weeds.
High-Maintenance Lawn
Lawn areas composed of turfgrass species and varieties requiring higher levels of water, fertilizing and mowing to remain healthy.
Host Plant
Any plant that provides nutrition (and possibly shelter) for a plant pest to survive. That is, any plant that an insect or pathogen lives on is a host plant.
Humus
Thoroughly decayed organic matter. Added to lawns, it will increase a soil's water-holding capacity, improve aeration, and support beneficial microbial life in the soil.
Humus Distinguished
The organic fraction of soil where, due to decomposition, the original parent material form can no longer be identified.
Hybrid
The progeny resulting from a cross of individuals that differ in one or more heritable characters.
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Impervious (Surfaces)
Waterproof coverings that do not permit infiltration of water and that increase the volume and speed of runoff water. Examples include: roofs, parking lots, roads and driveways.
Incomplete Metamorphosis
The life cycle of an insect going through the stages of egg and nymph to reach the adult stage. The nymph resembles the adult and progresses through several molts before reaching the adult stage. There is no pupa stage in this type of metamorphosis.
Inert
Not active
Inert Ingredients
Materials in a pesticide or fertilizer formulation that have no activity in creating the desired effect of the product. Many serve as binding agents or carriers for the active ingredients such that they can be applied efficiently and uniformly.
Infection
Establishment of a pathogen within a host plant.
Infiltration (Water)
The physical process of water movement into a soil.
Insecticide
A specific category of pesticides used for controlling insects.
Inorganic (Fertilizer)
Products used for supplying nutrients to a lawn; generally composed of simple, mostly water soluble nutrient salts that are immediately available for plant use following post-application watering.
Invasive
A plant that spreads quickly, usually by runners, and mixes with or dominates adjacent plants.
Irrigation
The use of automated or manual systems for applying supplemental water for the benefit of growing plants and replenishing soil moisture.
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Label
A printed statement attached to the pesticide or fertilizer container by the manufacturer listing the contents, directions for use, and precautions. A pesticide label is considered a legal document that is approved and registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State Department of Agriculture.
Landscape
An expanse of land (scenery) that the eye is able to comprehend as a single view.
Landscape Fabric
A synthetic fabric that is usually water-permeable, it is spread under paths or mulch to serve as a weed barrier.
Larva
The immature or worm stage (e.g., caterpillars, maggots, and grubs) of an insect that goes through 4 distinct lifecycle stages (i.e., egg, larva, pupa, adult) in its development. (See complete metamorphosis.)
Lawn
That portion of a yard or land area covered with grass plants kept short through mowing.
Lawn Restoration
Improving a lawn without killing or removing all the existing turf.
Leaching
The downward movement in water of pesticides and/or nutrients through the soil column.
Lime or Limestone
A white or grayish mineral compound used to combat soil acidity and supply calcium for plant growth.
Liquid Fertilization
A method of applying plant nutrients as a solution of dissolved fertilizer salts.
Loam
An ideal soil type for growing, loam contains an equal balance of sand, silt, and clay.
Long-Day Response
Usually applied to plants in which flowering is hastened by daily exposure to light periods longer than a critical number of hours.
Low-Maintenance Lawn
Lawn areas composed of turfgrass species and varieties tolerant of reduced levels of water, fertilizer and mowing while still remaining healthy.
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Metamorphosis
A basic change in form; for example, the changing of a grub to an adult beetle or caterpillar into an adult butterfly.
Microbial
Effects associated with the action or influence of microorganisms.
Microclimate
Conditions of sun, shade, exposure, wind, drainage, and other factors that affect plant growth at any particular site.
Microorganisms
Living plants or animals (such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoa) that are so small they can be seen only with the aid of a microscope.
Minerals
The inorganic materials that make up a portion of the soil derived from rocks; they are usually of specific composition and crystalline in form.
Mixture
As applied to turfgrasses, it is a combination of two or more plant species. For example, a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass and fine-leaved fescue seed.
Molt
To shed or cast off (such as skin, hair or feathers) followed by replacement through continued growth. Molting is often associated with the changes from immature to mature stages among the various insect groups.
Monocot (short for Monocotyledonae)
A class of seed plants distinguished by such plant features as narrow, parallel-veined leaves, fibrous root systems, seeds containing only one cotyledon (seed leaf). Grass plants are a common example.
Mowing
The periodic and usually regular cutting of a lawn area to a specified height for its intended use and function. Accomplished with mowers, either manual or power operated.
Mowing Strip
A row of bricks or paving stones set flush with the soil around the edge of a lawn area and wide enough to support the wheels on one side of a lawn mower.
Muck
Soil-like material developed in a swamp-like environment, composed largely of well decomposed organic materials (humus).
Mulch
Non-living material used to cover the soil surface for purposes of controlling weeds, conserving moisture, reducing soil temperatures, and in some instances, improving appearance. Examples are woodchips, compost, and leaves.
Mulching Mower
Mowers specifically designed to finely chop grass clippings and forcibly direct them back into the lawn leaving a clean, uniform appearance to the surface.
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Native
A plant that occurs naturally in a particular region and was not introduced from some other area.
Natural
The world of living things, material objects, and the forces and process which guide and shape living and nonliving things.
Natural Growth Cycle (Turf)
The sequence of grass root, shoot and flowering growth phases that occur naturally over the course of a growing season.
Natural Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
A fertilizer product containing plant nutrients derived from various organic sources as contrasted with simpler inorganic sources. Common sources include composts, sludges, animal manures and various plant and animal processing by-products.
Net Weight (Fertilizers)
The actual weight of only the fertilizer nutrients contained in a package of fertilizer.
Nitrogen
An essential nutrient required for plant growth. It is a significant component of plant proteins. Adequate nitrogen produces good green color and vigorous plants. Shortages of nitrogen are usually indicated by yellowing leaves and poor growth. Excess nitrogen can result in unhealthy, lush growth making the plants more vulnerable to environmental stresses such as heat, drought, frost and, increased disease susceptibility.
The primary communications center operated by the U.S. Coast Guard to receive reports of major chemical and oil spills and other hazardous substances into the environment. The NRC immediately relays reports to a predesignated federal On-Scene Coordinator.
Node
A joint in grass plants from which leaves emerge.
Non-Selective
A term applied to a category of herbicides that does not discriminate in its effect on one type of plant over another. For example, both grasses and broadleaf plants would be injured or killed as opposed to selectively killing broadleaf plants without affecting the grasses in a lawn area.
Non-Target Organism
Plants (or other organisms) other than those attempted to be controlled by an application of a pesticide.
Noxious
Any plant declared by a state authority to be so objectionable that efforts will be directed at its eradication.
N-P-K
Chemical symbols for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). On a container of fertilizer, these nutrients are always expressed as percentages contained in the package and are always shown in the order N-P-K.
Nurse Grasses
Annual grasses used to protect perennial grasses from excess wind and sun while they are becoming established.
Nutrients (Plant)
Mineral elements considered essential for plant growth. There are presently 16 minerals known to play essential roles in plant nutrition.
Nutrient Release Rate
The speed at which plant nutrients, especially N, become available for plant use following application to a lawn. This rate is often determined by the product, water and temperature conditions at the time of application.
Nymph
The immature stage between the egg and adult of some insect groups; nymphs look like the mature adult in form but do not have fully developed wings and are not able to reproduce.
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Organic
Chemical compounds containing the element carbon other than the inorganic carbonates. Often refers to any part of, or anything produced by, plants or animals.
Organic Matter (Soil)
A portion of the soil consisting of substances derived from the life and death of plants, plant parts and other soil organisms.
Overseed or Overseeding
The process of incorporating seed into an existing lawn area for the purpose of lawn repair or introduction of different grass species.
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Particulate
Used as a characterization of very tiny pieces (particles) of matter, (e.g., dust and soil)
Patch Disease
A non-specific term applied to small dead, circular areas in a lawn caused by a number of different pathogens. Symptoms may also include the appearance of dead rings of grass with green grass inside and outside of the ring.
Pathogen (Plant)
Usually applied to a microorganism with the capacity to cause a plant disease.
Peat
A partly decomposed plant material found in marshy areas. Identification or origination of parent plant material may still be possible (e.g., sphagnum peat moss).
Perennial
Plants that live two or more years producing flowers and seeds in successive years.
Permeable
Allowing water or other substances to pass through or infiltrate (e.g., a permeable surface such as a lawn).
Pest (Plant)
Any insect, mite, rodent, nematode, fungus, weed, or other organism capable of causing plant stress, injury or death through disease, consumption of the plant or competition.
Pesticide
Any chemical (or mixture of chemicals) or biological agent used to control plant or animal pests in order to protect and/or preserve desirable plants.
pH
A numerical measure of soil acidity or alkalinity based on the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration in the soil. A pH of 7 indicates neutral conditions (neither acidic or alkaline); above 7 is basic (alkaline), below 7 is acidic.
Phenoxy-Type Herbicides
A category of systemic weed killers that have a chemical structure composed of six carbon atoms joined together in a ring formation. Two examples are 2,4-D and mecoprop (MCPP).
Phosphorus
One of the major plant nutrients; important in root growth and plant energy functions. The middle number of a fertilizer analysis N-P-K.
Photosynthesis
The chemical plant process where carbohydrates are formed by combining carbon dioxide and water in the presence of light; occurs in the chlorophyll containing parts of the plant (i.e., leaves and stems).
Plant Competition
The interaction between plants for light, moisture, and soil nutrients.
Plugs
Small round or square pieces of sod that can be planted to establish new lawns.
Pollination
The transfer of pollen from the stamen (male portion of the flower) to the stigma (female portion of the flower). May occur within the same flower, different flowers on the same plant or different flowers on different plants.
Pollution
The process of contaminating air, water or land with impurities to an undesirable level; results in decreased benefits from the environment.
Postemergence
Generally refers to the application of an herbicide after the weed has emerged (and is usually visible) from the soil.
Potassium
One of the major plant nutrients important in maintaining general plant health and vigor. Often associated with improved stress and disease tolerance. It is the third number in the fertilizer analysis N-P-K. See N-P-K.
Preemergence
Generally refers to the application of an herbicide before the weed emerges from the soil. Target plants are most often not visible above ground at the time of application.
Pregermination
Preconditioning of seed prior to planting by placing it in a moist, oxygenated environment at optimum temperature to favor more rapid germination after seeding.
Pupa
The resting or transforming stage of an insect that goes through four lifecycle stages (i.e., egg, larva, pupa, adult) in its development.
Pure Live Seed (PLS)
A seed lot's percentage of seed that is pure and viable.
Purity
The degree of cleanliness or freedom (expressed as a percentage) from weed and other crop seeds.
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Quick-Release Nitrogen Source
Nitrogen from these sources is available for use by the plant as soon as water is applied and the fertilizer granule dissolves. Can also be applied in liquid formulations. Plant responds with quick green-up and rapid rates of growth.
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Recuperative Capacity
The ability of turfgrasses to recover from damage. It is an important consideration when determining grass selection for high use areas such as sports fields.
Reel Mower
A mower that cuts grass by means of a rotating reel of blades passing over a fixed blade (called a bedknife) attached to the frame. Very uniform, clean cuts can be made with this type of mower.
Rejuvenation
Stimulation of grass growth usually through the removal of thatch and may include the process of aerification to improve compacted soil conditions.
Renovate
To restore to a previous condition, revive.
Renovation, Turf
Improving a stand of turf through replanting into an existing lawn area. May also include practices associated with rejuvenation.
Reseeding, Turf
To seed again, usually soon after an initial seeding has failed to achieve satisfactory establishment.
Rhizome
An elongated underground stem with scale-like leaves and adventitious roots originating from the nodes (bud containing areas along a stem).
Rhizomatous
A spreading growth habit resulting from the production and elongation of rhizomes.
Root
The fibrous, underground part of a plant associated with mineral and water absorption.
Root Zone
That portion of the soil column occupied by plant roots.
Rotary Mower
A mower that cuts turf by a high-speed, rotating metal blade positioned parallel to, and at a desired height above the turf surface.
Rotary Spreader
A spreader, most often used in the application of fertilizer, that distributes the material in an arc, several feet wide, by means of a rotating disc below the fertilizer hopper. It is able to cover large areas quickly, but distribution may not be precise enough for some applications.
Rototilling
The process of working (tilling) the soil utilizing a machine known as a rototiller. The machine utilizes a series of vertically rotating tines (blades) mounted on either the front or rear of the machine. It is capable of penetrating 6 to 8 inches into the soil.
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Scalping
An undesirable mowing practice that removes an excessive amount of green leaves and shoots at any one mowing. It can seriously weaken or even kill the turfgrass.
Sediment
Any material settling to the bottom of a liquid. Its usage in this section refers to any material carried in runoff water that, upon reaching a body of water, settles to the bottom.
Sedimentation
The process of depositing sediment; generally referring to the depositing of sediment in a water body such as a lake or river. Also see sediment.
Seed
A ripened ovule containing an embryo capable of producing a new plant.
Seed Count
The actual number of seeds of a particular species or variety contained in a seed blend or mixture.
Seed Weight
The actual weight of seeds from a particular species or variety contained in seed blend or mixture. Expressed as a percent of the total weight.
Seeding
The process of distributing seed over the soil surface, either mechanically or by hand, in an attempt to establish a new lawn or renovate an existing lawn.
Selective
The term usually applied to an herbicide that has the ability to only destroy one type of plant while not affecting others. For example, a postemergence, broadleaf herbicide will kill broadleaf plants (such as dandelions) in the lawn without affecting the grass plants.
Shade
An area of reduced light quantity (and often quality) resulting from the partial or complete obstruction of direct sunlight.
Sheath
The tube shaped, basal section of the grass leaf enclosing the stem.
Shoot
Above ground, vertically oriented growth giving rise to both leafy growth and flowering stems (culms).
Shoot Density
The number of shoots contained in a specified area of lawn.
Short-Day Response
Usually applied to plants where flowering is hastened by daily exposure to light shorter than a specified number of hours.
Slit-Seeding
The use of a machine known as a slit-seeder to seed a new lawn area or overseed an existing area. Slit-seeders utilize a series of vertically rotating discs to cut small grooves into the soil while depositing seed into the grooves just behind the discs. It is an excellent means of seeding and helps insure the seed-to-soil contact necessary for successful establishment.
Sloughing-Off
The periodic shedding of plant parts. As used here, it refers to the periodic shedding of turfgrass roots as either part of the natural growth cycle, or as a result of environmental stresses.
Slow-Release Nitrogen Source
Nitrogen from these sources becomes available as the product is broken down by soil microbes and/or chemical action. Plant responds with a slightly slower rate of green-up and growth. Usually this is a desirable characteristic.
Sod
squares or strips (rolls) of turfgrass cut from a production field and usually with a thin layer of soil still attached that is used for vegetatively installing a turfgrass area.
Sod Cutter
A machine or hand tool that is designed to cut the grass plus a thin layer of soil from the ground. The length and thickness of the cut sod can be varied.
Sodding
Installing a turfgrass area utilizing sod.
Sod Strength
The relative ability of sod to resist tearing during harvesting, handling. and transplanting; in research, the mechanical force (newtons) required to tear apart a sod when subjected to a uniformly applied force.
Soil
The earth's thin upper layer capable of supporting plant growth. It is characterized by such things as texture, structure, color, and fertility which distinguishes it from material like gravel, sand or bedrock that also cover a portion of the earth's surface.
Soil Structure
The combining of microscopic soil particles through the action of soil microbes into larger units commonly known as soil granules, crumbs or aggregates. Loose, crumbly soil structure is a must to sustain health plant growth.
Soil Test
A scientific analysis of a soil sample that determines its pH, texture, organic matter content and various degrees of chemical composition. They are used to assess a soil's suitability for particular uses and any necessary modifications to prepare it for the intended use.
Soluble (Fertilizer)
Fertilizers that are made up of easily dissolved components in water which are immediately available for plant use; they can result in lawn "burning" more easily that slow-release fertilizers.
Species
A basic identification unit used in biology to describe a single distinct kind of plant or animal that has certain distinguishing characteristics separating it from all others.
Spot Treatment
Generally refers to the application of a pesticide to a limited or small area. In the case of herbicides, it may also be applied to the treating of individual plants.
Spreader
A piece of equipment used for seeding and fertilizing. It may be machine driven, pushed by hand or hand-held.
Spreading
The application of grass seed or fertilizer to soil or existing lawns usually by some form of a spreader.
Sprigs
Cut up lengths of rhizomes or stolons (above- and underground runners) that can be broadcast and pressed into the soil to establish new lawns.
Stem
The horizontal or vertical axis of a plant supporting leaves, buds and flowers.
Stolon
An elongated stem growing along the ground surface and giving rise to leaves and adventitious roots at the nodes (bud containing areas along a stem).
Stoloniferous
A spreading growth habit resulting from the production and elongation of stolons.
Storm Sewer System
A system of ground level inlets (usually covered with some type of steel grate) designed to intercept storm water runoff from the adjacent land areas and channel it below ground to a system of interconnected pipes that eventually empty into wetlands, lakes, rivers, streams or other designated storm water holding areas.
Storm Water Runoff
Rain water that cannot soak into soil and runs over surfaces such as streets, driveways and rooftops. Storm water runoff picks up pollutants as it moves.
Stress (Plant)
Usually applied to environmental factors restricting normal or healthy plant growth. Some of these factors are heat, drought, compacted soils, waterlogging and cold.
Subsoil
A light-colored soil layer usually found beneath the topsoil. It contains little or no humus.
Summer Dormancy
All water naturally opens to the atmosphere (rivers, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, streams, seas, estuaries) and all springs, wells, or other collectors are directly influenced by surface water. Growth stoppage and subsequent death of leaf tissue of certain cool-season grass species due to heat and/or moisture stress. Except in extreme conditions, the crown remains alive and begins regrowth when favorable growing conditions return.
Sustainable (Lawn)
A lawn area requiring few outside inputs (e.g., water, fertilizer) to maintain healthy grass while having a positive impact on the environment (e.g., preventing soil erosion).
Symptom
An abnormal condition in the form or function of a plant or part of a plant that helps identify the disorder.
Synthetic Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
Generally refers to fertilizers formed when urea, a quick-release N fertilizer source, is further processed or combined with other materials to give it a slow-release rate characteristic.
Syringe
Usually a term referring to the application of small amounts of water to turf to help dissipate heat energy from the plants by evaporating water from the leaf surface. Often done during the hot portions of the day.
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Texture (Grass)
The coarseness or fineness of a turfgrass generally based on the grass blade width and the stem size.
Texture (Soil)
The relative proportion (expressed as a percent) of sand, silt, and clay particles in a soil; determines soil coarseness or fineness.
Thatch
A dense, fibrous layer of living and dead grass stems, leaves, and roots, undecomposed or partially decomposed, that accumulates between the green vegetation and soil surface.
Tiller
A lateral shoot, usually erect, that develops from axillary buds in the crown.
Tolerance
The plant's ability to withstand stresses associated with unfavorable environmental conditions or the application of pesticides.
Topdressing
A prepared soil mix added to a turf surface and usually physically worked in by matting, raking. and/or irrigating to smooth a surface.
Topsoil
The upper portion of soil that is generally higher in organic matter in comparison to the subsoil and usually has more favorable characteristics of soil fertility, aeration and structure.
Transitional Climatic Zone
The suboptimal zone between the cool and warm climates where both warm - and cool- season grasses can be grown.
Transpiration
Water loss that occurs through the open plant stomata (tiny pores primarily on the underside of the leaf). Rate of loss is determined by wind and atmospheric humidity conditions.
Turf
A soil covering of mowed vegetation, usually a turfgrass.
Turfgrass
A species or cultivar of grass that is maintained at a desired height through regular mowing.
Turfgrass Color
The composite visual color of a turfgrass community perceived by the human eye.
Turfgrass Quality
The degree to which a turf conforms to an agreed standard of uniformity, density, texture, growth habit, smoothness, and color, as judged by subjective visual assessment.
Turfgrass Uniformity
The degree to which a turfgrass community is free from variations in color, density, and texture across the surface, as judged by visual assessment.
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Urea
A quick-release nitrogen fertilizer source. Usually available as 45-0-0 or 46-0-0. It is also described as a synthetic organic fertilizer as it contains the element carbon in its chemical structure.
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Variety
A population of plants having many characteristics in common; a variety may be a pure line, a mixture of pure lines, or a clone.
Vertical Mower
A machine with high-speed, vertically rotating blades that slice into the turf for the purpose of reducing thatch or improving soil aeration.
Vigor (Plant)
The combination of genetic and environmental factors that determine the rate and amount that a turfgrass species or cultivar is able to grow and spread.
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Warm-Season Turfgrass
Turfgrass species whose optimum growth occurs during the warmer periods (80: - 95: F) of the growing season.
Water Insoluble Nitrogen (WIN)
That fraction of nitrogen contained in fertilizer not considered to soluble in 25o C. water. It is generally a measure of how much of the nitrogen is considered to show the slow release characteristic.
Water Soluble Nitrogen (WSN)
That fraction of nitrogen contained in fertilizer considered to be soluble in 25o C. water. It is generally a measure of the quick-release nitrogen contained in the fertilizer. Unlike WIN this is usually not expressed on a fertilizer package. Unless stated otherwise, the difference between the WIN and total nitrogen contained in the package is WSN.
Watering-In
Water applied to turf immediately after the application of some pesticides or fertilizers to dissolve and/or move materials into the soil.
Waterlogging
Soil saturated with water usually for an extended period of time and resulting in temporary anaerobic conditions.
Wear
The accumulative (and usually deleterious) effects of traffic on a turf area. Most often a problem on sports fields.
Weed
An undesired, uncultivated plant growing in a manner so as to adversely compete with desirable plants for water, light and nutrients, or destroy aesthetic qualities of a lawn.
Winter Overseeding
Seeding cool-season turfgrasses onto warm-season turfgrasses at or near their start of winter dormancy; used in mild climates to provide green, growing turf during the winter period when the warm-season species are brown and dormant
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