TENSIOMETER. A device used to measure soil moisture tension. A vacuum gauge and a porous ceramic cup are the main components.

THATCH. An accumulated layer of undecomposed plant parts between the soil surface and living plants. Stoloniferous grasses (Creeping Bentgrass, St Augustine, etc.) tend to develop thatch at a rapid rate under optimum growing conditions.

TILLER. An erect growing, ground level, shoot.

TOPDRESSING. A prepared mixture of either organic or inorganic material that is worked into the turf for a variety of reasons. Sand and organic matter preparations are common topdressings. Topdressing often follows turf cultivation operations.

TOXICITY. The ability of a material to interfere with the vital processes of an organism.

TRANSLOCATED HERBICIDE. A material which moves within the plant. An important characteristic when control of perennial plant is desired. The herbicide will move to vegetative reproductive structures, roots, rhizomes and kill them.

TRANSPIRATION. The evaporative loss of water from plants, primarily through the stomata.

TRANSITION ZONE. An area where summers are too hot for cool season grasses, and winters are too cold for warm season grasses.

TRUNCATE. Very blunt, terminating abruptly.