2 Minute Turf Talk - Humic Acids EarthWorks 2021-07-08 | Humic acids are one of the more misunderstood biostimulants in the turf industry. They help by holding moisture, nutrients and microbial populations in the soil where we want them most. Humic acids can also open up tight soils and help to decrease toxins and surface buildups like bicarbonates and sodium. Today, most shops have at least a few products containing humic acids because they have proven themselves to be of great value!
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Vinny Spano EarthWorks 2024-10-10 | Are you wondering how to set yourself up for success? Well, the secret is out: it’s all about outlook and attitude! We run through a lot of topics in this podcast, but I love when Vinny shares the thoughtful ways he takes care of his crew. His passion and love for humanity really comes through in this talk. Our conversation took place on the golf course, and that set the stage for a nice leisurely vibe. Enjoy the great agronomic tips included in this podcast that will benefit every listener. You’ll have a great time dipping into this conversation between two passionate turf guys!Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts: earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks: earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - FALL FERTILIZER- For the biggest year-long impact! EarthWorks 2024-10-10 | There is one season when your impact on turf will be greater than at any other time: autumn! Like we always say, your fall EarthWorks application is a surefire way to set yourself up for success in the long term. Have the greenest turf late into the fall and early in the spring, all of which translates to a dense turf stand all year long. That’s how you turn people’s heads and get them asking for your secret!Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts: earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks: earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Mike Hicks EarthWorks 2024-10-03 | Kevin takes the conversation in a different direction by interviewing his oldest son, Mike. He wanted to have this conversation to offer a glimpse into the life of a college athlete and why so few succeed at balancing school with athletics. Mike had a successful college career that led to opportunities off the field and forged a work ethic that will lead to successes in life. It’s not all fun and games though, and we wanted to highlight the challenges of balancing so many things. We also discussed life as a superintendent’s son and how that’s led to a love of the game as the baseball chapter drew to a close during the COVID era. We hope you enjoy this non-turf discussion with a part of the EarthWorks family. Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Automating Your Mix Station EarthWorks 2024-10-03 | A recent podcast highlighted a cool piece of technology to make the mix tank at the Aldarra Golf Club work much more efficiently. Utilizing readily available components from a local spray supply store, superintendent Sean Reehoorn was able to retrofit an autofill valve for his mix tank that greatly increases both accuracy and efficiency with his spray mixes. The cost was relatively low for the return on the investment. Enjoy this quick tip and continue to tune in for more valuable information from your peers. Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with An NFL Review EarthWorks 2024-09-26 | It is finally football season, and many of us are spending our Sundays in front of the television cheering for our favorite team. So huddle up with us to revisit a few of our past podcasts that featured some of our favorite NFL grounds managers: Travis Hogan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Ryan Bjorn of the New England Patriots, and Tony Leonard of the Philadelphia Eagles. Each talked about their experiences, challenges, and triumphs with managing their respective fields. As is typical of our podcasts, our guests also tossed in some great stories. Managing an NFL complex may be one of the most difficult jobs in all of turf management. The pressure is intense and the field has to be perfect every game day, even when it is preceded by a major concert or, more chaotic still, a monster jam event! This is a review of three separate podcasts that work well together and include lots of valuable tips.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Kevin Mercer EarthWorks 2024-09-19 | Kevin Mercer has been in the turf management industry for over two decades and has worked on golf courses, sport fields, schools and universities. He has been a good friend to EarthWorks for much of his professional career and a true steward of the environment. Kevin recently released a new book, Environmental Solutions for Grounds Management, which is available for purchase from Amazon and other book retailers. The book focuses on three areas of grounds management: stormwater management, biodiverse habitats, and carbon fertility and composting. Any grounds or turf manager would benefit from this publication. Kevin reviews the book section by section and shares with us his insights and motivation for writing the book. Kevin has always had an understanding of the important role that grounds managers play in the impact of the environment in their communities. We talked about the success that his horticultural practices have had on the recruiting of new students at the schools he has managed. His new book is a road map for any grounds manager who is interested in biological soil management and environmental stewardship. Take a listen and pick up a copy of the book, it will give you some practical ideas to improve any turf and grounds management operation.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Sprayer Filters EarthWorks 2024-09-19 | One of the worst experiences a turf manager can have is when the sprayers inline filter gets clogged by the material in the tank. This creates wasted hours and wasted product, but it can be avoided by simply changing the filter mesh size. The EarthWorks liquids are very complex products designed to feed both the plant and the soil microbial population. To accomplish that, these formulas can contain as many as 40 raw materials. They tend to be very viscous so may not flow through a tight inline screen. Many popular sprayers come standard with a 50 mesh screen which may be too tight to get the EarthWorks, and many other liquids, through effectively and can cause that screen to get clogged. Changing that 50 mesh screen to a 30 mesh screen will allow most products, and all of the EarthWorks liquids, to flow freely. This simple change will guarantee that the product will get to where it is intended and do the job of feeding the soil and the plant.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Acids & Bicarbonates EarthWorks 2024-09-12 | There are a few products on the market that use strong acids and/or hydrogen peroxide to oxidize bicarbonates off the soil surfaces in areas like golf course greens. These products work to break down the bicarbonate seal that is clearly a limiting factor when trying to grow quality turf. Our agronomy team wanted to better understand the chemistry of how this process works, and we also wanted to know if this practice was having any negative effects on soil biology and soil physics. We concluded that if we were managing a property where growth was limited by the buildup of bicarbonates, we would all try some of these acid products to deal with the acute issues. However, we would also come back with a probiotic program to restore the beneficial biology that would be damaged in the initial stage of the remedy. Only then would the problem be fully and truly resolved. Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Lawrence Mayhew Talking Biocarbonates & More EarthWorks 2024-09-12 | Lawrence Mayhew, the EarthWorks Chemist, is a perennial favorite on the podcast. In this episode, we talk about the value of using strong acids to remove soil bicarbonates from the soil surface of a golf green or sports field. Bicarbonates are one of the “first limiting factors” when it comes to growing quality turf. They will restrict the flow of air and water by creating a seal on the soil surface, affecting the proliferation of soil microorganisms. When microbes are restricted in a soil it can become hydrophobic, leading to localized dry spots. A domino effect will then ensue that impacts the plant’s ability to take up nutrients and water. This situation is particularly problematic in western soils, where bicarbonates dominate the irrigation waters. One solution for removing unwanted bicarbonates is the use of strong acids and hydrogen peroxide. Lawrence explains the chemistry of these products in the soil, and discusses some of the limiting factors that their continued use may have on soil biology. As soil biologists we are concerned that these programs can cause a weakness in the biological profile over time, so we discuss solutions to overcome the potential drawbacks. The conversation also turns to the subject of weeds and the story they can tell us about soil chemistry and biology. It is always informative and entertaining when Lawrence joins us, and this is no exception.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons and Marshall Evans with Andy Jorgensen EarthWorks 2024-09-06 | There may not be a busier person in the golf industry than Andy Jorgensen, the Director of Community Maintenance Operations at On Top Of The World Communities in Ocala, Florida. Andy manages over 200 employees, including the golf staff that runs three golf courses and their construction projects, and a landscape staff that takes care of 3600 homes in the community. He is a master of juggling elephants! Andy talked to us about his career and shared the story of his start in golf. Andy explained what it takes to manage such a large operation, and how he builds a culture among his staff that encourages them to stay in the organization. Of course there was some agronomy talk, most memorably how he managed the Candler sands that make up most of his property. Over the years, after working composts and carbon based fertilizers into the soil, he has moved from over 10 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per season to 2 lbs. He has now been on site for 20 years. Through all of this, he managed to raise two kids, serve as the President of the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association, and stay active in many other extracurricular activities. We were exhausted just listening to all that he juggles!Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Paul Skafas EarthWorks 2024-08-29 | Paul Skafas has been a fixture in the New England turf market for over 40 years. Today he is semi-retired from his position as Vice President of the Tom Irwin Company, a premier turf distribution partner in New England. Although his day-to-day duties have diminished, he remains involved with industry projects. Of particular note is the Tom Irwin Soils Academy, a highly sought after training program featuring the most up-to-date soil science information available. Over the years, Paul has been a mentor to many golf course superintendents as well as our own Joel Simmons. He shows a strong passion for soil science and has lectured extensively on water chemistry’s daily effects on sports turf soils. He has also been instrumental in building leadership programs for the golf and sports turf communities, helping countless turf professionals advance their careers. It was a thrill to hear Paul talk about his passions. We also took the opportunity to thank Paul for all he has contributed to the industry, and to wish him well as he moves into the next chapter of his life. Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Carbon Sequestration EarthWorks 2024-08-29 | Every so often we see an article in a publication that places blame on the turf industry for all our environmental woes. A recent article talked about “all the fertilizer runoff that occurs in grass management,” and then went on to discuss the need to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. The reality is that turf is a cover crop, and as the experts in the regenerative agriculture community know, the best way to sequester carbon is with a cover crop. This is good information to have when you, as grass growers, are faced with a client, a neighbor, or a community member that criticizes your effect on the community or our environment. Yes, we use fertilizers. However, when they are applied to a constant cover crop like turf, those minerals stay in our soils and do not run off to the local streams. The growth in demand for carbon-based fertilizers has helped to make this argument even stronger. Because they have the ability to hold carbon, nutrients, and water, carbon-based fertilizers help to keep our open spaces healthy for everyone in our communities to enjoy.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Jerad Minnick EarthWorks 2024-08-23 | Source:spreaker.com/episode/the-ew-podcast-jack-higgins-with-jerad-minnick--61118636Want to learn how to push your turf so it can handle more stress and usage? Then this podcast is for you! Jerad Minnick from the Maryland SoccerPlex highlights his team's methods to ensure the best playing conditions, no matter how challenging the weather or event schedule. Building resilient turf is demanding work, but Jerad insightfully speaks to the fact that we are all ultimately working in the service industry. Stay tuned through the end of this podcast to hear some big news from our friend!Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts: earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks: earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Put Plant Performance In Overdrive EarthWorks 2024-08-23 | Cool nights provide an opportunity for plants to play catch-up! As a grower, there’s no better way to put your finger on the pulse of your plants than through a liquid application. Sea3 has components designed to target both the phyllosphere—biological interactions on leaves and stems—and the rhizosphere. Plants’ immediate response to Sea3 is a visible green-up of existing foliage, followed by new growth of tillers, leaves, and roots. In turf, Sea3 strengthens against abiotic stresses like drought, scorch, and mechanical damage. Trees and ornamentals respond by storing energy and a cocktail of naturally derived nutrients in their roots, which will be used for leaf set and bloom production in the spring. All plant installations transition through the shock of planting with new root development when fed with Sea3 at planting.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Michael Clifton EarthWorks 2024-08-15 | Source:spreaker.com/episode/the-ew-podcast-jack-higgins-with-michael-clifton--61040149The EarthWorks Podcast welcomes Mike Clifton, the owner and operator of Chesapeake Grounds. Mike tells the story of how he vertically integrated his business by growing all of the nursery stock Chesapeake Grounds uses for their clients’ properties. With a keen understanding of plant life’s needs, he has developed very knowledgeable methods for managing and nurturing flora. EarthWorks is a large part of both his potting mix and liquid program. There is a lot to learn from Mike, and his passion really shines through in this interview.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts: earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks: earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Tired Turf? Revive It From The Soil First! EarthWorks 2024-08-15 | In the second half of the summer and autumn, we have a unique opportunity for two applications in one: fertilizing plants and feeding microbes in the plants’ root zone.The angle of the sun signals to plants that it's time to recover and reserve energy. Through the process of photosynthesis, light energy is turned into carbohydrates that feed the plant and empower the roots to grow deep into the soil. In the fall, the above-ground growth of turf plants slows down but the soil stays warm, so roots begin to grow laterally. Feeding the soil now builds stronger roots, setting up tired turf for resilient recovery and a better start for next spring. There is no better fit for summer recovery, and for getting a jump on spring growth, than EarthWorks.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Rolling In Sprigs EarthWorks 2024-08-08 | Josh Fleisher, Director of Agronomy at Addison Reserve Country Club in Delray Beach, was a recent guest on our EarthWorks Podcast. Josh has been a big fan of the EarthWorks Sea3 liquid fertilizer and uses it on newly sprigged greens. We asked him how he is able to spray anything on new plantings and he shared with us his secret: instead of cutting the sprigs into the new greens, he rolls them in during planting. By using this unique method, he has seen a quicker grow-in and a much stronger establishment. In this clip from the podcast he admits this approach was a little unconventional, and in fact was so nerve-racking that he first experimented with it on a green away from the view of most members. It worked wonderfully and now he swears by the process. Join us for the full podcast here: spreaker.com/episode/the-ew-podcast-joel-simmons-and-marshall-evans-with-josh-fleisher--60957044Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons and Marshall Evans with Josh Fleisher EarthWorks 2024-08-08 | Addison Reserve CC is a premier country club in the southeastern corner of Florida. Josh talked to us about the club and the renovations they did to move from Bermuda grass to Platinum Paspalum. Originally from Virginia, Josh’s first real turf experience was in Richmond, which is one of the toughest places to grow bent grass. He moved to Florida in pursuit of further training that he knew he needed for his career growth. That was where he implemented a unique strategy for establishing his greens: rolling the sprigs into the greens mix. This technique was new to Josh, but it turned out to be very successful. Things got interesting at his new job quickly, as his first season of reconstruction was met with an El Niño weather pattern that affected the growth in plants. But Josh handled it like a true professional, successfully communicating with members and keeping everyone happy while the project moved forward. A lot of good information in this conversation, and as always, a few laughs!Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Rick Krok EarthWorks 2024-08-01 | Rick Krok is the Director of Project Coordination & Estimation at LaBar Golf Irrigation. He is recognized as a leading expert in golf course irrigation installation, and he also happens to be one of the first people to ever spread an EarthWorks granular product on a golf course. Rick has been a good friend of EarthWorks for almost our entire 36 years of business. We look back and laugh at the times he had to spread our first generation of Replenish 5-4-5, back before it was prilled, and his days of being completely coated in chicken manure dust! But rest assured, we also made sure to put his expertise to good use. We discussed where the irrigation industry is today, new technologies, and the newest software which is making irrigation so much more efficient. We also discussed how superintendents are selling their clubs on the idea of upgrading their older systems. A very informative and funny conversation not to be missed!Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Avoid Burning Your Turf This Sumer EarthWorks 2024-08-01 | The summer of 2024 has not been an easy one for turf managers across the country. In many areas it has been dry and hot, and turf managers have been avoiding using granular fertilizers because of the fear of burning turf. Fertilizers can “burn” turf when it’s hot and dry because of the salt index of the soil. The concept of applying a salt index to fertilizer was first proposed in 1943: it is the numeric ratio that measures the salt concentration it induces in soil solution, compared the same weight of sodium nitrate (NaNO3). It was used because it is so soluble in water and was assigned a value of 100, which all other fertilizers are compared to. EarthWorks’ Replenish 5-4-5 Greens Grade is a low salt index, carbon-rich fertilizer that, when used on tees and greens, has been proven by many turf managers to be the product that provides the best recovery from tough summers, helping buffer high salts and re-mineralizing depleted soils.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Where Does Cork Come From? EarthWorks 2024-07-25 | On a recent visit to Portugal, we were able to visit a cork farm where they grow acres of the cork oak tree and showed us how cork is harvested. Portugal produces most of the cork for the world, and it is all harvested by hand. When traveling through different areas you will see wild cork trees all over, often standing free along the roadsides, and even these trees are harvested for their valuable cork. Once the outer bark of the cork tree is harvested, it takes nine years to grow back. The farmers mark the tree with the last digit of the year which will grow out with the new bark, so anyone who looks at it will know that in nine years from that date, it will be ready to harvest again. If you have ever wondered where your wine corks come from, we think you will find this as fascinating as we did.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons & Kevin Hicks with Lawrence Mayhew Biological Buffering EarthWorks 2024-07-25 | This podcast is a follow up to our earlier conversations (make this a link) with Bill McKibben. Bill is the author of The Art of Balancing Soils, and when it comes to this particular art, he is undeniably a true master. He talked about the importance of soil chemistry and how it can affect soil physics. This week we invited the EarthWorks Chemist, Lawrence Mayhew, to the conversation to discuss the third leg of the three-legged stool: the one that focuses on soil biology. Lawrence, also a master of his craft, helped us better understand how sodium works in the plant and ways we can buffer excess sodium using soil biology. He explained his thought process when he helped us formulate our newest liquid product, and rising star, KVantage. “Sodium can work like high blood pressure in the plant” according to Lawrence, and excesses will lead to sodium-induced wilt stress. Many sources of irrigation waters in the turf industry are very high in sodium, and the constant flush through the soil profile causes plant and soil issues. Lawrence talked us through ways we can offset these problems with biological buffering, backed up as always by a deep well of research. He is always an EarthWorks Podcast favorite, and this conversation will not disappoint.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Bill McKibben - Answers to YOUR Soil Testing Questions! EarthWorks 2024-07-18 | Kevin is joined by agronomist and author, Bill McKibben to take a deeper dive into soil testing. When Kevin reviews soil tests with clients, there are questions that pop up that make him say, “I need to ask Bill about that.” After compiling some questions he invited Bill back on the podcast to share the answers. The value of Saturated Paste Tests in sand based systems was only one of many topics discussed. Both Kevin and Bill agreed that We encourage you to reach out to Kevin if you have a question that wasn't answered so we can include it on the next podcast. We encourage you to reach out to Kevin if you have questions you can’t find the answers to so we can get it on the next podcast. Over the years Bill has been a tremendous resource to the EarthWorks team, and has written several books on agronomy, including his latest book, A Grower’s Guide for Balancing Soils. Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Tissue Testing vs. Saturated Paste Analysis EarthWorks 2024-07-18 | Kevin spoke with agronomist Bill McKibben to answer questions that many of us have about soil testing. The subject of tissue testing versus saturated paste testing in turfgrass came up. Bill noted that the results of each test tend to mirror each other, but that the paste test is much more reliable in different circumstances with less variability. Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
Joel Simmons and Jack Higgins - A Midsummer Update 2024 EarthWorks 2024-07-11 | Source:spreaker.com/episode/joel-simmons-and-jack-higgins-a-midsummer-update-2024--60666487Jack Higgins and Joel Simmons take some time out from a busy travel schedule to share their thoughts as we hit the midsummer point of 2024. They talked about some of the great golf tournaments we have had a chance to participate in this year, about some horrible weather conditions that we are seeing, and some ideas to fight your way through these conditions. As with any mid-season review, and especially this year’s, we talked about how we are seeing sodium and bicarbonates building up in clients' soil audits and the potential harm that will do to turf quality. One solution that is really taking shape is the use of KVantage in the spray tank. The available potassium is showing great promise in keeping potassium in the plant and buffering out sodium which helps to slow down sodium induced wilt stress. As always we had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs while creating this podcast, but we did cover a lot of valuable ground when it comes to getting through the rest of the season.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts: earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks: earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Jim Nagle EarthWorks 2024-07-03 | Jim Nagle, Golf Course Architect, spent over 25 years working with his mentor and friend Ron Forse, of Forse Design Inc, and has become quite the expert on Architect William Flynn golf course designs. I met Jim for the first time during the Women’s Open on the 12 green at Lancaster Country Club, a course that he has been working on for years. We talked about a lot of William Flynn designed golf courses, especially in the Philadelphia area, and the uniqueness of Flynn’s work. Jim has specialized in redesign work throughout his career and has a strong resume. This led to him going out on his own in March 2024, starting Nagle Design Works, and it was less than 24 hours before the phone starting ringing. Jim is a good friend to the golf course superintendent, and we talked about the importance of that relationship when it comes to a new design project. This was an easy, and exciting conversation about golf strategy and golf course design, and we are grateful for Jim’s time and support.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Beat The Drought, Beat The Heat! EarthWorks 2024-07-03 | Moisture management is the key to plant survival through the summer. Potassium (K) is the critical nutrient the plant uses to regulate uptake of moisture through the root system, and for turgor, the absorption of fluid into plant cells to maintain structure and functionality. This is accomplished through enzymes that regulate the stomata in the leaves that allow plants to exchange gases and uptake moisture. Maintaining adequate turgor pressure is the difference between plants thriving or the cascade of injury that results in plant failure by mid summer. Problems arise because most K sources are phytotoxic to biological systems. The timing of these applications around weather and usage is crucial, and even in an ideal application visual results are hard to distinguish. KVantage is an entirely unique approach to solving this problem through the Eco Adaptive formulation designed to not disrupt the homeostasis of biological systems like other K sources, and is therefore very safe to use consistently through the summer.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Nick Wolfe EarthWorks 2024-06-27 | We caught up with Nick Wolfe, superintendent at Gunby Ranch Golf Club in Debolt, Alberta, Canada. Nick has a unique role at a unique property. As part of the DeBolt & District Agricultural Society, he not only manages a 9-hole golf course, but also several ball fields, a curling center, and community center. With a team of just 4 (1 full time and 3 seasonal) people, they keep quite busy winter and summer. Nick discussed the challenges of growing turf in a short season, recovering from almost inevitable winter turf damage, and of course the finer points of keeping a proper curling “ice sheet.” Nick is an innovative “shoestring” superintendent that leans hard on biological soil management for solutions to his turf challenges on a tight budget. His has a creative way to create a closed loop system of recycling and composting to build healthy, resilient soils. Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.com Podcasts: earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts 2 Minute Turf Talks: earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Summer Sodium Issues? Save your turf with Potassium. EarthWorks 2024-06-27 | It is late June and on the East Coast we have been suffering through a heat wave that is unusual for this time of year. Along with the high heat there has been very little rain to push any of the heat and humidity out and flush the soil. This is not just an East Coast problem, it is happening across the country, and it is forcing turf managers to apply a lot of irrigation water. Too often irrigation water is rich in sodium and other salts, and this affects turf by pushing sodium into the leaf and causing sodium induced wilt stress. In reviewing soil tests from all corners of the country we are seeing high sodium levels, especially on the water soluble soil tests, and low potassium levels. This is not the best time of year to be applying a lot of granular potassium sulfate, because of the salt build up and potential tip burn, but EarthWorks has a solution that is working – KVantage. KVantage is a carbon based liquid potassium product with 3 forms of organic potassium formulated using EarthWorks EcoAdaptive technology. This technology evens out all elements in the formula so that no one element overpowers another resulting in improved uptake of the potassium. In addition the extensive carbon feeds microbes. This is an ideal solution for these hot dry months where sodium is a problem and sodium induced wilt stress is prevalent. Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.com Podcasts: earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts 2 Minute Turf Talks: earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Pat Jones - 2024 US Womens Open EarthWorks 2024-06-20 | What a privilege to record live from the 2024 US Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster Pennsylvania. Josh Saunders, our host, and the Director of Golf Course Operations at the club, allowed us to set up an outdoor studio and we took advantage of the opportunity. In this podcast we were joined by Pat Jones to talk turf and trends at the Open. Most people in the golf course industry know Pat Jones, possibly because he documents his travels with an extensive number of selfie photos that he takes with his friends in the industry. Pat has been a valuable contributor to our industry and a great friend to the superintendent. He has been a previous guest of ours on the EarthWorks Podcast, and it is always informative and a lot of fun talking to Pat.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Beat Bulldozer Blight - Spot Applications To The Rescue! EarthWorks 2024-06-20 | Coming to you from Lancaster Country Club during the evening’s golden hour after the practice round. The late fall 8-2-2 application was evident during my early spring visit at LCC about six weeks prior to the US Women’s Open. However there were areas where the turf stand was newly established, less than two full seasons matured, that needed a push. Josh identified some areas, particularly in bunker surrounds, that got another spring application of 8-2-2. Those areas filled in beautifully becoming a key aspect to the course presentation and provided the appropriately challenging conditions that made the 2024 USWO an enormous success.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - More Great Conversations from the 2024 US Women’s Open EarthWorks 2024-06-13 | George Manos, Amanda Kambic, and Tammy & Olivia from the LCC Horticulture TeamA great episode for anyone that wants to learn more about how to coordinate a large group. We speak with Amanda Kambic, the Maintenance Department Manager at LCC, about all of the details for vendor sponsorship and hosting an 80 person maintenance crew during the Open. We also host the Horticulture Crew at LCC, Tammy and Olivia, in this jam packed episode. They do a phenomenal job and their signature was seen particularly at the Clubhouse Golf Complex and the 6th tee, both of which contributed to the beauty and vibe of the USWO. Joel and Jack also sit down for a lengthy conversation with George Manos of Overlook Golf Course, a local Lancaster municipal course that supports the highly active golf community in Lancaster. All of the guests were very generous in sharing their knowledge and each talk has many nuggets of wisdom that you’ll love hearing!Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Wear Management EarthWorks 2024-06-13 | Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. This quick Turf Talk shows the use of black plastic netting to keep golfers out of certain areas of the golf course but still allows for the plant to grow. Knowing the areas that will have the biggest impact from a little respite is key.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - The Superintendent Team of Lancaster Country Club EarthWorks 2024-06-06 | Our friend and very first podcast guest, Josh Saunders, Director of Golf at Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is hosting this year’s US Women’s Open. It has been years in preparation, hundreds of hours of planning, including course renovations, team building and turf management. All that work has culminated in a course that is ready for a major tournament. Jack Higgins and Joel Simmons were there and were set up to record interviews with Josh and his team, and as many of the volunteers as possible. The results were enthusiastic, exciting conversations with turf managers who were up early, working late, tired, but very proud of the work they were doing. The team starts each day at 3:30 am, they work to get the course ready for play until about 6:00 am just in time for the first tee times. Then it’s time for breakfast and a team meeting. Afterwards the volunteers head back to the hotel for a little down time and some sleep. At 4:00 pm they arrive back at the course for dinner and another team meeting and receive their evening assignments that last until well past dark. We asked a bunch of Josh’s team members and a few volunteers and about their experience. We talked about their job assignments, the friends they made and the overall experience. Everyone shared their thoughts about how beautiful this golf course is and how ready it is to host a major golf tournament. If you ever wondered what it’s like to participate in the management of a major golf tournament this podcast will answer that question.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - How to Manage a Golf Course Flood EarthWorks 2024-06-06 | This Turf Talk was recorded live from Lancaster Country Club, the recent host of the US Women’s Open. The course is a beautiful William Flynn designed golf course, one of the iconic architects of the twentieth century. As was common then, many golf courses were designed close to waterways and Lancaster is no exception. A river flows through the club and unfortunately it often floods and a few greens, and several fairways are affected. When the river floods it deposits silt and debris over the turf which is only half the concern, the water damages the soil and can kill grass. The first job is always to clean the turf of silt and debris after the water subsides, but it’s then when the real work starts. It doesn’t take long for the grass to die under water and getting oxygen back into the soil is imperative. So next aerify the soil to allow oxygen to move back through the profile and then apply an application of Ecolite, a zeolite physical amendment. Ecolite is a crystalline mineral that can pull water away from the soil helping to dry it out. After that it’s time to help the plant, so we suggest a good drench (2 gallons per acre) of EarthWorks Sea3 to stimulate the stressed turf and feed the effected soil microbes. Golf course floods are never fun but can be managed if we react quickly and effectively.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins & Joel Simmons with Josh Saunders & Pete Wendt EarthWorks 2024-06-04 | Coming to you directly from the 2024 US Women’s Open at the Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster Pennsylvania! What a great opportunity, and pleasure, to speak with Josh Saunders, the hosting superintendent, and his former mentor, Pete Wendt, from Congressional Country Club to talk about what it takes to get ready for a major championship tournament. We sat down a couple of hours after Josh was able to see the start of tournament on Thursday morning, which marked the culmination of over two years of hard work. Jack Higgins and Joel Simmons had a chance to hear about what it takes to pull off something of this magnitude. Josh talked about the challenges of managing a team of 120 volunteers and staff to make sure that they were ready for the week. It was clear that Josh was excited to have Pete and other fellow superintendents stop by to support him as he hosts his first major championship. A great conversation among old friends, and a real insight to the behind the scenes of the US Women’s Open.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - US Women’s Open Lancaster Country Club EarthWorks 2024-05-31 | We spend a lot of time talking about playability, but the there is also a responsibility to blow people away with the beauty of the golf course. You only have one chance to make a first impression! In turf that is accomplished in two ways: vibrant green color and turf stand density. When both aspects are achieved patrons will only remember one thing, “the grass was perfect!"Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Mike Richardson, PhD EarthWorks 2024-05-23 | At EarthWorks, we strive to create healthy soils through an investment of carbon inputs to build a strong microbial population. By doing so, our inputs can be reduced, fertilizers are more efficient, and turf and plants are healthier. But the question is, how do we measure success? One tool we’ve been working with is called the Microbiometer, which is an in-field test kit that’s designed to measure soil life and microbial density within a soil. An inexpensive test kit, the Microbiometer can be used by turf managers to get a snapshot of how inputs are affecting their soils in real time. Measuring soil health is a tricky task, but this may be a good tool to establish some benchmarks and see whether your program is benefitting the soil health. Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Hows Your Microbiome? EarthWorks 2024-05-23 | At EarthWorks, we strive to create healthy soils through an investment of carbon inputs to build a strong microbial population. By doing so, our inputs can be reduced, fertilizers are more efficient, and turf and plants are healthier. But the question is, how do we measure success? One tool we’ve been working with is called the Microbiometer, which is an in-field test kit that’s designed to measure soil life and microbial density within a soil. An inexpensive test kit, the Microbiometer can be used by turf managers to get a snapshot of how inputs are affecting their soils in real time. Measuring soil health is a tricky task, but this may be a good tool to establish some benchmarks and see whether your program is benefitting the soil health. Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - You Have One Shot To Get It Right EarthWorks 2024-05-16 | When building a new golf course or spots field you have one shot at getting it right and that is when you have open soil and can amend that soil to the fullest. Since 1988, EarthWorks has been building amendment packages for new construction projects and have worked with thousands of golf course superintendents and sports turf managers. In fact, if you scroll through the archives of the EarthWorks Podcasts you will find dozens of interviews with turf managers who have had great success with the EarthWorks amendment program. In the 1990’s there was a trend toward building greens out of straight sand and superintendents came to us asking for help in building a better soil mix. We looked at this and asked ourselves the question - what does a soil have that a soilless medium doesn’t have? That was the beginning of the EarthWorks construction program. In this podcast Kevin Hicks leads the conversation and we talk about the successes of amending a sand based soil to build the best possible environment for strong turf growth and we tell a few stories from a few of our podcast guests. Lots of good stories, lots of good information and maybe even a laugh or two! Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Whats Your Tank pH? EarthWorks 2024-05-16 | Spraying fertilizers and pesticides is a staple of the turf management industry, and in many cases, there’s a lot of money invested in those applications. One of the most critical things to know is the pH of not only the water you’re starting with, but the final mix that you’ll be applying to the turf. Yet many of the turf managers don’t know what they're starting with and therefore could be potentially throwing money down the drain. By utilizing an inexpensive pH meter, you’ll save money, increase efficacy of your mixes, and know there won’t be any compatibility issues. We hope you enjoy these two minute turf talks and subscribe to our content if you haven’t already done so. Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Matt Sumpter EarthWorks 2024-05-09 | The industry is getting more technologically advanced and many superintendents are learning how to embrace these changes. Matt Sumpter, Golf Course Superintendent at Columbia Country Club outside of Washington DC, knows a little about embracing new technologies. Formerly the Blue Course Superintendent at Congressional Country Club, he led a team through the new construction project. Matt talks about new software programs and GPS technologies that helped them build the course and get it up and running during a busy grow in. Most importantly he talks about not being afraid of these changes but embracing them knowing that with a little effort he and his team could make almost anything work. He also talked about the process he used when interviewing for his current position and the marketing material he put together to show his new club his commitment to the position – and it worked! A fascinating and informative conversation worth the time for any turf manager. If efficiency is something you’re interested in give this podcast your undivided attention!Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Ensure Great Turf - Soil Test (with help from the kids) EarthWorks 2024-05-09 | As you know, success at any endeavor requires balance. This 2MTT exhibits two types of balance: the balances achieved through soil testing and the balance between work and family. Take Your Child to Work Day is a great opportunity to show your kids a little bit of your work. Well this activity accomplished both. We’ll learn from the soil analysis what input of nutrients are needed to create an ideal environment for this turf stand to stay dense and to withstand the traffic and use that will come all growing season. For the kids - they had fun helping dad doing his job.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Steve Dickinson EarthWorks 2024-05-02 | Steve Dickinson was an innovator in the turf distribution business throughout his entire career. He was the founder of a very successful distribution company, Supreme Turf, in St. Louis Missouri that focused on the agronomic success of their clients. Steve earned the title of "Soils Doctor" from many of his client friends and helped many superintendents understand the value of balancing soil chemistry. Steve had the opportunity to work with a local County Extension Agent who had studied under the University of Missouri‘s Dr. William Albrecht. Dr. Albrecht is considered the father of cation balancing in a soil. Steve talks about visiting golf course superintendents in the 1970’s and 80’s. Even then he talked about CEC and cation balancing, instead of just pH, and started building quite the following. Superintendents started to understand that fertilizers worked better on better soils and Steve helped them understand the importance of applying carbon to the soil. In the late 1970’s the only “organic” fertilizers readily available were bio-solids, but through the years he was able to see the growth of carbon based fertility. He became an early adopter of the philosophies of EarthWorks and continued to manage soils from a cation perspective. Even today, during retirement, Steve still gets calls to make “Doctor’s" visits to golf course superintendents.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Struggling with Spreader Calibration? EarthWorks 2024-05-02 | In this week’s 2-minute turf talk, Kevin shows us a tool that he used for years as a golf course superintendent that really helped with calibrating fertilizer spreaders. An add on to a rotary spreader, the Prizelawn Arc 1 calibration box, developed by former Penn State Turfgrass instructor George Hamilton has proven to make calibrating much easier. By collecting what’s spread, it cuts down on waste and ground pollution while saving valuable product. There’s a lot of resources in the industry to show you how to calibrate spreaders, but when it comes to actually doing it, this tool might prove very helpful and save money in the long run. Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Tom Higgins EarthWorks 2024-04-25 | Tom knew the right setting for this conversation, a one hundred year old speakeasy lounge in the basement of the clubhouse at Jumping Brook. The golf course celebrates its centennial next year and Tom discusses the major transformation the golf course has seen in the last two years in preparation for next year and beyond. Enjoy this deep dive into Jumping Brook, a classic Tillinghast test of golf and the efforts made to preserve its character and interesting land features.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Prepare Turf For Summer EarthWorks 2024-04-25 | During the flush of growth in the spring is when the plant is using so much of the reserved energy and nutrients stored in both the roots and the soil root zone. The fertilizer app made in the second half of the spring flush is easy to neglect due to the amount of growth that’s occurring, but it’s incredibly important to ensure success during the most difficult growing period, the summer. The aim is to enlist the power of plant supporting biological systems, and that can be accomplished with the high energy, carbon-based EarthWorks fertilizers.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Lawrence Mayhew - The EarthWorks Why EarthWorks 2024-04-18 | Thrilled to bring back our friend and chemist, Lawrence Mayhew. As always, we run through a gamut of topics including humic substances, biological activity in the soil, the humification process and the life of soil microbes. Lawrence is always informative and entertaining and has become one of our most anticipated guests. In this conversation we talked about a new procedure for testing soil nitrogen known as the ACE (Autoclaved Citrate Extractable) Nitrogen process. Lawrence shared some information about a recently published paper from researchers at Michigan State University. Although this paper was only published in the fall of 2023 and has no known commercial testing facilities using the method, Lawrence is very excited about its potential. We ended the conversation talking about how the state of California tests products for humic acids, a flawed method, that does not take into account that when humates are added to a formula that contains cations, like calcium, the humic acids combine with the cations and is no longer extractable as a free molecule. But the good news is, this is exactly what we want to see because it tells us they are doing their job. As always, the conversation with Lawrence is intense, interesting and fun.Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
2 Minute Turf Talk - Testing Humates with Lawrence Mayhew EarthWorks 2024-04-18 | Lawrence Mayhew, chemist, discuses the upside of how the state of California tests products for humic acids using a flawed method. Their process does not take into account that when humates are added to a formula that contains cations, like calcium, the humic acids combine with the cations and are no longer extractable as a free molecule. The good news is, this is exactly what we expect to see. It tells us the humates are doing their job. Let’s watch!Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Benton Hodges EarthWorks 2024-04-11 | On this week’s podcast, we catch up with Benton Hodges, owner of Mountain West Turf Technologies. Benton was formerly the assistant superintendent at 3 Creek Ranch GC, but recently broke out on his own after seeing the opportunity to represent the many technology advancements in the turf industry. We talked about everything from the current state of robotic mowing, GPS sprayers, and even Artificial Intelligence and how we can use it to make our jobs easier. We took a glimpse into the future of turf management and where Benton sees us in the year 2050. We appreciate Benton taking time to talk with us about the many things he’s involved with and it was a great conversation about the future. Visit EarthWorks at: earthworksturf.comPodcasts:earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts2 Minute Turf Talks:earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks
