In this episode of Turfgrass Epistemology, I review a popular lawn-care website article and an accompanying YouTube video that teach homeowners how to interpret a soil test that is, in reality, scientifically invalid for making nutrient decisions. These resources look polished and authoritative, but the advice they provide is fundamentally flawed — and following it can lead to unnecessary product applications, wasted money, and incorrect assumptions about soil health.
I’ll walk through both the website and the video step-by-step and explain:
Why the soil test they promote is not valid for nutrient recommendations How certain companies use oversimplified or misleading soil interpretations to sell products The scientific standards for a real soil test and what makes it trustworthy How proper soil testing differs from marketing-driven “DIY” interpretations What homeowners should actually look for when deciding if their lawn needs fertilizer, lime, or amendments How to evaluate online lawn-care information and avoid advice that is not evidence-based
The goal of this video isn’t to criticize people — it’s to highlight why bad testing leads to bad decisions, and how to empower homeowners with the ability to recognize valid, science-based soil information.
If you’ve ever wondered whether the soil advice you see online is trustworthy, or how to distinguish real science from clever marketing, this episode will give you a clear, reliable framework for making informed choices.
🔬 Keywords: Dollar Spot, Bentgrass, Dew Removal, Nitrogen, Turfgrass Disease, Integrated Management Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on more science-driven insights!
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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
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