PODCAST · education
Turfgrass Epistemology
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.
Episodes
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S4 E60 Can water retention products improve turfgrass quality without increasing soil moisture? + Comments
This video examines the 2019 study “Evaluation of Water Retention Products to Conserve Urban Water Resources in Home Lawns” by Vikram B. Baliga, Joseph R. Young, and Mario A. Carrillo, exploring wetting agents, hydrophilic sands, drought stress, and bermudagrass water conservation.…
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S4 E59 Can fungicides eliminate soil water repellency? + Comments
This video examines the 2001 study “Effects of Flutolanil Fungicide and Primer Wetting Agent on Soil Water Repellency in Creeping Bentgrass” by Karnok and colleagues, exploring flutolanil, Primer wetting agent, hydrophobic soil, and turfgrass management. #SoilWaterRepellency #WettingAgents...
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S4 E58 Can sand actually become waterproof?
This video examines “Localized Dry Spots as Caused by Hydrophobic Sands on Bentgrass Greens” by Tucker and colleagues (1990), investigating water-repellent sand, organic coatings on sand particles, soil moisture, and localized dry spots on golf putting greens. #HydrophobicSand #LocalizedDrySpot...
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S4 E57 Do different wetting agents actually perform differently?
This video examines research comparing Aqueduct, Primer, Cascade, and LESCOFlo for managing localized dry spot and soil water repellency in turfgrass—and the results may challenge how we choose among turfgrass wetting agents. #Turfgrass #WettingAgents #GolfCourseManagement #TurfScience...
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S4 E56 Does applying more wetting agent actually improve turfgrass performance?
This video examines research comparing low and high surfactant rates for managing soil water repellency, localized dry spot (LDS), turf quality, and wilting—and asks whether more product actually provides more benefit. #Turfgrass #WettingAgents #GolfCourseManagement #SoilScience #LocalizedDrySpot...
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S4 E55 Do fewer Poa annua seedheads mean more roots?
This video examines the 1987 study “Root Growth, Seedhead Production, and Quality of Annual Bluegrass as Affected by Mefluidide and a Wetting Agent” by R. J. Cooper, P. R. Henderlong, J. R. Street, and K. J. Karnok, exploring seedhead suppression, root growth, and turf quality in annual…
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S4 E54 Can wetting agents suppress Poa Annua seedheads?
This video examines the 1985 study “Annual Bluegrass Growth and Quality as Influenced by Treatments of Growth Retardants” by A. M. Petrovic, R. A. White, and M. K. Bhowmik, including the surprising effects of Aqua Gro on annual bluegrass seedhead production and turf quality. #PoaAnnua...
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S4 E53 Why do localized dry spots form on golf greens, and why won’t water soak in?
This video examines the 1978 study “Investigation and Treatment of Localized Dry Spots on Sand Golf Greens” by J. F. Wilkinson and R. H. Miller, exploring soil water repellency, wetting agents, coring, and water infiltration in creeping bentgrass greens. #LocalizedDrySpot #WettingAgents…
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S4 E52 Can a wetting agent reduce leaf spot disease in Kentucky bluegrass?
This video examines the 1977 study “Effect of Management Practices on Thatch Accumulation, Turf Quality, and Leaf Spot Damage in Common Kentucky Bluegrass” by J. J. Murray and F. V. Juska, including the surprising effects of wetting agents on leaf spot, turf quality, and thatch. #WettingAgents...
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S4 E51 Tinfoil Turfgrass - Can CytoGro + Hydretain Really Save Water?
Can CytoGro + Hydretain really reduce irrigation water use in turfgrass? In this video, I examine the science behind cytokinins, plant growth regulators, and Hydretain to determine whether these products actually improve turfgrass water-use efficiency and drought tolerance—or whether the claims...
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S4 E50 Tinfoil Turfgrass - Does CarbonPro-G Unlock Nutrients or Add Them?
Does Mirimichi Green CarbonPro-G really “unlock” nutrients—or could some of the turf response come from nutrients already in the product? In this commentary, we examine the CarbonPro-G marketing claims, product label, and what turf managers should consider when evaluating soil amendments....
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S4 E49 Where Do Wetting Agents Go in Soil?
Where do wetting agents actually go after they enter the soil? This video explores the 1975 study “Movement of Two Nonionic Surfactants in Wettable and Water-Repellent Soils” by R. H. Miller, N. Valoras, and J. Letey, examining surfactant movement, adsorption, retention, and leaching in soils....
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S4 E48 Can Surfactants Harm Turfgrass?
Can surfactants harm turfgrass roots and reduce plant growth? This video examines the science from “Effects of Nonionic Surfactants on Monocots” by R. M. Endo, J. Letey, N. Valoras, and J. F. Osborn (1969), published in Agronomy Journal, exploring what this classic research actually found about...
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S4 E47 Wetting Agents, Soil Oxygen, and Roots.
Can low oxygen in the soil stop turfgrass roots from growing deeper? This video examines the science from “Physical Soil Amendments, Soil Compaction, Irrigation, and Wetting Agents in Turfgrass Management III. Effects on Oxygen Diffusion Rate and Root Growth” by J. Letey, W. C. Morgan, S. J....
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S4 E46 Does Hydretain Really Reduce Watering by 50% or More?
Can Hydretain reduce irrigation while maintaining healthy turf? We examine the 2026 study by I. Alejandra Sierra Augustinus, J. Bryan Unruh, Kevin Kenworthy, Alex J. Lindsey & Marco Schiavon, “St. Augustinegrass can sustain performance under water and fertilizer restrictions in subtropical...
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S4 E45 Wetting agents, turfgrass growth, and soil salinity + Tinfoil Turfgrass
Do wetting agents affect turfgrass growth and soil salinity? This video examines the science from “Physical Soil Amendments, Soil Compaction, Irrigation, and Wetting Agents in Turfgrass Management II. Effects on Top Growth, Salinity, and Minerals in the Tissue” by N. Valoras, W. C. Morgan, and J....
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S4 E44 When Do Wetting Agents Improve Infiltration?
Do wetting agents always help water move into soil? We revisit the classic 1962 study The Effect of Wetting Agents on Infiltration by R. E. Pelishek, J. Osborn, and J. Letey, which found that wetting agents improved infiltration in hydrophobic soils but could have little or even adverse effects…
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S4 E43 More Turfgrass Questions Answered: Soil Testing, Heat Stress & Turf Science
In Part 2 of my Turfgrass Q&A series, I answer more of your YouTube comments and emails on topics including soil testing, heat stress, nitrogen management, and other common turfgrass questions. Every answer is backed by peer-reviewed research to help separate fact from fiction and improve your…
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S4 E42 Answering Your Turfgrass Questions + Tinfoil Turfgrass!
Have questions about urea fertilizer, coated nitrogen, university research, or real-world turf management? In this first Q&A episode, I respond to your YouTube comments and emails using peer-reviewed turfgrass research to separate evidence from opinion and help you make better management…
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S4 E41 Tinfoil Turfgrass - Urea is a Problem...and Other Nonsense.
Is it really time to stop using urea fertilizer? In this Tinfoil Turfgrass, I review the claims made in a popular YouTube video and compare them with peer-reviewed turfgrass research to separate evidence from misinformation. Discover what the science actually says about urea, nitrogen…
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S4 E40 Wetter Water?
Can water really become "wetter"? In this video, we explore the classic paper Soil Wetting Agents by Robert A. Moore (1959) and explain how wetting agents improve water infiltration, root development, and turfgrass performance. Discover why this pioneering research still influences modern turf...
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S4 E39 When Were Wetting Agents First Used for Turfgrasses?
Can wetting agents improve water movement in golf course turf? In this video, we explore the classic paper "Turfgrass Improvement with a New Water" by Robert A. Moore (1957) and examine how wetting agents help water penetrate the soil, reduce localized dry spots, and promote healthier turfgrass....
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S4 E38 Did Your Brain Decide Before You Did?
Did your brain make your decision before you became aware of it? In this video, we explore the groundbreaking neuroscience study that found brain activity can predict a person's choice seconds before conscious awareness, and what it means for free will. Paper: Unconscious Determinants of Free...
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S4 E37 Your Brain Decided Before You Knew
Did Benjamin Libet's famous 1983 experiment prove that your brain decides before you do? In this episode, we examine Libet, Gleason, Wright, & Pearl (1983), "Time of Conscious Intention to Act in Relation to Onset of Cerebral Activity (Readiness-Potential): The Unconscious Initiation of a Freely...
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S4 E36 Appeal to Authority: Why Smart People Make Bad Decisions
In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, we examine Stanley Milgram's classic paper, Behavioral Study of Obedience (1963), and explore how authority influences our beliefs and decisions. Why do turf managers, consultants, and consumers often accept claims because a professor, university, or...
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S4 E35 Why We Believe Things That Aren't True - Part 1
In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, we examine one of the most influential scientific papers ever published: Judgment Under Uncertainty: Heuristics and Biases by Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman (1974). This landmark article introduced the concepts of representativeness, availability...
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S4 E34 Why Smart People Keep Making This Mistake
Why do smart people search for evidence that confirms their beliefs instead of trying to prove themselves wrong? In this video, we explore Peter Wason's famous 2-4-6 experiment and the origins of confirmation bias. Paper: On the Failure to Eliminate Hypotheses in a Conceptual Task (1960) Author…
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S4 E33 What Astrology, Personality Tests, and Soil Tests Have in Common
Why do generic soil reports feel surprisingly accurate? In this video, we explore the Forer Effect and discuss how vague, universally true statements can create the illusion of personalized insight—whether in personality tests, astrology, or soil analysis. Paper: The Fallacy of Personal…
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S4 E32 Bandwagon Appeal and Social Pressure
Why do people conform to group pressure even when they know the group is wrong? In this video, we explore Solomon Asch's landmark conformity study, Opinions and Social Pressure (1955), and reveal what his famous experiments teach us about social influence, peer pressure, independent thinking, and...
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S4 E31 Dr. Jada Powlen - Summer Nitrogen on Tall Fescue?
Does summer nitrogen really make brown patch worse in tall fescue? In this interview, Dr. Jada Powlen discusses her 2024 study and explains why cultivar selection may be more important than nitrogen rate for managing brown patch disease. Paper: Brown patch severity of five tall fescue cultivars…
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S4 E30 Does Manganese Influence Take-All Disease?
In this video, I break down the classic study “Optimizing Manganese Fertilization for the Suppression of Take-All Patch Disease on Creeping Bentgrass.” We examine whether manganese applications can suppress take-all patch, how application timing influences disease control, and why soil chemistry...
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S4 E29 Can Silicon Reduce Turfgrass Disease?
In this video, I break down the study “Evaluation of Calcium Silicate for Brown Patch and Dollar Spot Suppression on Turfgrasses.” We examine whether calcium silicate (Si fertilizers) actually suppress turfgrass diseases like brown patch and dollar spot. The results show that calcium silicate did...
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S4 E28 Does Biological Disease Control Work on Turfgrasses?
In this video, I break down the research on biological and oil-based fungicides for dollar spot control in turfgrass. We examine whether products like biological fungicides, mineral oils, and plant-based treatments actually work compared to traditional chemistry. The results show that most...
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S4 E27 Tinfoil Turfgrass - 35 Years of Experience. 35 Years of Bullsh*t.
In this video, I break down a lawn care discussion on nitrogen fertilizers and turfgrass performance, separating what’s scientifically sound from what may be oversimplified. We take a closer look at how nitrogen source, timing, and application strategy actually influence turfgrass growth—and...
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S4 E26 Tinfoil Turfgrass - How to With Steve and BS Booster!
In this video, I break down the “DirtBooster Organic Lawn and Garden Treatment” video from How to With Doc and take a closer look at the claims around soil microbes, biochar, humic substances, and “super compost.” The product is promoted as a way to rapidly build soil biology using ingredients…
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S4 E25 Tinfoil Turfgrass - More soil testing nonsense from Steve.
In this video, I break down a popular lawn care video on soil testing, pH, and nutrient recommendations and separate what’s useful from what may be misleading. We take a closer look at how soil test results are interpreted, whether the recommendations actually make sense, and how to approach...
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S4 E24 Tinfoil Turfgrass - He Thinks Aerification is the Most Important Thing for Your Lawn. 🤦♂️
In this video, I break down a lawn care video making the rounds online and separate what sounds right from what’s actually supported by turfgrass science. We take a closer look at the claims, the reasoning behind them, and whether they hold up when you apply basic principles of soil science and...
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S4 E23 Comments and Emails - Why do pet spots last so long?
In this video, I respond to comments and emails and answer a common question: Why do dog urine (pet) spots last so long in turfgrass? We break down the science behind nitrogen burn, salt injury, and recovery limitations in lawns. If you’ve ever struggled with dog spots, lawn damage, or uneven…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Travis Shaddox
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Turfgrass Epistemology have?
Turfgrass Epistemology currently has 309 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Turfgrass Epistemology 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.
How often does Turfgrass Epistemology release new episodes?
Turfgrass Epistemology publishes regularly with 309 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Turfgrass Epistemology?
You can listen to Turfgrass Epistemology on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Turfgrass Epistemology?
Turfgrass Epistemology is created and hosted by Travis Shaddox.
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