As a superintendent, I have a degree in an applied science based heavily on Biology and Chemistry. A major portion of my education is the physical and chemical properties of soils. An agronomy degree is not as simple as learning to "grow grass." A Bachelor of Science degree hardly touches on the subject- that is what you learn on internships and on the job training. Like most college majors, you are there to learn how to think, not learn a trade. A technical college or a certificate program can certainly teach those things. My experience of how to maintain a golf course has come from working at 7 different Clubs, since age 14, as well as continuing education and networking. In short, we never had a class that taught, 'how to change a hole location' or 'how to aerify a green.' That doesn't happen in a credible B.S. degree program.
The above photo (left) is from a project at Highlands CC showing the many layers of our soil. The right diagram shows your average soil makeup and layers. I labeled our soil by horizon on the left. You can see the lighter colored soil on top- this was fill that was hauled in at some point. The top soil is always the darkest because it is rich in organic matter- probably from decomposed leaves, dead roots, grass clippings and other decomposed organic matter. It tends to be the most productive for growing any crop and also very valuable. In fact, if you build a house, watch the grading contractor. It isn't uncommon during the site grading process for them to haul it off site and sell it! The homeowner
rarely notices and one of the reasons for poor turf quality in new lawns. A good contractor will
scrape the topsoil off, set it to the side, grade the lot and when finished, spread it back out. As the soils get deeper, it gets less desirable for crops and eventually turns to bedrock. It the mountains, this is often closer than we like at times! Every soil is a product if the bedrock and these soil horizons tell soil scientists and geologist an important story regarding soil.
rarely notices and one of the reasons for poor turf quality in new lawns. A good contractor will
scrape the topsoil off, set it to the side, grade the lot and when finished, spread it back out. As the soils get deeper, it gets less desirable for crops and eventually turns to bedrock. It the mountains, this is often closer than we like at times! Every soil is a product if the bedrock and these soil horizons tell soil scientists and geologist an important story regarding soil.