Turfgrass Epistemology

10 Episodes
Subscribe

By: 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.

S3 E8 Tinfoil Turfgrass #2 - Soil Compaction Has a New Liquid Cure!
#190
02/06/2025

Is liquid aeration really the solution to compacted soil, or just a scam? In this video, we break down what soil compaction is, how it affects plant growth, and why liquid aeration might not be the magic fix it claims to be.

🔹 What causes soil compaction?
🔹 Why mechanical aeration works better
🔹 The science (or lack of it) behind liquid aeration

Don’t fall for marketing gimmicks—get real solutions for healthy, breathable soil! 🌱💪 Like & subscribe for more lawn care truths. #SoilCompaction #LawnCareMyths #LiquidAerationScam

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on sus...


S3 E7 Fate and Activity of Applied Soil Microorganisms & Tinfoil Turfgrass #1
#189
02/04/2025

Discover what happens to microorganisms when they are introduced into the soil! This video explores their survival, adaptation, and role in nutrient cycling, plant growth promotion, and soil health. Learn how factors like environmental conditions, competition, and soil properties influence microbial activity and effectiveness. 🌍✨

🔹 Microbial interactions in soil
🔹 Environmental influences on survival
🔹 Benefits for agriculture and sustainability

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights into soil microbiology! 👍🔔 #SoilMicrobiology #Microbes #SustainableFarming

van Veen JA, van Overbeek LS, van Elsas JD. Fate and activity of microorganisms introduced into soil. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev. 1997 J...


S3 E6 Nanobubbles for Dollar Spot Suppression?
#188
01/30/2025

Discover the latest research on innovative turfgrass management! 🌱 This video explores the scientific article, "Evaluation of oxygenated and ozonated nanobubble water treatments for dollar spot suppression in seashore paspalum." Learn how advanced nanobubble water technology is being tested to combat dollar spot disease in seashore paspalum turfgrass. Can oxygenated and ozonated water treatments offer sustainable solutions? Watch to find out more about these groundbreaking approaches to turf health and disease management! 💧📘

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on sustainable practices! 🌿

Spratling, W. T., Jespersen, D., Waltz, C., Martinez-Espinoza, A. D., & Bahri, B. A. (202...


S3 E5 Organic Management Practices on Athletic Fields
#187
01/28/2025

Explore the impact of organic management on athletic fields! 🌱 In this video, we dive into the study, "Organic Management Practices on Athletic Fields and the Effects on Turfgrass Color, Quality, Cover, and Weed Populations." Discover how organic practices influence turfgrass health, aesthetics, and weed control, and see how they compare to conventional methods. Whether you're a turf manager, sports field professional, or just curious about sustainable practices, this research has valuable insights for everyone. 🏟️📘

Miller, N.A. and Henderson, J.J. (2012), Organic Management Practices on Athletic Fields: Part 1. The Effects on Color, Quality, Cover, and Weed Populations. Crop Scienc...


S3 E4 How Do We Measure Soil Health?
#186
01/23/2025

What exactly is soil health, and why does it matter? In this video, learn how soil functions as a living, dynamic system, supporting plant growth, storing carbon, cycling nutrients, and filtering water. Discover key indicators of soil health, including organic matter, microbial activity, nutrient levels, structure, and water-holding capacity.

Join us as we explore the science and practical tools to evaluate and improve soil health for a sustainable future! 🌍

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on sustainable practices! 🌿

#SoilHealth #Sustainability #HealthySoil

Stewart, R.D., Jian, J., Gyawali, A...


S3 E3 Double the Videos! Double the Bullsh?t!
#185
01/22/2025

This video challenges common misconceptions about soil testing for your lawn. It highlights misinformation about soil pH and boron levels, explaining how these factors are often misunderstood or misrepresented. Learn the science behind soil tests and how to interpret results accurately to improve your lawn care routine. Think you need a long list of expensive products for a healthy lawn? Think again! This video debunks claims about so-called "essential" lawn care products, helping you separate marketing hype from practical, effective lawn care strategies. Don’t fall for unnecessary expenses—watch now for expert advice!

🔔 Don’t forget to like...


S3 E2 Base Saturation and Soil Health
#184
01/16/2025

Does base cation saturation really improve soil health? In this video, we explore the science behind base cation saturation ratios and why they may not deliver the soil health benefits often claimed. Learn how real-world data and research challenge this common misconception, and discover what truly matters for improving soil fertility and productivity. Watch now to separate myth from fact!

Chaganti VN, Culman SW, Herms C, Sprunger CD, et al., (2021). Base cation saturation ratios, soil health, and yield in organic field crops. Agronomy Journal. 2021; 113: 4190–4200. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20785 

Join Turfgrass Epistemology to get access to per...


S3 E1 Organic vs. Synthetic Nitrogen Influence on Sport Turf Wear Tolerance and Soil Health
#183
01/15/2025

How do synthetic and organic fertilizers impact athletic turfgrass performance and soil health? In this video, we dive into research on the effects of these fertilizers on turfgrass traffic tolerance, durability, and overall soil quality. Whether you're managing sports fields or curious about sustainable practices, this breakdown will give you insights to optimize turf performance and maintain soil health. Watch now for expert analysis and tips!

Dest, W. M., & Ebdon, J. S. (2025). Sustainability of athletic field turf comparing organic and synthetic practices under two heights of cut. Crop Science, 65, e21317. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.21317 

Join T...


S2 E120 December Comments and Emails
#120
12/19/2024

Join me as I dive into your comments and emails about lawns, golf courses, sod farms, and sports turfgrass! 🌱 From turf maintenance tips to the environmental impact of these green spaces, I’ll address your questions, concerns, and curiosities. Let’s talk about the science, sustainability, and care behind these grassy spaces we see every day. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights!

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...


S2 E119 Cold Reading the Barnum Effect - Part 3
#119
12/18/2024

Ever wondered how psychics, fortune-tellers, and even some salespeople seem to know so much about you? In this video, we dive into the fascinating psychology behind cold reading and the Barnum Effect—techniques used to make general statements feel deeply personal.

Understanding these methods is crucial to protect yourself from being misled or manipulated by con artists, scammers, and those who exploit trust. Learn how these tricks work, why they’re so convincing, and how to spot them before you’re taken advantage of. Knowledge is power—stay informed and stay in control!

🔔 Don’t forget to lik...