Grading Rubric
General Instructions: There is no length or citation requirement. You do need to cite any work that you gather information from that is not common knowledge. The paper should be double-spaced with 12-point font. The information required for your paper is listed in the grading rubric below.
Grading rubric for written portion of assignment: (100 pts total)
1. General description of climatic conditions (Seasonal temperature/precipitation for area) (10 pt)
2. What plant materials were selected and why were they chosen for this location? (What characteristics make this/these plants adapted to your chosen location) (15 pts)
3. Describe the general growth parameters you would expect from your managed landscape plants and/or turfgrass. (dormancy periods, highest growth rates, flowering periods,etc.) (5 pts)
4. Describe the general mowing/pruning practices. Include mowing heights at different times of year (is the grass mowed year round), locations (fairway/rough), or various grass species (if applicable). When are landscape plants pruned (season), how frequently, main purpose of pruning(10 pts)
5. Describe the expected irrigation practices. How is irrigation applied (aboveground, subsurface, drip, other)? How are irrigation decisions made (when to irrigate and how much)? Does irrigation differ for different plants/locations in your situation? (10 pts)
6. Describe the fertilization schedule. When is fertilizer applied? What types are chosen (quick or slow release)? How are fertility needs determined? Does fertility differ for plants/locations in your situation? If no fertility is applied or required, explain why this is the case. (10 pts)
7. Describe any cultivation practices necessary. What and when are cultivation practices actually performed? What is the ultimate goal of these cultivation practices (water infiltration, aeration, reduce compaction? If no cultivation is applied or required, explain why this is the case. (10 pts)
8. Identify and briefly describe pest problems (primary disease, insect, and weed; identify one of each) you will combat in your situation. For each, explain the symptoms you would expect to see when the pest is affecting the landscape and time of year you see these symptoms. (10 pts)
9. Create an integrated pest management plan for ONE of the pest problems you have listed in #8. Discuss possible cultural controls for this pest problem (i.e. manipulating mowing height/pruning, fertilizer, irrigation, or cultural practices to reduce symptoms). If any biological controls exist for this problem, describe these. Lastly, determine a chemical option(s) that can be implemented to manage this problem. (20 pts)
