The EarthWorks Podcast

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: https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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: https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Want 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:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

The 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: https://www.earthworksturf.com 
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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: https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/