Georgia Pesticide Applicators Practice Exam

Which grass type is characterized as a summer annual that thrives on compacted soils?

1. Bermudagrass

2. Goodgrass

3. Crabgrass

4. Timothy grass

The correct answer is: Goodgrass

Crabgrass is the grass type characterized as a summer annual that thrives on compacted soils. It has a growth habit that allows it to establish itself in adverse conditions, such as nutrient-poor or compacted soils where other desirable grass species may struggle to grow. This adaptability makes crabgrass a common weed in lawns and other landscapes, particularly in the southeastern United States, including Georgia. It germinates in warm temperatures, typically during the late spring and summer months, which aligns with the definition of summer annuals as they complete their life cycle within a single growing season. The other grass types mentioned do not share this specific characteristic. Bermudagrass is a popular warm-season turfgrass but is a perennial and typically prefers well-drained soils. Goodgrass, often referred to in various contexts, is not specifically defined in standard classifications and may refer informally to desirable grasses, lacking clarity in terms of its specific characteristics. Timothy grass, on the other hand, is primarily a cool-season perennial grass suited for well-drained soils and is not classified as a summer annual. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why crabgrass is the correct choice for this question.