Turfgrass Epistemology

Travis Shaddox
  • 4.8 (22)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

This podcast explores how we know what we know about turfgrass science. If you are a lawn care operator, sport field manager, sod producer, golf superintendent, or a home owner, this podcast provides evidence-based information to help you better manage your turfgrass.

  1. 16H AGO

    S4 E15 Do Spray Nozzles and Volume Influence Dollar Spot?

    In this video, I review the research article “Strategies for Increasing Ferrous Sulfate Efficacy Against Dollar Spot of Creeping Bentgrass.” We examine how ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄) can suppress dollar spot, how application techniques affect performance, and whether combining it with chlorothalonil improves disease control. The study found that nozzle selection and application strategy influence performance, and that ferrous sulfate can reduce the amount of chlorothalonil needed and extend its effectiveness against dollar spot.  If you manage creeping bentgrass greens or fairways, this research provides valuable insights into dollar spot management, iron applications, and fungicide optimization. #turfgrass #dollarspot #golfcoursemanagement #turfgrassscience #bentgrass #fungicides #soilscience Become a member of Turfgrass Epistemology and support turfgrass research: www.youtube.com/@TurfgrassEpistemology/join Voicemail: 859-444-4234 Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379 Spotify Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI iHeart Radio Podcast https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/ Podbean https://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/ Online consulting Calendly.com/TravisShaddox Twitter Twitter.com/TravisShaddox Email TravisShaddox@gmail.com Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf

    1h 8m

  2. 6D AGO

    S4 E14 Tinfoil Turfgrass: The BS Behind Amino Acids for Turfgrass.

    In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I critically examine the article “Exploratory Study on the Foliar Incorporation and Stability of Isotopically Labeled Amino Acids Applied to Turfgrass” (Agronomy, 2020) and use it as a case study in how “science” can be used to persuade without truly informing. On the surface, this paper uses isotopic labeling to show that foliar-applied glutamate can be absorbed and incorporated into creeping bentgrass metabolism. But in this video, I explain why the study’s publication in a predatory journal, its direct funding and involvement by one of the product’s commercial stakeholders, and its failure to follow essential agronomic methodology make it a weak foundation for product claims. The paper does not measure turf performance, stress tolerance, growth response, or field-level outcomes—yet it is often cited to imply real-world biostimulant benefits. I walk through how mechanistic tracer data can be presented in a way that sounds rigorous while sidestepping the fundamental question: does this improve turf performance in meaningful, reproducible field conditions? This episode is for golf course superintendents, turfgrass professionals, and lawn care managers who want to understand how conflicts of interest, journal quality, and experimental design influence the credibility of research. Not all published studies are equal—and learning to evaluate methodology is essential for evidence-based turfgrass management. Subscribe for more deep dives into turfgrass research, critical analysis of industry claims, and discussions focused on how we know what we know. #Turfgrass #SoilScience #LawnCare #GolfCourseManagement #TurfgrassScience #SoilFertility #CriticalThinking #TurfTok #TurfgrassEpistemology #EvidenceBased #LawnCareTips 📌 https://www.gofundme.com/f/TurfgrassEpistemology Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting evidence-based turfgrass science. Join Turfgrass Epistemology to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-UZnHkJhAmARDZ4YoHnc_A/join Voicemail: 859-444-4234 Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379 Spotify Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI iHeart Radio Podcast https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/ Podbean https://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/ Online consulting Calendly.com/TravisShaddox Twitter Twitter.com/TravisShaddox Email TravisShaddox@gmail.com Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf Diagnostic Criteria for Turfgrass B******t Disorder:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y_GeVPQ237pzm0ImTP4eVij6I9D0PHPn/view

    1h 16m

  3. MAR 3

    S4 E13 Does Dew Removal Reduce Dollar Spot?

    In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I break down the peer-reviewed Crop Science article “Mowing Strategies and Dew Removal to Minimize Dollar Spot on Creeping Bentgrass” by Ellram, Horgan, and Hulke (2007). This study evaluates how mowing time, dew removal frequency, blade sharpness, and leaf wetness duration (LWD) influence dollar spot severity on creeping bentgrass fairways. I explain why mowing at 4:00 AM consistently reduced dollar spot compared to 10:00 AM, why daily dew removal outperformed alternate-day removal, and why dull mower blades did not increase disease despite common belief. The controlled-environment data also show lesion size increased dramatically as leaf wetness duration extended from 6 to 18 hours. If you manage creeping bentgrass, battle dollar spot, or want to better understand the role of irrigation timing, dew removal, and cultural disease control, this video connects classic research to modern integrated pest management strategies. Subscribe for more turfgrass disease management, dollar spot research, and evidence-based golf course agronomy discussions focused on how we know what we know. Become a member of Turfgrass Epistemology and support turfgrass research: www.youtube.com/@TurfgrassEpistemology/join Voicemail: 859-444-4234 Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379 Spotify Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI iHeart Radio Podcast https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/ Podbean https://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/ Online consulting Calendly.com/TravisShaddox Twitter Twitter.com/TravisShaddox Email TravisShaddox@gmail.com Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf

    1h 3m

  4. FEB 26

    S4 E12 Common Diseases on Cool-Season Lawns

    In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I discuss the Purdue Extension publication “Common Diseases on Cool-Season Lawns” (BP-218-W), a practical guide to identifying and managing diseases on Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. This publication outlines major lawn diseases including dollar spot, brown patch, Pythium blight, red thread, rust, summer patch, gray leaf spot, and leaf spot/melting out, while also emphasizing the critical distinction between biotic diseases and abiotic disorders such as compaction, drought, and nutrient stress. I explain why accurate diagnosis requires understanding host species, environmental conditions, and disease spread patterns—not just visual symptoms. If you manage cool-season lawns, advise homeowners, or work in turfgrass disease management, this video breaks down key takeaways from this guide and connects them to evidence-based lawn care practices. Subscribe for more turfgrass disease management, lawn care science, and evidence-based turfgrass education focused on how we know what we know. Subscribe for more turfgrass science, irrigation research, and evidence-based golf course management discussions focused on how we know what we know. #Turfgrass #SoilScience #LawnCare #GolfCourseManagement #TurfgrassScience #SoilFertility #CriticalThinking #TurfTok #TurfgrassEpistemology #EvidenceBased #LawnCareTips 📌 https://www.gofundme.com/f/TurfgrassEpistemology Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting evidence-based turfgrass science. Join Turfgrass Epistemology to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-UZnHkJhAmARDZ4YoHnc_A/join Voicemail: 859-444-4234 Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379 Spotify Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI iHeart Radio Podcast https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/ Podbean https://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/ Online consulting Calendly.com/TravisShaddox Twitter Twitter.com/TravisShaddox Email TravisShaddox@gmail.com Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf Diagnostic Criteria for Turfgrass B******t Disorder:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y_GeVPQ237pzm0ImTP4eVij6I9D0PHPn/view

    1h 2m

  5. FEB 24

    S4 E11 Does Blending Bentgrass Cultivars Reduce Dollar Spot?

    In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I discuss the peer-reviewed article “Dollar Spot Resistance among Blends of Creeping Bentgrass Cultivars” by Abernathy et al. (2001), published in Crop Science. This study evaluates whether blending creeping bentgrass cultivars can reduce dollar spot severity compared to monostands on golf course putting greens. I explain how highly susceptible cultivars like Crenshaw increased disease pressure in blends, how resistant cultivars like L-93 suppressed dollar spot, and why overall disease levels in blends often reflected a compromise between the resistance levels of the individual components. The key takeaway: blending resistant and susceptible cultivars can significantly reduce dollar spot compared to planting a susceptible cultivar alone—but blends do not automatically create superior resistance across the board. If you manage creeping bentgrass putting greens or make decisions about cultivar selection, genetic diversity, and dollar spot management, this video breaks down what the data actually show and how blending fits into an evidence-based disease management strategy. Subscribe for more turfgrass science, cultivar performance research, and evidence-based golf course management discussions. Become a member of Turfgrass Epistemology and support turfgrass research: www.youtube.com/@TurfgrassEpistemology/join Voicemail: 859-444-4234 Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379 Spotify Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI iHeart Radio Podcast https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/ Podbean https://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/ Online consulting Calendly.com/TravisShaddox Twitter Twitter.com/TravisShaddox Email TravisShaddox@gmail.com Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf

    51 min

  6. FEB 19

    S4 E10 Irrigation Influence on Disease and Weeds.

    In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I break down the classic Crop Science paper “Assessing Irrigation Management for Its Effects on Disease and Weed Levels in Perennial Ryegrass” by Jiang, Fry, and Tisserat (1998). This study directly examines how irrigation scheduling (daily vs. ET-based irrigation) influences brown patch, dollar spot, weed pressure, pesticide use, and turf quality on perennial ryegrass fairways. I explain how ET-based irrigation reduced water use by nearly 200%, how daily irrigation suppressed brown patch but increased dollar spot, and why irrigation strategy did not significantly influence crabgrass or dandelion populations. If you manage golf course fairways or make decisions about irrigation management, turfgrass disease control, and water conservation, this video connects classic research to modern turf management and integrated pest management strategies. Subscribe for more turfgrass science, irrigation research, and evidence-based golf course management discussions focused on how we know what we know. #Turfgrass #SoilScience #LawnCare #GolfCourseManagement #TurfgrassScience #SoilFertility #CriticalThinking #TurfTok #TurfgrassEpistemology #EvidenceBased #LawnCareTips 📌 https://www.gofundme.com/f/TurfgrassEpistemology Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting evidence-based turfgrass science. Join Turfgrass Epistemology to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-UZnHkJhAmARDZ4YoHnc_A/join Voicemail: 859-444-4234 Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379 Spotify Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI iHeart Radio Podcast https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/ Podbean https://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/ Online consulting Calendly.com/TravisShaddox Twitter Twitter.com/TravisShaddox Email TravisShaddox@gmail.com Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf Diagnostic Criteria for Turfgrass B******t Disorder:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y_GeVPQ237pzm0ImTP4eVij6I9D0PHPn/view

    53 min

  7. FEB 17

    S4 E9 February 2026 Comments and Emails: Part 2

    In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology – Comments & Emails Part 2, I continue responding to viewer questions and email discussions about turfgrass management, soil testing, fertilizer programs, dollar spot control, and common lawn care myths. This follow-up video addresses new comments from golf course superintendents, lawn care operators, and homeowners who are trying to separate evidence-based turfgrass science from marketing claims and social media advice. I clarify misunderstandings about nutrient ratios, iron applications, nitrogen programs, and disease suppression while explaining how to interpret research correctly. If you’re interested in soil fertility, turfgrass disease management, golf course agronomy, or lawn care best practices, this episode provides practical, research-driven answers to real questions from the field. Subscribe for more turfgrass science, critical thinking in lawn care, and evidence-based golf course management discussions that go deeper than quick tips and product hype. Become a member of Turfgrass Epistemology and support turfgrass research: www.youtube.com/@TurfgrassEpistemology/join Voicemail: 859-444-4234 Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379 Spotify Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI iHeart Radio Podcast https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/ Podbean https://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/ Online consulting Calendly.com/TravisShaddox Twitter Twitter.com/TravisShaddox Email TravisShaddox@gmail.com Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf

    1h 11m

  8. FEB 12

    S4 E8 February 2026 Comments and Emails: Part 1

    In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I respond to viewer comments and emails covering some of the most common questions and misconceptions I see about turfgrass science, soil fertility, nutrient management, and disease control. I address recurring themes from golf course superintendents, lawn care professionals, and homeowners, explain where confusion often arises, and clarify how peer-reviewed research should be interpreted instead of relying on anecdotes, marketing claims, or social media shortcuts. This video focuses on critical thinking in turfgrass management, explaining how to evaluate advice, understand soil and tissue test results, and avoid common reasoning errors when making fertility and pest management decisions. If you’ve commented on a video, sent an email, or wondered whether advice you see online is actually supported by science, this episode is for you. Subscribe for evidence-based turfgrass content, long-form explanations, and practical discussions that go beyond soundbites and fertilizer folklore. 🔔 Subscribe for more evidence-based turfgrass content, scientific paper discussions, and long-form explanations that go beyond social media soundbites. #Turfgrass #SoilScience #LawnCare #GolfCourseManagement #TurfgrassScience #SoilFertility #CriticalThinking #TurfTok #TurfgrassEpistemology #EvidenceBased #LawnCareTips 📌 https://www.gofundme.com/f/TurfgrassEpistemology Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting evidence-based turfgrass science. Join Turfgrass Epistemology to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-UZnHkJhAmARDZ4YoHnc_A/join Voicemail: 859-444-4234 Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379 Spotify Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI iHeart Radio Podcast https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/ Podbean https://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/ Online consulting Calendly.com/TravisShaddox Twitter Twitter.com/TravisShaddox Email TravisShaddox@gmail.com Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf Diagnostic Criteria for Turfgrass B******t Disorder:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y_GeVPQ237pzm0ImTP4eVij6I9D0PHPn/view

    1h 13m
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4.8
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

This podcast explores how we know what we know about turfgrass science. If you are a lawn care operator, sport field manager, sod producer, golf superintendent, or a home owner, this podcast provides evidence-based information to help you better manage your turfgrass.

Information

  • Creator
    Travis Shaddox
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    264
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Turfgrass Epistemology

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