Turfgrass Epistemology

Travis Shaddox

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. 2D AGO

    S4 E22 Elevated Lawnscapes, Turf Therapy, and Polo Fields

    In this episode, I sit down with Rob from Turf Therapy and Cam from Elevated Lawnscapes to talk all things lawn care, content creation, and turfgrass management. We discuss their approach to building great lawns, lessons learned on YouTube, and how they balance real-world lawn care with online advice. This is a great conversation for anyone interested in DIY lawn care, turfgrass tips, and the growing lawn care YouTube community. #turfgrass #lawncare #lawnyoutube #turftherapy #elevatedlawnscapes #DIYlawn #golfcoursemanagement  📌 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 24m
  2. 4D AGO

    S4 E21 Calcium vs. Limestone on Dollar Spot.

    In this video, I break down the study “Influence of Calcium and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Creeping Bentgrass Infected with Dollar Spot.” We examine whether  it is calcium or lime that actually suppresses dollar spot, how it compares to nitrogen, and what happens when the two are applied together. The results show that both calcium and nitrogen reduced disease individually, but combining them was less effective due to antagonism, with calcium also improving root growth and stress tolerance rather than directly controlling disease. Unfortunately, the authors do not discuss the influence of lime rather than the calcium. This mistake greatly reduces our confidence in the results. If you're interested in dollar spot management, calcium fertility, nitrogen effects, and turfgrass disease control, this is a must-watch breakdown. #turfgrass #dollarspot #soilscience #calcium #fertilizer #golfcoursemanagement #turfgrassscience 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

    58 min
  3. MAR 26

    S4 E20 Can Milorganite, Sea Kelp, or Manure Reduce Dollar Spot + Tinfoil Turfgrass!

    In this video, I break down the classic study “Microbial Populations and Suppression of Dollar Spot Disease in Creeping Bentgrass with Inorganic and Organic Amendments.” We take a close look at whether organic fertilizers actually suppress dollar spot and how they influence microbial populations in turfgrass systems. The results show that while some organic amendments increased microbial activity, dollar spot suppression was inconsistent and often less effective than fungicides, with nitrogen and growth response playing a major role. If you’re interested in dollar spot control, soil microbes, organic vs synthetic fertilizers, and turfgrass disease management, this is a must-understand paper. #turfgrass #dollarspot #soilmicrobiology #fertilizer #turfgrassscience #golfcoursemanagement #IPM 📌 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 48m
  4. MAR 24

    S4 E19 Dr. Scott McElroy - Herbicide and Insecticide Interations

    In this episode, I interview Dr. Scott McElroy (Auburn University) about weed control in turfgrass, including best practices for herbicide timing, resistance management, and how herbicides interact with insecticides. We also discuss common mistakes, application strategies, and where to find reliable, evidence-based recommendations. If you manage turf, this conversation will help you improve your weed identification, herbicide programs, and integrated pest management (IPM) decisions. #turfgrass #weedcontrol #herbicides #IPM #golfcoursemanagement #turfgrassscience #agronomy  📌 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 1m
  5. MAR 19

    S4 E18 Tinfoil Turfgrass - Floratine 'Master Class' of BS

    In this video, I break down a Floratine Masterclass where Tim Cartwright discusses a common claim about calcium availability in soils. I examine the argument, the science behind calcium in turfgrass soils, and whether the explanation actually aligns with what we know from soil chemistry and turfgrass research. If you manage turfgrass or are interested in soil testing, calcium availability, base saturation, and turfgrass fertility myths, this discussion will help you think critically about the claims often made in the industry. #turfgrass #soilscience #calcium #soiltesting #turfmanagement #golfcoursemanagement #turfgrassepistemology  📌 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 36m
  6. MAR 17

    S4 E17 Organic Fertilizers and Turfgrass Disease

    In this video, I break down the research article “Soil Amendments and Fertilizer Source Effects on Creeping Bentgrass Establishment, Soil Microbial Activity, Thatch, and Disease.” We examine whether organic fertilizers, poultry meal, and humate soil amendments really improve bentgrass establishment, microbial activity, disease suppression, and thatch management on sand-based greens. The results show that readily available nitrogen from synthetic fertilizers produced faster establishment and generally better turf quality, while organic programs increased microbial activity but did not improve establishment or consistently suppress disease. If you manage golf greens, creeping bentgrass, or sand-based rootzones, this study provides important insights into fertilizer sources, soil amendments, microbial activity, and turfgrass disease management. #turfgrass #bentgrass #golfcoursemanagement #turfgrassscience #fertilizer #soilscience #dollarspot 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 7m
  7. MAR 12

    S4 E16 Organic Fertilizer and Dollar Spot.

    In this video, I review the classic turfgrass study “Dollar Spot Severity, Tissue Nitrogen, and Soil Microbial Activity in Bentgrass as Influenced by Nitrogen Source.” We take a close look at whether organic fertilizers really suppress dollar spot and whether soil microbial activity plays the role many people claim. The results may surprise you. The study found that disease suppression was more closely related to nitrogen availability and turf growth than to microbial activity or organic fertilizer sources.  If you manage bentgrass fairways or want evidence-based guidance on dollar spot management, nitrogen fertilization, and organic vs synthetic fertilizers, this paper is worth understanding. #turfgrass #golfcoursemanagement #dollarspot #turfgrassscience #fertilizer #bentgrass #soilscience 📌 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 3m
  8. MAR 11

    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
4.8
out of 5
23 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.

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