The Turf guys chat about the current dry weather and climate trends that will drive precipitation patterns moving forward. Matteo Serena, USGA, joins the show to discuss irrigation conservation strategies like drought emergency plans, using new turfgrass varieties, and emerging technologies like sub-surface drip irrigation.

Bill Kreuser of Greenkeeper joins the show to talk about his research on plant growth regulators and use of remote sensing technologies to optimize resource use.

John Sorochan, University of Tennessee, talks FIFA field management considerations with the turf guys. Different climates and grasses across North America will require site-specific management to maintain consistent playing conditions across venues for the 2026 World Cup.

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 earthworm castings.

Matt Elmore, Rutgers University, joins the show to discuss crabgrass emergence and non-chemical controls of crabgrass. Frank Rossi also takes a hard look at the idea of No Mow May and outlines alternatives that can still service pollinators without sacrificing the quality of the lawn.

The Turf guys explore the concept of benchmarking and how golf course superintendents can use key metrics to compare their operation to a standard. They put a focus on standard measurements for mower set-up and how this can drastically affect cut quality and plant stress.

Evan Mascitti, Penn State University, joins the turf guys to talk about his research on infield clay mixes. Evan outlines how different clay types respond differently to moisture, and best practices for early season infield maintenance.

Rich Buckley, Director of the Rutgers Diagnostic Lab, chats with the turf guys about ideal control strategies for root pathogens including timing of product application and the “war of attrition” when it comes to roots.

Dr. Michael Fidanza, Penn State Berks, joins the turf guys to discuss his new textbook “Achieving sustainable turfgrass management” which summarizes the latest science of sustainability in turfgrass. The show also discusses one of his favorite topics, fairy ring.

Shawn Kister, Associate Vice President of Horticulture Operations for Longwood Gardens, joins the show to talk about the sustainability initiatives at Longwood including recycling water for the landscape, meadow areas and electrification.