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
2 days ago
2 days ago
1hr 21 min
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. Letey (1966), exploring what this classic turfgrass research actually found about wetting agents, irrigation, salinity, and turf growth.
#Turfgrass #WettingAgents #SoilScience #LawnCare #TurfScience
📌 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
Aug 11, 2026
Aug 11, 2026
52 min
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 in soils that were not strongly water repellent.
#WettingAgents #Turfgrass #SoilScience #WaterRepellency #GolfCourseManagement #TurfScience #Agronomy
📌 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
Aug 6, 2026
Aug 6, 2026
2hr 10 min
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 turf management decisions.
#Turfgrass #LawnCare #GolfCourseManagement #SoilScience #Nitrogen #Agronomy #TurfScience #GolfSuperintendent #LawnTips #QandA #Grass #Science
📌 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
Aug 4, 2026
Aug 4, 2026
2hr 19 min
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 decisions.
#Turfgrass #LawnCare #GolfCourseManagement #Nitrogen #Urea #Fertilizer #Agronomy #TurfScience #SoilScience #GolfSuperintendent #LawnTips #QandA
📌 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
Jul 30, 2026
Jul 30, 2026
1hr 44 min
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 fertilizers, volatilization, and best management practices for healthy turf.
#Urea #LawnCare #Turfgrass #Nitrogen #Fertilizer #GolfCourseManagement #TurfScience #FactCheck #Agronomy #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
Jul 28, 2026
S4 E40 Wetter Water?
Jul 28, 2026
Jul 28, 2026
1hr 4 min
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 management today.
Paper: Soil Wetting AgentsAuthor: Robert A. MooreYear: 1959
#Turfgrass #WettingAgents #SoilScience #GolfCourseManagement #Agronomy #TurfManagement #GolfCourse #WaterManagement #TurfgrassScience
📌 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
Jul 22, 2026
Jul 22, 2026
1hr 9 min
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. Discover why this pioneering research continues to influence modern golf course management and turfgrass science.
Paper: Turfgrass Improvement with a New WaterAuthor: Robert A. MooreYear: 1957
#Turfgrass #GolfCourseManagement #WettingAgents #SoilScience #GolfSuperintendent #USGA #Agronomy #TurfManagement #GolfCourse #TurfgrassScience
📌 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
Jul 16, 2026
S4 E38 Did Your Brain Decide Before You Did?
Jul 16, 2026
Jul 16, 2026
58 min
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 Decisions in the Human Brain (2008)Authors: Chun Siong Soon, Marcel Brass, Hans-Jochen Heinze, and John-Dylan Haynes
#FreeWill #Neuroscience #BrainScience #DecisionMaking #Psychology #CognitiveScience #science
📌 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
Jul 14, 2026
S4 E37 Your Brain Decided Before You Knew
Jul 14, 2026
Jul 14, 2026
53 min
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 Voluntary Act." We'll explain the readiness potential, what the study actually found, common misconceptions, and what it does—and does not—tell us about free will, consciousness, and human decision-making.
#Libet #FreeWill #Neuroscience #Psychology #Consciousness #ReadinessPotential #Science #CriticalThinking #BrainScience #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
Jul 9, 2026
Jul 9, 2026
1hr 15 min
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 industry expert said them? Learn how the logical fallacy of Appeal to Authority can lead us to substitute credentials for evidence—and why scientific claims should be evaluated by data, not status.
Paper Discussed:Milgram, S. (1963). Behavioral Study of Obedience. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67, 371–378.
#AppealToAuthority #StanleyMilgram #CriticalThinking #LogicalFallacies #TurfgrassEpistemology #Science #EvidenceBasedManagement #GolfCourseManagement #Agronomy #Skepticism
📌 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.








