Turf Sod. The participant shall machine cut turf sod at a uniform soil thickness of 1/2 inch, plus or minus 1/4 inch. In measuring for soil thickness the participant shall exclude top growth and thatch. The participant shall cut an individual unit of sod to a standard width and length with a maximum allowable deviation of 5 percent. A participant may not label turf sod as Certified: If it contains a broken unit or a unit with torn or uneven ends; Unless each standard size unit of sod is strong enough to support its own weight and retain its size and shape when suspended vertically from a firm hand grasp on the upper 10 percent of the unit. The participant may not harvest turf sod when moisture content may adversely affect survival. Sod shall be harvested and delivered within a period of 36 hours. Sod not delivered within this period shall be approved by the Department before installation. Sod harvested shall be less than 48 months old, from date of planting. Sod shall contain not more than 3/8 inch of thatch. Turf Plugs. The participant may not harvest turf plugs when moisture content may adversely affect survival. Turf plugs shall be harvested and delivered within a period of 36 hours, unless refrigerated. Plugs not delivered within this period shall be approved by the Department before their installation. Turf plugs shall contain not more than 3/8 inch of thatch. Turf Sprigs. The participant may not harvest turf sprigs when moisture content may adversely affect survival. Turf sprigs shall be harvested and delivered within a period of 12 hours, unless refrigerated. Sprigs not delivered within this period shall be approved by the Department before installation.