This certificate will develop your understanding of the construction and maintenance of turf and artificial surfaces used for sports. The Certificate in Sportsturf Science will be of benefit to candidates who seek to increase their scientific knowledge of the turf-based surfaces they establish and maintain. It would be of great benefit to greenkeepers, irrigation and lighting specialists, stadium managers, and landscape contractors already working in the area, or indeed to candidates who have specialised in other areas of Horticulture but seek work in the sportsturf industry.
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
Determine and specify appropriate soil types and root zones for specific sportsturf construction.
Interpret the principles of drainage and irrigation and describe appropriate methods for sportsturf.
Distinguish the main turf grass species and a range of pests, diseases and weeds associated with turfgrass.
Explore the factors influencing pests of turfgrass and propose appropriate IPM control methods in response to turfgrass pests, diseases and weeds.
Explore maintenance techniques and equipment required for turfgrass maintenance.
Demonstrate a range of turfgrass maintenance techniques.
Produce a plan of appropriate maintenance techniques for a range of sportsturf constructions
Delivery
In-person attendance required
Cost
€650
Areas covered will include the following
Turfgrass science: soils for sportsurf, drainage and irrigation for sportsturf, grass morphology and physiology, turfgrass pathology and entomology, sportsturf weeds and control
Turfgrass maintenance: turfgrass mowing, management of organic matter, nutrition of turfgrass, aeration and compaction relief of turfgrass, renovation and repair of turfgrass, topdressing and materials, growth regulation, and other maintenance techniques.
Construction and maintenance of a range of sportsturf facilities: sports pitches, bowling greens, cricket grounds, lawn tennis courts, equestrian sports and artificial surfaces.
Please note - entry to this L7 Cert requires applicants to have at least a full L6 Award in Horticulture
This minor award offers structured continuous professional development opportunities to those already working in the horticulture industry. Successfully completing this course will upskills candidates and will allow candidates who may have been out of formal horticulture education for some time to seek work in the sportsturf industry. In addition, completing this level 7 certificate in Sportsturf Science will allow faster progression to supervisory and management roles in the sportsturf industry.
Contact
Course Leaders
Dr Cara Daly
Lecturer & Programme Leader for the BSc in Horticulture (Kildalton College) & the BSc in Horticulture (National Botanic Gardens) -
Explore our Part-time Prospectus to see the range of flexible study options available, with detailed course information, entry requirements, and study formats. Download the prospectus to find a programme that fits around your work and other commitments.
