Episodes

  • S3 E50 Water Use on U.S. Golf Courses
    Sep 16 2025

    In this video, I dive into the article “Survey of Water Use and Management Practices on US Golf Courses from 2005 to 2024” published in HortTechnology (Shaddox et al., 2025). The study tracks nearly twenty years of changes in how golf courses across the United States use and manage water. I discuss how irrigation volumes and irrigated areas have shifted over time, highlight important regional differences, and explain why some water sources—like recycled water—are declining while others remain steady. I also cover the adoption of new management strategies such as moisture sensors, irrigation audits, and objective scheduling, along with the continuing challenges of infrastructure upgrades, regulatory pressure, and competition for water resources. If you’re interested in sustainability, turfgrass science, or the future of golf course management, this discussion will give you a clear look at the evidence and what it means moving forward.

    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 TravisShaddox@gmail.com

    Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • S3 E49 Tinfoil Turfgrass: How Conmen Deceive While Being Truthful.
    Sep 15 2025

    In this video, I discuss the YouTube episode “Struggling Turf? Calcium Could Be the Missing …” and examine it through the lens of the strawman fallacy. We’ll look at how someone can present information that is technically true, yet still mislead by reframing the issue or knocking down an argument no one actually made.

    This breakdown shows how a conman can be both truthful and deceptive at the same time—a powerful reminder of why critical thinking matters in turfgrass science, lawn care, and beyond.

    If you’ve ever learned something useful from this channel, please consider contributing. Every donation—large or small—helps strengthen the future of turfgrass research.

    📌 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 Bullshit Disorder:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y_GeVPQ237pzm0ImTP4eVij6I9D0PHPn/view

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • S3 E48 How to Water When Drought is Coming + Tinfoil Turfgrass.
    Sep 9 2025

    In this video, I review the scientific article “Irrigation Frequency Affects Zoysiagrass Rooting and Plant Water Status.” We’ll look at how different irrigation schedules influenced root development and water relations in zoysiagrass, and what these findings mean for turfgrass management. If you’ve ever wondered how often you should water to encourage deeper roots and better turf performance, this study offers valuable evidence-based insights.

    Article: https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/hortsci/31/2/article-p234.xml

    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 TravisShaddox@gmail.com

    Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • S3 E47 Tinfoil Turfgrass: The Liquid Aeration Con in Lawncare.
    Sep 4 2025

    In this episode, I break down the claims made in “Check out These Roots, John Perry! | [LIVE PODCAST] Ep.8 of the Average Joe Lawn Care Show,” where the hosts argue that liquid aeration is an effective solution for lawn health. I dive into the science and present evidence that challenges their assertions. With years of turfgrass science experience, I explain why liquid aeration doesn’t deliver the promised results and why relying on this product could lead to misguided lawn care practices. Don’t fall for the hype – join me as I debunk the myths and set the record straight with evidence-backed facts!

    If you’ve ever learned something useful from this channel, please consider contributing. Every donation—large or small—helps strengthen the future of turfgrass research.

    📌 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 Bullshit Disorder:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y_GeVPQ237pzm0ImTP4eVij6I9D0PHPn/view

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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • S3 E46 Two-Year Anniversary and Research Fund Raiser!
    Aug 28 2025

    In this video, I take a look at some of the recent comments and questions from TikTok and YouTube. Your feedback not only shapes the conversations we’re having here but also sparks deeper discussions about turfgrass science and management.

    I’m also excited to introduce a new fundraiser supporting turfgrass research. Turfgrass plays a vital role in sports, recreation, and landscapes, yet research in this area often goes underfunded. Your support will help advance studies that improve sustainability, water use efficiency, soil management, and turf quality—work that benefits golf courses, sports fields, parks, and home lawns alike.

    If you’ve ever learned something useful from this channel, please consider contributing. Every donation—large or small—helps strengthen the future of turfgrass research.

    📌 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 Bullshit Disorder:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y_GeVPQ237pzm0ImTP4eVij6I9D0PHPn/view

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    1 hr and 47 mins
  • S3 E45 Tall Fescue Rooting and Deficit Irrigation
    Aug 26 2025

    In this video, I explore the findings of the research article “Tall Fescue Rooting as Affected by Deficit Irrigation” (HortScience, Volume 42, Issue 3). The study, conducted by Jinmin Fu, Jack Fry, and Bingru Huang and published June 1, 2007, investigates how reduced irrigation impacts the rooting behavior of 'Falcon II' tall fescue grasses using minirhizotron imaging.

    I’ll walk through:

    The study’s experimental setup using varying levels of evapotranspiration (20%, 60%, and 100%) Key findings such as the surprising increase in root length and surface area under severe water stress (20% ET) Practical implications for turfgrass management and water conservation strategies

    Whether you're working in turfgrass management, water-efficient landscaping, or just curious about plant responses to water stress, this video unpacks the science and its real-world applications.

    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 TravisShaddox@gmail.com

    Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf

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    58 mins
  • S3 E44 Frequent Irrigation Increases Turf Quality and Weeds.
    Aug 21 2025

    In this video, I examine the research by Cain et al. (2022) that explores how varying irrigation schedules affect the encroachment of annual bluegrass (Poa annua) into perennial ryegrass turf systems in western Oregon. The study reveals that watering once per week significantly reduces annual bluegrass encroachment compared to irrigating four times a week, and that replacing irrigation volumes based on reference evapotranspiration (ETref) had no meaningful impact on that outcome

    Throughout the video, I walk viewers through the experimental approach, highlight the implications for turfgrass managers aiming to suppress undesirable bluegrass without altering evapotranspiration-based irrigation schedules, and reflect on how this insight might inform more water-efficient lawn or turf maintenance strategies.

    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/its2.70

    📩 Have a comment or question of your own? Drop it below or email me.

    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 Bullshit Disorder:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y_GeVPQ237pzm0ImTP4eVij6I9D0PHPn/view

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • S3 E43 Irrigation Affects Fescue Color and Weeds
    Aug 7 2025

    In this video, I discuss the scientific article "Irrigation Rates and Frequency Affect Tall Fescue Color and Weed Encroachment." We’ll examine how adjusting irrigation amounts and timing influences turfgrass aesthetics and weed pressure. From water conservation to maintaining turf quality, this study provides valuable guidance for anyone managing tall fescue under variable moisture conditions.

    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/its2.184

    📩 Have a comment or question of your own? Drop it below or email me.

    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 Bullshit Disorder:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y_GeVPQ237pzm0ImTP4eVij6I9D0PHPn/view

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    1 hr and 30 mins