On this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, Dr. Dan Sandor joins me to break down his study that addresses one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of turf establishment: how much water should you really apply when seeding a new lawn?

Sandor et al. (2021) evaluated daily irrigation at 50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% reference evapotranspiration (ETo) to determine how quickly tall fescue and bermudagrass cultivars reach full coverage. The big takeaway? Applying more than 100% didn’t help, and drought-resistant cultivars didn’t show any special advantage during establishment.

In this video, we discuss:

💧 Why 100% ETo is the sweet spot for seeded lawn irrigation.

🌱 Why drought resistance in mature turf doesn't translate to faster establishment.

📉 How less water can slow you down but not necessarily fail you.

🧠 What this means for homeowners and professionals trying to balance establishment with water conservation.

📄 Paper discussed: Sandor et al. (2021), Irrigation requirements for establishing seeded tall fescue and bermudagrass cultivars in the transition zone

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🧪 Science, skepticism, and sarcasm—it’s all here. 📩 Have a comment or question of your own? Drop it below or email me.

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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

In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, we dive into a study from Oregon State University that looked at how turfgrass species and mowing height affect water requirements in western Oregon. The results might surprise you—tall fescue and perennial ryegrass significantly outperformed fine fescues when it came to conserving water.

We’ll break down the data on evapotranspiration replacement, irrigation intervals, and how mowing height can influence your watering schedule. Should you mow higher? Should you convert to tall fescue? This video gives you practical, science-backed guidance on how to choose and manage turfgrasses for water conservation.

📄 Paper discussed: Blankenship et al. (2020), Water Requirements Influenced by Turfgrass Species and Mowing Height in Western Oregon

💧 Learn how this research can help you irrigate less without sacrificing turf quality. 🌱 Understand why fine fescues aren’t always the drought champions they’re marketed to be. 📏 Discover how mowing height makes a measurable difference in water demand.

🔔 Subscribe to Turfgrass Epistemology for more turf science and myth-busting insights.

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

In this episode, I dive into the comment section and my inbox to respond to the most interesting, insightful, and downright puzzling messages I’ve received from viewers. From soil test questions and fertilizer theories to passionate turf debates and a few questionable product claims—nothing is off limits.

Whether you're here to learn, laugh, or just see if your message made the cut, this video is a behind-the-scenes look at the community that makes Turfgrass Epistemology what it is.

Let’s talk turf, tackle misinformation, and maybe share a few facepalms along the way.

🧪 Science, skepticism, and sarcasm—it’s all here. 📩 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