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S3 E53 Does Biochar Reduce Dollar Spot? episode artwork

Oct 23, 2025 1 hr 7 min

S3 E53 Does Biochar Reduce Dollar Spot?

from Turfgrass Epistemology Hosted by Travis Shaddox

In this video, I examine the 2021 study by Beckley and Roberts published in the International Turfgrass Society Research Journal titled “Utilizing Organic Amendments for General Suppression of Dollar Spot on Creeping Bentgrass.” The discussion centers on one key question: Does biochar actually reduce dollar spot? I break down the experimental design—how researchers compared biochar, compost, vermicompost, and traditional fertilizers under equal nitrogen rates—and explains what the data really show. Were the reductions in dollar spot due to microbial changes, or simply better nitrogen nutrition? You’ll see how biochar performed across two years, why the results were inconsistent, and what this means for turfgrass managers trying to reduce fungicide use. The episode also explores the broader implications for integrated disease management and the growing interest in “natural” amendments. If you’ve ever wondered whether biochar is a biological breakthrough or just another overhyped input, this deep dive into the data will help separate evidence from assumption. https://doi.org/10.1002/its2.55 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on more science-driven insights! 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 [email protected] Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf

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S3 E53 Does Biochar Reduce Dollar Spot?

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This episode is 1 hour and 7 minutes long.

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This episode was published on October 23, 2025.

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