This essay assignment for Hort 451 is designed to allow you to investigate an area of turfgrass management that you may not be familiar with, but on which you would like more information. If you wrote a paper for Hort 351 lab, you will need to choose an entirely different subject for this assignment. Essays should focus on a broad topic of turfgrass management. Projects involving landscape design, irrigation system design, or some other special project may also be acceptable (see me if you plan to substitute a special project). Examples of special projects from past years have included the construction of soil profiles of greens an athletic fields or presentation of a slide show on a special topic. I am open to other ideas, but I want to OK them before you start.

If you choose the essay, it should be a minimum of seven (7) pages in body length and must be submitted in both hard copy and electronic form (12 pt., Times or Times New Roman), double-spaced on white paper (margins no greater than 1" all around). You should include a cover page with your name, year in school, and major listed on it. A bibliography page should also be attached (Please include at least five (5) references cited in the text).

PLAGIARISM

In recent years, there has been increasing problems with plagiarism on this type of paper. It has also become very easy to catch through search engines like Google. DO YOUR OWN WORK ON THIS PAPER. Plagiarism will result in a 0 on the paper and can even get you removed from the university.

You may want to submit your paper to the GCSAA essay contest. The information that follows is from GCSAA.

GCSAA STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST

Eligibility: The contest is open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in turfgrass science, agronomy or any field related to golf course management.

Applicants must be

GCSAA members.

GCSAA Essay Contest
If you wish to submit your essay in the GCSAA Student Essay Contest, you must be pursuing a degree in turfgrass science, agronomy or any field related to golf course management. The essay should focus on the relationship between golf courses and the environment. Topics could include:
o Wildlife on the golf course.
o Efficient use of golf course irrigation.
o The superintendent as an ecosystem manager.
o The environmental benefits of golf courses.
o Any other appropriate technical or non-technical aspect of environmentally responsible golf course management.

Essays should be 7 - 12 pages in body length and must be submitted in typewritten form, double-spaced on white bond paper. Essays must include a cover page with your name, school, year in school, home and campus address, home and campus phone numbers, and signature. Each page should be numbered and should include your last name (i.e., Jones - 6). The essay must be postmarked by March 31, 2011.

Prizes are $2,000 for first place, $1,500 for second and $1,000 for third are offered by the GCSAA. For more details, call the GCSAA at (800) 472-7878 ext. 4424.