Cornell Turfgrass Turf Show Podcast
Episodes
Sports Fields – how many is enough?
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The turf guys are on their own today, ranting about sports fields. Where do these "annual hours of field use" limits come from? Can we use them to fin...
Long-term Lawns with Paige Boyle
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Paige Boyle, University of Minnesota, joins the show to discuss her recent work with the Long-Term Ecological Research Project in the twin cities ...
Deep roots and deep dives with Ming-Yi Chou
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Ming-Yi Chou, Rutgers, stops by the show to discuss root pathogens. The result is a detailed discussion of application timing (depends on the type...
Breaking the norm: alternative (and traditional) weed control with Matt Elmore
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Matt Elmore, Rutgers, joins to discuss a variety of weed control topics. We start with the considerations a professional should make when evaluati...
The Insect mashup show with Kyle Wickings
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's the insect mash-up show this week. We tackle No Mow May and Kyle's data on pollinator resources and below-ground insects. Annual bluegrass weevil...
Topdressing, Traffic, Organic Matter and Firmness with Doug Soldat
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Doug Soldat, University of Wisconsin-Madison, chats about some recent research on topdressing rates, frequencies, and measures of firmness. The re...
The Science of Surface Firmness and Traction
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Evan Mascitti, Senior Engineer At Biocore, joins the turf guys in an epic conversation on firmness. Evan explains the intricacies of field firmnes...
Hot fields and cool Springs
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Arthur DeGaetano, Director of the Northeast Regional Climate Center, joins the show to discuss growing degree day accumulation in the Spring, and ...
Yay or Nay on Early Season Play?
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This season kicks off with a macro discussion about the experience of people who use turfgrass, and how it's about more the quality of the grass. Thos...
Season 5, Episode 11: Turf disease management with Rich Buckley
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rich Buckley, Director of Rutgers University's Plant Diagnostic Lab and Nematode Detection Service, joins the turf guys to chat about the mentality of...
Season 5, Episode 10: Turf insect pests with Ben McGraw
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Penn State's Ben McGraw joins the show to answer some tough questions about noenicitinoids. We also discuss challenges with alternative grub controls,...
Season 5, Episode 9: The Heinz 57 Show
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this whirlwind episode, the turf guys manage to cover: TMDLs, BMPs, models being wrong (but useful), ecosystem services, disease risk, athletic fie...
Season 5, Episode 8: Soil testing – the answer to all your problems?
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The turf guys rant about soil testing and look at the oldest grass study in the world – the Rothamsted Park Grass experiment. They also discuss the ...
Season 5, Episode 7: Challenge golfers? Focus on nature experience?
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The turf guys question the need to "challenge" golfers and offer ways superintendents can try to shift golfer focus to think about their experience in...
Season 5, Episode 6: No Mow May and better alternatives with Sara Stricker
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Sara Stricker, Guelph University Turfgrass Institute, discusses ALL the nuances of 'No Mow May'. Is it really better for pollinators compared to a...
Season 5, Episode 5: Community sports fields with Chase Straw
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Chase Straw, Texas A&M, joins the turf guys to talk about an ambitious project that seeks to understand all aspects of community sports fields and...
Season 5, Episode 4: Tall fescue with Cale Bigelow
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Purdue University professor Cale Bigelow joins the show to share his observations on the evolution of tall fescues, interseeding fescue into existing ...
Season 5, Episode 3: Meadow management and salt injury
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The turf guys go off the deep end in today's episode, where they discuss meadow area establishment and salt injury of turf. Dan Schied, Director of Gr...
Season 5, Episode 2: Snow mold decline, fungicide resistance, pre-emergent strategies
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The turf guys chat about the decline of snow mold pressure in NY, recent research on fungicide resistance, and pre-emergent strategies to account for ...
Season 5, Episode 1: Winter weather recap with Art DeGaetano
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The turf guys chat with Art DeGaetano, professor in Cornell's Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and director of the federally-supported Nor...
Season 4, Episode 16 (golf): Water conservation strategies in the Northeast
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Turf guys chat about the current dry weather and climate trends that will drive precipitation patterns moving forward. Matteo Serena, USGA, joins ...
Season 4, Episode 15 (sports): Novel field measurement techniques and hybrid field systems
26 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
John Sorochan, University of Tennessee, talks FIFA field management considerations with the turf guys. Different climates and grasses across North Ame...
Season 4, Episode 14 (golf): PGRs and Remote Sensing
26 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bill Kreuser of Greenkeeper joins the show to talk about his research on plant growth regulators and use of remote sensing technologies to optimize re...
Season 4, Episode 13 (golf): Annual Bluegrass Weevil and Earthworms
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Ben McGraw, Penn State, joins the turf guys to discuss his ABW scouting and research this Spring, and also discusses the difficulties in reducing ...
Season 4, Episode 12 (lawn and landscape): No Mow May - Yay or Nay?
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Elmore, Rutgers University, joins the show to discuss crabgrass emergence and non-chemical controls of crabgrass. Frank Rossi also takes a hard l...
Season 4, Episode 11 (golf): Benchmarking and Mower set-up
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Turf guys explore the concept of benchmarking and how golf course superintendents can use key metrics to compare their operation to a standard. Th...
Season 4, Episode 10 (sports): Baseball Infield specifications
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Evan Mascitti, Penn State University, joins the turf guys to talk about his research on infield clay mixes. Evan outlines how different clay types res...
Season 4, Episode 9 (golf): Root pathogen control on putting greens
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rich Buckley, Director of the Rutgers Diagnostic Lab, chats with the turf guys about ideal control strategies for root pathogens including timing of p...
Season 4, Episode 8 (lawn and landscape): Planning for sustainable landscapes
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn Kister, Associate Vice President of Horticulture Operations for Longwood Gardens, joins the show to talk about the sustainability initiatives at...
Season 4, Episode 7 (golf): Achieving sustainable turfgrass management
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Michael Fidanza, Penn State Berks, joins the turf guys to discuss his new textbook "Achieving sustainable turfgrass management" which summarizes t...
Season 4, Episode 6 (sports): Weed control in athletic fields
07 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Aaron Patton, Purdue University, joins the show to discuss weed control in athletic fields. The turf guys discuss the priority of seeding before d...
Season 4, Episode 5 (golf): Reducing Poa annua on greens and seedhead science
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The turf guys unveil their newest resource for golf course BMPs. Shawn Askew joins the show to discuss his research on reducing poa populations on put...
Season 4, Episode 4 (lawn and landscape): Can introducing microclover in the lawn reduce fertilizer requirements?
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Cale Bigelow, Purdue University, joins to chat about his research introducing microclover into lawns and utility of tall fescue on compromised soi...
Season 4, Episode 3 (golf): Seedhead suppression – for playability or plant health?
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The turf guys walk through the history of research on Poa annua seedhead suppression to look at ideal control and effects on plant health. They also t...
Season 4, Episode 2 (sports): Spring considerations and New England Sports Turf BMPs
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The turf guys rant about the burden of maintenance that is commonly overlooked during the design and construction phase of sports fields. Ben Polimer,...
Season 4, Episode 1 (golf): Making sense of growing degree days
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Arthur DeGaetano, Northeast Regional Climate Center, answers pressing questions like "When is a growing degree day REALLY a growing degree day?" plus ...
Season 3, Episode 19 (sports): Natural v. synthetic, community engagement
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Chase Straw, Texas A&M, discusses his work on athlete's exertion (does it vary on natural vs. synthetic?) and stakeholder engagement at community leve...
Season 3, Episode 18 (golf): Annual bluegrass weevil (ABW) options
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Penn State entomologist Ben McGraw discusses annual bluegrass weevil (ABW) movement and control options and earthworm castings, plus news and updates ...
Season 3, Episode 17 (lawn): Climate change and weeds
15 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Matthew Elmore, Rutgers University, discusses the effects of climate change on weeds, non-chemical control of crabgrass, and spot treatment weed manag...
Season 3, Episode 16 (sports): Safety testing, infill depths and footwear effects on injuries
06 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
John Sorochan, University of Tennessee, talks sports field safety testing, infill depths and effects of footwear on non-contact injuries, plus news an...
Season 3, Episode 15 (golf): Early-season growth rates and products for turf recovery
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Bill Kreuser, president of the Greenkeeper App and Superintendent of Jim Ager Golf Course, discusses early-season growth rates and products (other...
Season 3, Episode 14 (lawn): Spring green-up by variety, lawn alternatives
29 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cale Bigelow, Purdue University, on spring green-up of different turfgrass varieties and the increasing momentum of lawn alternatives, plus news and u...
Season 3, Episode 13 (golf): Spring management of creeping bentgrass
28 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Retired golf course superintendent, Rick Slattery, discusses his approach to spring management of creeping bentgrass surfaces, plus news and updates w...
Season 3, Episode 12 (sports): Cultivation practices
22 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Roch Gaussoin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, on when cultivation practices are warranted and which approaches work best to solve specific problems, ...
Season 3, Episode 11 (golf): Fairy Ring management
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike Fidanza, Penn State University, on Fairy Ring types, history, and management, plus news and updates with the turf guys Frank Rossi and Carl Schem...
Season 3, Episode 10 (lawn): Better soil, better water
15 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Doug Soldat, University of Wisconsin-Madison, discusses practical steps to improve soil physical properties and water quality impairment, plus news an...
Season 3, Episode 9 (golf): Data-driven turf managment
14 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
USGA Northeast agronomist John Daniels on data-driven turf managment practices and tools in development to help quantify playing conditions, plus news...
Season 3, Episode 8 (sports): Early-season turf hacks
08 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Polimer, Field and Grounds Coordinator, Town of Weston, Mass., on early-season turf hacks including strategic traffic dispersal to maximize use of...
Season 3, Episode 7 (golf): Annual bluegrass weevil strategies
07 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Olga Kostromytska, University of Massachusetts Amherst, discusses spring strategies for annual bluegrass weevil control, plus news and updates with th...
Season 3, Episode 6 (lawn): Soil testing and nitrogen applications
01 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Karl Guillard, University of Connecticut, discusses his work on soil testing to guide Nitrogen fertilizer applications, plus news and updates with the...
Season 3, Episode 5 (golf): Spring expectations, Master's preview
31 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With the weather hand we've been dealt, what should your golfers expect in the Spring? A Master's preview and how the TV spectacle affects play at you...
Season 3, Episode 4 (sports): Early-season infield skin care
25 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We chat early-season infield skin care with Evan Mascitti, Penn State University, plus news and updates with the turf guys Frank Rossi and Carl Scheme...
Season 3, Episode 3 (golf): Winter injury recovery options
24 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Widespread winter injury in the Northeast has us asking the question: what next? Dr. Kevin Frank of Michigan State University joins us to discuss reco...
Season 3, Episode 2 (lawn and landscape): Early spring keys to successful season
18 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The turf guys Frank and Carl chat about making key observations early in the season that will set you up for success later in the year, plus turf news...
Season 3, Episode 1 (golf turf): Frank Rossi on winter damage
17 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frank Rossi, Cornell University, explains winter damage, how it happens, and what you can do about it, plus turf news and updates from Frank and Carl ...
Episode 21 (Sports turf): Chase Straw, Texas A and M, field firmness variability and athlete performance.
21 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Chase Straw, Texas A and M University, joins us to discuss field firmness variability and athlete performance, plus turf news and updates from Frank R...
Episode 20 (Golf): Roch Gaussoin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, spring aeration.
20 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Roch Gaussoin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins us to discuss spring aeration, plus turf news and updates from Frank Rossi and Carl Schimenti.
Episode 19 (Lawn and grounds): Grady Miller, NC State, rotary mower performance.
14 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Grady Miller, North Carolina State University, joins us to discuss rotary mower performance, plus turf news and updates from Frank Rossi and Carl Schi...
Episode 18 (Golf): Ben McGraw, Penn State, annual bluegrass weevils.
13 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben McGraw, Penn State University, discusses annual bluegrass weevil emergence patterns, resistance and control options, plus turf news and updates f...
Episode 17 (Sports turf): Andy Mcnitt, Penn State: Priorities for high schools, synthetic turf considerations.
07 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Andy Mcnitt from Penn State University joins us to talk about priorities for high school level field management and synthetic turf considerations, plu...
Episode 16 (Golf): Jim Brosnan, University of Tennessee: Is Poa annua really an annual? Implications for management.
06 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is Poa annua really an annual? Jim Brosnan from the University of Tennessee joins to discuss this question, and the implications for Poa management, p...
Episode 14 (Golf): Olga Kostromytska, ABW movement and management, and Joe Lucas, Rounds for Research initiative
29 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Olga Kostromytska, University of Massachusetts discusses ABW movement and management, Joe Lucas, Saratoga National Golf Club, highlights the Rounds fo...
Episode 13 (Golf): Leah Brilman, DLF Pickseed, spring bentgrass improvements.
23 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Leah Brilman, DLF Pickseed, discusses improvements in spring bentgrass growth and traffic tolerance achieved by breeders, plus turf news and updates f...
Episode 12 (Lawn): Matt Elmore, Rutgers University on optimal weed control strategies.
16 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Elmore, Rutgers University on optimal weed control strategies for crabgrass, goosegrass, false green kyllinga, and more, plus turf news and updat...
Episode 11 (Golf): Shawn Askew, Virginia Tech, Poa seedhead control benefits.
15 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shawn Askew of Virginia Tech explains Poa seedhead control and resulting plant health benefits and greens smoothness, plus turf news and updates from ...
Episode 10 (Sports turf): Evan Mascitti, Penn State University, consistent and safe baseball infields
09 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Evan Mascitti, PhD candidate at Penn State University, discusses the key components for a consistent and safe baseball infield, plus turf news and upd...
Episode 9 (Golf): Doug Soldat, University of Wisconsin Madison, How traffic, fertilizer affect growth.
09 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Doug Soldat, professor of soil science at University of Wisconsin Madison, discusses how traffic, fertilizer source, and environmental conditions affe...
Episode 8 (Lawn): Dan Schied, Cornell University, sustainable grounds management on campus.
02 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Schied, Cornell University, discusses sustainable grounds management on campus, plus turf news and updates from Frank Rossi and Carl Schimenti.
Episode 7 (Golf): Early-season root pathogens and tactics for control with John Inguagiato, University of Connecticut
01 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
John Inguagiato, University of Connecticut, joins to discuss early-season root pathogens and tactics for control, plus turf news and updates from Fran...
Episode 6 (Sports Turf): "Bluemuda" and infield skin management with Brian Winka, Missouri Sports Turf Consulting
26 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Winka, Agronomist for Missouri Sports Turf Consulting on infield skins and bluemuda, plus turf news and updates from Frank Rossi and Carl Schime...
Episode 5 (Golf): Early spring diseases with Rich Buckley, Director of the Plant Diagnostic lab at Rutgers University.
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bill Kreuser, Assistant Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist at University of Nebraska Lincoln on early-season growth, plus turf news and upda...
Episode 4 (Lawn): Early spring diseases with Rich Buckley, Director of the Plant Diagnostic lab at Rutgers University.
19 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Rich Buckley, director of the Plant Diagnostic Lab at Rutgers, stops by again to chat about early spring disease pressure and which diseases require a...
Episode 3 (Golf): Early spring diseases with Rich Buckley, Director of the Plant Diagnostic lab at Rutgers University.
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We chat with Rich Buckley, Director of the Plant Diagnostic lab at Rutgers, on early spring disease pressure and which diseases require a preventative...
Episode 2 (Sports turf): Measuring sports field safety, early-season management to protect athletes with Chris Sitko.
12 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We chat with Chris Sitko about measurement of sports field safety, and how early season field use should be carefully thought out to protect athletes,...
Episode 1 (Golf turf): Weather recap and spring news with Art Degaetano
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Art Degaetano, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Cornell University, recaps winter weather and offers prognostications for the future, plus turf news an...