Turfgrass Epistemology

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.
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
Episodes
Thursday Jan 29, 2026
S4 E4 Iron Sulfate and Dollar Spot
Thursday Jan 29, 2026
Thursday Jan 29, 2026
In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I discuss and critically interpret the peer-reviewed article “Impact of Ferrous Sulfate Concentration on Clarireedia Isolate Growth and Dollar Spot Development” by Shelton et al. (2021), published in Crop Science. This paper is frequently cited in conversations about using iron—specifically ferrous sulfate—as a non-fungicidal tool for dollar spot suppression on golf course turf.
The study combines multi-site field trials with controlled in-vitro experiments to examine how ferrous sulfate rate influences dollar spot severity on creeping bentgrass fairways and putting greens, as well as how different Clarireedia isolates respond to increasing iron concentrations in culture. I walk through both components of the research, explaining what the data show about rate response, diminishing returns, and why previously recommended rates may be higher than necessary for meaningful disease suppression.
A major focus of the discussion is the nonlinear nature of the response. The results demonstrate that approximately 25–26 kg ha⁻¹ of ferrous sulfate was sufficient to achieve about 50% dollar spot suppression, with much smaller gains at higher rates and increased risk of turf injury under stress conditions. I explain why this matters for real-world management and how these findings challenge the tendency to assume that “more is better” when it comes to iron applications.
I also discuss the in-vitro portion of the study, which shows that ferrous sulfate has a direct fungitoxic effect on Clarireedia, but that the concentration required to suppress mycelial growth varies by isolate and by host type. This section is important for understanding why field performance can be inconsistent and why pathogen biology, management history, and turf system context all influence outcomes.
Throughout the video, I place this paper within the broader dollar spot literature and explain what it does—and does not—justify in practice. Ferrous sulfate is not a replacement for fungicides, nor is it a magic bullet, but it can function as a partial suppression tool within an integrated disease management program when its limitations are understood.
This episode is especially relevant for golf course superintendents, turfgrass researchers, and advanced turf managers who are evaluating iron-based programs for dollar spot control and want to separate evidence-based conclusions from oversimplified recommendations.
Subscribe for more long-form turfgrass science discussions, peer-reviewed paper breakdowns, and clear explanations focused on how we know what we know in turfgrass management.
🔔 Subscribe for more evidence-based turfgrass content, scientific paper discussions, and long-form explanations that go beyond social media soundbites.
#Turfgrass #SoilScience #LawnCare #GolfCourseManagement #TurfgrassScience #SoilFertility #CriticalThinking #TurfTok #TurfgrassEpistemology #EvidenceBased #LawnCareTips
📌 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 Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379
Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI
iHeart Radio Podcasthttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/
Podbeanhttps://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/
Online consultingCalendly.com/TravisShaddox
TwitterTwitter.com/TravisShaddox
EmailTravisShaddox@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
Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
S4 E3 Does Nitrogen Suppress Dollar Spot?
Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I break down and discuss the peer-reviewed article “Dollar Spot Suppression on Creeping Bentgrass in Response to Repeated Foliar Nitrogen Applications” by Townsend et al. (2021), published in Plant Disease. This paper directly addresses one of the most common and controversial questions in turfgrass management: can nitrogen fertilization meaningfully suppress dollar spot without relying solely on fungicides?
The study evaluated repeated foliar nitrogen applications on creeping bentgrass putting greens across multiple years and locations, using a spoon-feeding approach that mirrors how many golf course superintendents manage fertility today. I walk through the experimental design, nitrogen rates, nitrogen sources, and how dollar spot severity responded over time. A major focus of the discussion is why only the highest nitrogen rate consistently reduced dollar spot severity, while lower, more typical spoon-feeding rates provided little to no disease suppression.
In this video, I explain what the results actually show—and just as importantly, what they do not show. While nitrogen clearly influenced dollar spot development, the rate required to achieve meaningful suppression raises practical, agronomic, and environmental concerns. I also discuss how nitrogen source had minimal and inconsistent effects, why foliar nitrogen concentration may be more informative than application rate alone, and how these findings fit into integrated pest management strategies rather than stand-alone fertility “solutions.”
This episode is especially relevant for golf course superintendents, turfgrass researchers, and advanced turf managers who hear that “more nitrogen reduces dollar spot” without adequate context. The data demonstrate that the relationship between nitrogen and disease is real but non-linear, highly rate-dependent, and constrained by tradeoffs involving growth, thatch accumulation, environmental risk, and secondary disease pressure.
As always, the goal of this discussion is evidence-based interpretation, not fertilizer folklore or oversimplified recommendations. If you are making fertility decisions to manage dollar spot on creeping bentgrass putting greens, this video will help you better understand how nitrogen fits into the bigger disease management picture.
Subscribe for more long-form turfgrass science discussions, peer-reviewed paper breakdowns, and clear explanations focused on how we know what we know in turfgrass management.
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 Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379
Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI
iHeart Radio Podcasthttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/
Podbeanhttps://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/
Online consultingCalendly.com/TravisShaddox
TwitterTwitter.com/TravisShaddox
EmailTravisShaddox@gmail.com
Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information:https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
S4 E2 Tinfoil Turfgrass: Back 2 BS Basics.
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I critically examine and respond to two popular soil fertility videos that promote base saturation theory and a simplified soil pH–nutrient availability diagram, and I explain why both should be treated with extreme skepticism—or ignored entirely—when making turfgrass management decisions.
Much of the base saturation messaging presented in these videos relies on the idea that soils must be managed toward specific “ideal” cation percentage ratios to achieve productivity. In this video, I explain why base saturation is not a causal driver of turfgrass performance, why the concept persists despite decades of contradictory evidence, and how it functions more as a marketing narrative than a scientifically defensible soil fertility framework in turf systems. I also discuss how focusing on cation ratios distracts from the variables that actually matter, such as nutrient sufficiency, cation exchange capacity, soil texture, and plant demand.
I also critique the soil pH diagram used in these videos, which is frequently circulated across agriculture and lawn care media. I explain why this diagram is oversimplified, misleading, and biologically inaccurate, and why it should not be used to diagnose nutrient deficiencies or guide fertilizer decisions. Rather than nutrients abruptly “locking up” outside narrow pH bands, I explain how nutrient availability is continuous, soil-specific, and governed by chemistry, mineralogy, and management history—not cartoon gradients.
Throughout the video, I walk through why these ideas are especially problematic in turfgrass systems, where soils are often sand-based, heavily modified, intensively managed, and fundamentally different from agronomic field soils. I explain how misuse of base saturation theory and pH diagrams leads to unnecessary amendments, wasted money, and false confidence—while offering no predictive power for turf response.
This episode is intended for golf course superintendents, turfgrass scientists, lawn care professionals, and homeowners who want evidence-based soil fertility interpretation rather than tradition, authority, or marketing-driven dogma. The goal is not to argue opinions, but to explain why certain ideas fail scientifically, why they continue to spread, and how to replace them with better reasoning.
If you’ve ever been told your soil is “out of balance,” that your calcium-to-magnesium ratio is wrong, or that nutrients are “locked up” based on a single pH chart, this video will help you understand why those claims persist—and why they don’t hold up under scrutiny.
Subscribe for long-form turfgrass science discussions, critical analysis of common soil fertility claims, and clear explanations focused on how we know what we know in turfgrass management.Subscribe for more long-form turfgrass science discussions, peer-reviewed paper breakdowns, and practical explanations focused on how we know what we know in turfgrass management.
🔔 Subscribe for more evidence-based turfgrass content, scientific paper discussions, and long-form explanations that go beyond social media soundbites.
#Turfgrass #SoilScience #LawnCare #GolfCourseManagement #TurfgrassScience #SoilFertility #CriticalThinking #TurfTok #TurfgrassEpistemology #EvidenceBased #LawnCareTips
📌 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 Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379
Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI
iHeart Radio Podcasthttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/
Podbeanhttps://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/
Online consultingCalendly.com/TravisShaddox
TwitterTwitter.com/TravisShaddox
EmailTravisShaddox@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
Thursday Jan 08, 2026
S4 E1 Does Potassium Influence Dollar Spot?
Thursday Jan 08, 2026
Thursday Jan 08, 2026
In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I walk through a recent peer-reviewed study that examines how potassium fertilization influences dollar spot severity on annual bluegrass (Poa annua) and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) putting greens.
The article, Potassium fertilization effects on dollar spot of annual bluegrass and creeping bentgrass, presents multi-year field data showing that increasing potassium rates consistently increased dollar spot severity under the conditions tested. This directly challenges the common assumption that potassium fertilization automatically improves stress tolerance or reduces disease pressure in turfgrass systems.
In the video, I explain the experimental design, including potassium and nitrogen rate treatments, mat layer and leaf tissue measurements, and how disease severity was quantified over time. I also discuss why potassium behaved differently than many turf managers expect, and how disease response depended on antecedent potassium levels in both the mat layer and plant tissue.
This discussion emphasizes the importance of context in fertility management. Potassium is an essential nutrient, but its relationship with turfgrass disease is not linear or universally beneficial. The results highlight why relying on generalized nutrient “rules” without soil and tissue data can lead to unintended consequences in disease management programs.
If you manage golf course putting greens, work in turfgrass research, or make fertility decisions based on soil tests and tissue analysis, this episode provides critical insight into how potassium, nitrogen, and dollar spot interact in real turf systems. The goal is not to discourage potassium use, but to encourage evidence-based decision-making grounded in measured nutrient status rather than assumptions.
Subscribe for more long-form turfgrass science discussions, peer-reviewed paper breakdowns, and practical explanations focused on how we know what we know in turfgrass management.
🔔 Subscribe for more evidence-based turfgrass content, scientific paper discussions, and long-form explanations that go beyond social media soundbites.
#Turfgrass #SoilScience #LawnCare #GolfCourseManagement #TurfgrassScience #SoilFertility #CriticalThinking #TurfTok #TurfgrassEpistemology #EvidenceBased #LawnCareTips
📌 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 Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379
Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI
iHeart Radio Podcasthttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/
Podbeanhttps://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/
Online consultingCalendly.com/TravisShaddox
TwitterTwitter.com/TravisShaddox
EmailTravisShaddox@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
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
S3 E67 December 2025 Comments and Emails!
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I review and respond to comments, emails, and TikTok messages I’ve received throughout 2025 related to turfgrass science, soil fertility, nutrient management, and common turf industry claims.
From thoughtful questions to recurring misconceptions, this video highlights what turf managers, lawn care professionals, golfers, and homeowners are asking—and where confusion often arises when science meets social media. I address trends I’ve seen across platforms, clarify misunderstandings, and explain why certain claims persist despite decades of research.
Topics discussed include:Common turfgrass myths repeated in social media commentsMisinterpretations of soil tests, nutrients, and fertilizersQuestions about phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, and soil biologyThe influence of marketing and anecdote vs. peer-reviewed scienceWhy short-form content (TikTok, reels, shorts) often oversimplifies turf scienceHow to develop critical thinking skills when evaluating turfgrass advice online
This episode is not about calling people out—it’s about slowing down, adding context, and explaining how we know what we know in turfgrass science. Whether you’re a golf course superintendent, lawn care operator, researcher, or homeowner trying to make better management decisions, this discussion is designed to help you separate evidence from noise.
If you’ve emailed me, commented on YouTube, or left a TikTok comment in 2025, there’s a good chance your question—or one just like it—is addressed here.
🔔 Subscribe for more evidence-based turfgrass content, scientific paper discussions, and long-form explanations that go beyond social media soundbites.
#Turfgrass #SoilScience #LawnCare #GolfCourseManagement #TurfgrassScience #SoilFertility #CriticalThinking #TurfTok #TurfgrassEpistemology #EvidenceBased #LawnCareTips
📌 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 Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379
Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI
iHeart Radio Podcasthttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/
Podbeanhttps://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/
Online consultingCalendly.com/TravisShaddox
TwitterTwitter.com/TravisShaddox
EmailTravisShaddox@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
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
S3 E66 Dr. John Inguagiato. Can Phosphite Reduce Algae?
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I sit down with Dr. John Inguagiato to discuss his peer-reviewed research on phosphite use for suppressing cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) on putting greens. Together, we break down the science behind phosphite chemistry, application rates, turf safety, and what the data actually say—beyond marketing claims.
Dr. Inguagiato’s 2017 Crop Science paper, “Effect of Phosphite Rate and Source on Cyanobacteria Colonization of Putting Green Turf,” is one of the most frequently cited studies on this topic. In this conversation, we explore how phosphite differs from phosphate, why cyanobacteria respond differently to these compounds, and how phosphite applications can reduce algal crusting without relying solely on traditional fungicides
This discussion covers:How phosphite suppresses cyanobacteria colonization on creeping bentgrass putting greensDifferences between phosphite vs. phosphate in turf systemsOptimal phosphite application rates that balance efficacy and phytotoxicity riskWhy product source and formulation matter less than active ingredient ratePractical implications for algae management programs on golf greensHow this research fits into modern integrated turfgrass management
If you manage putting greens, work in turfgrass research, or want an evidence-based explanation of phosphite products that cuts through anecdote and advertising, this episode provides critical context straight from the study’s lead author.
📄 Research discussed:Inguagiato, J.C., Kaminski, J.E., & Lulis, T.T. (2017). Effect of Phosphite Rate and Source on Cyanobacteria Colonization of Putting Green Turf. Crop Science 57: S-274–S-284.
🔔 Subscribe for more science-driven turfgrass discussions, paper reviews with authors, and critical analysis of common turf management claims.
#TurfgrassScience #GolfCourseManagement #Phosphite #Cyanobacteria #PuttingGreens #TurfgrassResearch #SoilScience #EvidenceBasedTurf #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 Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379
Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI
iHeart Radio Podcasthttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/
Podbeanhttps://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/
Online consultingCalendly.com/TravisShaddox
TwitterTwitter.com/TravisShaddox
EmailTravisShaddox@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
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
S3 E65 Tinfoil Turfgrass: Soil Testing Goes Extreme!
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
In this video I take a close, critical look at "Data-Drive Lawn Care" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjRXNcIi3Hk) and share my honest thoughts on what works — and what doesn’t. I break down the arguments, highlight where I think the logic falls short, and offer my own perspective on the topic.
🔎 What I cover:
Key claims made by the original creator
Moments where I agree — and moments where I respectfully disagreeGlaring omissions and what I believe should have been addressedMy own take: what’s convincing, what needs more nuance
💡 Why this matters:Discussions like this are important — not just to critique others, but to encourage deeper thinking and accountability. If you’ve seen the original video: I invite you to watch this, think along with me, and decide for yourself what holds up.
👇 Join the conversation:Do you agree or disagree with my take?Did I miss anything?What would you add?Let me know your thoughts in the comments — I read them all 🙂
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications if you want more content like this.
🎓 Turfgrass Epistemology — How do we know what we know?
📌 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 Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379
Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI
iHeart Radio Podcasthttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/
Podbeanhttps://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/
Online consultingCalendly.com/TravisShaddox
TwitterTwitter.com/TravisShaddox
EmailTravisShaddox@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
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
S3 E64 Grey Leaf Spot, Mowing Height, and Nitrogen
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
In this video, I review and break down one of the most referenced articles in cool-season turfgrass pathology: “Severity of Gray Leaf Spot in Perennial Ryegrass as Influenced by Mowing Height and Nitrogen Level” by Williams, Burrus, and Vincelli (2001).
This study investigated how two major management practices—mowing height and nitrogen rate—affect the intensity of gray leaf spot (Pyricularia grisea) epidemics in perennial ryegrass managed under golf-course conditions.
I walk through the methods, results, and implications of the research, and I discuss how the findings align—or don’t align—with common industry assumptions twenty years later.
🔬 Topics I cover in the review:
The study design and why the researchers chose fairway- and rough-height mowingHow N rates (0, 36.6, and 73.2 kg N ha⁻¹ per month) influenced GLS severityWhy mowing height had less effect on disease than expectedEnvironmental conditions that shaped the epidemicWhat turf managers can actually take away from this paperHow these results compare to modern GLS observations in perennial ryegrass
💡 Why this article matters today:Gray leaf spot remains one of the most destructive diseases of perennial ryegrass on golf courses. Understanding how cultural practices influence disease severity is still essential for developing integrated, evidence-based management programs. This paper is a cornerstone in that conversation—and it still sparks debate.
👇 Join the discussion:
Do you agree with how the authors interpreted their data?Have you observed different mowing-height effects in your region?Should N programs be modified during GLS-prone months?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Critical evaluation of research—new and old—is how we advance turfgrass science and avoid assumptions that fail in the field.
If you enjoy evidence-based turfgrass breakdowns, hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBE.
Become a member of Turfgrass Epistemology and support turfgrass research:www.youtube.com/@TurfgrassEpistemology/join
Voicemail:859-444-4234
Apple Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379
Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI
iHeart Radio Podcasthttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/
Podbeanhttps://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/
Online consultingCalendly.com/TravisShaddox
TwitterTwitter.com/TravisShaddox
EmailTravisShaddox@gmail.com
Turfgrass Programs and Extension Service Information:https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/LandGrantColleges.pdf
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
In this video, I provide an in-depth, evidence-based critique of the nitrogen-efficiency product RDX-N and the claims made in the promotional video circulating online. If you’ve ever wondered whether biostimulants, nitrogen enhancers, or “metabolic activators” actually work in real-world turfgrass or crop management, this breakdown is for you. I review the product’s marketing claims, examine the data presented in the official RDX-N brochure, and explain what the science really says about nitrogen uptake, nitrogen metabolism, and plant physiology.
But this video is more than a review of one product—it's a lesson in how to evaluate agronomic claims using critical thinking and epistemology.When you understand how knowledge is justified, you’re better equipped to:• Identify misleading or unproven claims• Recognize when data is incomplete, selective, or irrelevant• Avoid being persuaded by marketing language• Make informed decisions based on reliable evidence
In turfgrass, agriculture, and lawn care, new products appear constantly—each claiming to increase yields, improve nitrogen efficiency, reduce inputs, or boost plant health. Without strong critical thinking skills, it’s easy to be misled. Epistemology—the study of how we know what we know—helps protect you when you’re confronted with products, technologies, or scientific claims you’ve never heard of.
By the end of this video, you’ll understand:• What RDX-N claims to do• Whether those claims are supported by high-quality evidence• How to assess scientific credibility in turfgrass and crop management• How to apply critical thinking when evaluating any agronomic product
If you’re a turfgrass manager, agronomist, sports field manager, lawn care professional, or scientifically curious homeowner, this channel will help you make smarter, evidence-driven decisions.
Subscribe to Turfgrass Epistemology for more videos on turfgrass science, nitrogen management, soil fertility, agronomy, and the critical thinking skills needed to navigate misinformation in the industry.
🎓 Turfgrass Epistemology — How do we know what we know?
📌 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 Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379
Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI
iHeart Radio Podcasthttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/
Podbeanhttps://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/
Online consultingCalendly.com/TravisShaddox
TwitterTwitter.com/TravisShaddox
EmailTravisShaddox@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
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
S3 E62 Dr. Lee Miller - Turf Fungicide Resistance?
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I sit down with Dr. Lee Miller of Purdue University, one of the leading experts in turfgrass pathology, to break down everything you need to know about turfgrass disease resistance, fungicide rotations, and accurate turf disease identification. Whether you manage golf course greens, sports fields, or home lawns, this conversation gives you the practical, science-based guidance needed to protect your turf from common and emerging diseases.
We explore what disease resistance in turfgrass truly means, why resistance develops, and how environmental conditions and management practices influence disease pressure. Dr. Miller explains how to design effective fungicide rotation programs, how to avoid resistance through proper FRAC group management, and how to choose the right mode of action at the right time of year.
If you’re looking for evidence-based turfgrass management, best practices for fungicide use, or expert insights into turf disease diagnostics, this video delivers the tools you need.
Subscribe for more science-driven conversations on turfgrass health, management, and critical thinking.
🎓 Turfgrass Epistemology — How do we know what we know?
📌 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 Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turfgrass-epistemology/id1717271379
Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/1cTpdrChToeEFAOX9wkXFI
iHeart Radio Podcasthttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-turfgrass-epistemology-129043524/
Podbeanhttps://turfgrassepistemology.podbean.com/
Online consultingCalendly.com/TravisShaddox
TwitterTwitter.com/TravisShaddox
EmailTravisShaddox@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

Turfgrass Epistemology
Turfgrass epistemology explorers the question 'How do we know what we know about turfgrass science?'. My name is Travis Shaddox and I am a past assistant professor at the Universities of Florida and Kentucky and I have worked in the golf, lawn care, sport turf, and fertilizer sales industries. I am mostly retired now and use my time to conduct a few experiments related to soil testing in turfgrass systems.
The objective of this channel is to provide turfgrass managers and DIYers with evidence-based information to help make their turfgrass experience more fulfilling. Scientific publications can be challenging to understand and it is my goal to interpret these publications in a way that is easy to understand and immediately impactful.









