Cornell Clippings Podcast

What does it really mean when we talk about the “impact” of pesticides? In this episode, we explore the origin and purpose of the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ)—a tool designed to translate pesticide use into measurable environmental impact. Frank Rossi reflects on his early work with the EIQ, stemming from the apple industry and later extending into turfgrass, where it became a way to demonstrate the thoughtful, environmentally aware decisions turf managers make every day. He also revisits his original collaboration with Jennifer Grant, former New York State IPM director, and Bob Portmess, former extension associate, who helped shape the EIQ into a tool in pest management.   Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.  

Smarter care for the course. Smarter care for yourself. This episode looks at golf from two perspectives—the superintendent and the golfer. For superintendents, Carl Schimenti shares why site-specific care is the next frontier in course management. For golfers, he reminds us that the game isn’t just about scorecards—it’s also about appreciating the natural, urban green spaces that surround us. Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.    

Think your turf field is game-ready? The real test goes beneath the surface. In this episode, we explore what athletic programs should be testing annually to ensure the longevity of synthetic turf fields and protect athlete safety. From infill depth to traction and concussion risks, routine testing matters. Our guest is Dr. John Sorochan, Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He shares best practices for synthetic turf maintenance, how infill migration affects performance, and the role of rotational testing in reducing injury risks. Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.  

What do elite soccer coaches and players want from natural turfgrass? In this “Christmas in July” episode, we explore how turf performance affects player movement, even in the snow. Carl Schimenti breaks down a winter match at Cornell to reveal how coaches assess playability, from trueness of roll and vertical bounce to moisture and ball control. Learn how real-time turf conditions shape game strategy, and how researchers are measuring what matters to players on the field.   Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.  

Retired golf course superintendent Rick Slattery, formerly of Locust Hill, discusses his spring approach to promoting creeping bentgrass growth over Poa annua. He explains how holding off on spring irrigation helps weaken Poa, and how targeted inputs can manage high-Poa areas like shaded or poorly draining greens. Rick shares how cultural practices and selective spot treatments can reduce Poa pressure, especially as changing climate conditions make maintaining Poa more difficult. Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.  

What’s the best mower system for managing excess clippings on turf? Dr. Grady Miller of North Carolina State University joins us to share results from recent mower and tractor testing on sod farms. His research evaluated engine horsepower, blade design, and mulching density to identify which setups deliver the cleanest cut and most effective mulching. Tune in for practical insights valuable to turf managers, grounds crews, and anyone aiming to improve mowing performance. Listen to the full conversation with Dr. Miller on youtube.  Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.

This episode features Dr. Roch Gaussoin from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, along with Frank and Carl, discussing the evolution of topdressing and turf management practices. Topics include the timing of spring aeration to avoid bumpy greens, the potential overuse of sand for organic matter control, and the benefits of shifting toward less aggressive, growth-driven topdressing strategies. The group also explores the development of a standardized method for sampling golf greens, emphasizing appropriate sampling depth and the importance of preserving surface verdure.   Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.

As climate change increases drought, rainfall and unpredictability, managing water use wisely has never been more important. In this episode, we introduce practical tools and strategies to adapt irrigation and infrastructure for water resilience. From irrigation audits and water budgeting to drought planning and understanding evapotranspiration (ET), we dive into how producers and land managers can prepare for water variability.  Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.

How does the type of grass you grow impact how often you mow and what happens when you cut it too short? In this episode, we break down the science behind turf management, including how mowing height affects clipping production, why grass type influences mowing frequency, and how following the 1/3 Rule can lead to healthier lawns. Learn how maintaining a slower growth rate can reduce mowing needs and minimize clippings, all while keeping your turf in top condition.   Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.

What do we gain—and what do we risk—when we change how we mow? In this episode, we explore the ecosystem services of traditional lawns, bee lawns, and urban meadows, with a special focus on the growing “No Mow May” movement. Drawing on research from the University of Guelph and others, we dig into the ecological tradeoffs of reduced mowing. While skipping the cut may support pollinators and promote deeper root systems, it can also lead to weakened turf, tougher weed control, and even unexpected consequences—like increased snake habitats.   Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.

What makes a great playing field—and who gets to decide? In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked world of sports field management with Dr. Chase Straw, Assistant Professor of Soil and Crop Sciences at Texas A&M. We explore the unequal access to youth sports facilities, the health benefits of participation, and how data and mapping tools can drive more equitable investment. From the environmental tradeoffs of synthetic turf to the pivotal role field managers can play in facility planning, this conversation unpacks how interdisciplinary research and better decision-making can create greener, fairer play for everyone.   Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.

Bermuda grass is creeping north. Nebraska Extension Turfgrass Specialist Roch Gaussoin joins the podcast to share an update on Bermuda research becoming a viable solution across the Midwest. He explains how to maintain turf in shifting climates, compares seed costs, and discusses why Bermuda is often preferred over Zoysia for its superior recovery and growth potential.   Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.

While distance and lightning-fast greens might sound ideal, most golfers prioritize smooth surfaces, even lies, and good company. In this episode, we unpack new research from Myers College and the University of Copenhagen that explores how age, skill level, and geography shape what players value most—and what it means for course design and management.   Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.

It’s Masters week, and this episode breaks down the mystery behind Augusta National’s putting green speeds and agronomy, comparing official mowing heights with real-world performance. We explore the specialized mowers used for flawless transitions and dive into USGA data on how mowing direction influences ball rollout.   Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.

Did you know turf grass covers 20% of New Jersey? Discover why turf plays such a significant role in the Northeast’s landscape and environmental management strategies.   Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.    

Renovating local parks requires more than just an engineer developed plan, rather a turf scientist to development local sports fields. Learn how the Cornell Turfgrass team revitalized Ithaca’s Cass Park field by collaborating with athletic directors and coaches to manage field usage. Hear practical advice on balancing resources, planning renovations, and labor considerations that are often overlooked. Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.

Rebuilding damaged turf areas requires strategic inputs. Learn how to use starter fertilizers, nitrogen applications, and consistent watering to reestablish growth. This episode provides practical advice on recovering winter-damaged spots and understanding what areas can bounce back with the right care.   Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.  

March is the perfect time to prepare your lawn for the growing season. Discover how microclimates caused by pavement and buildings impact grass health and weed growth. This episode offers a guide to creating a spring maintenance checklist, tackling problem areas, and setting up your lawn for success.   Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.

Dr. Kevin Frank of Michigan State University shares expert insights on preventing and recovering from winter injury on golf courses. Discover how soil temperature monitoring, protective covers, and turf pigments can be used. Plus, explore the benefits and drawbacks of using black sand for heat retention and effective strategies for re-establishing damaged greens.   Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.

Growing degree days (GDDs) are critical for golf managers to predict plant growth and plan seasonal maintenance. This episode features a climate expert, Dr. Art DeGaetano, from Cornell’s Northeast Climate Center discussing how temperature fluctuations influence grass response, helping managers fine-tune turf care strategies for optimal results. Stay Informed with Cornell Turfgrass: For more insights, research-backed strategies, and the latest turf management updates, visit turf.cals.cornell.edu. Stay connected and join the conversation—follow Cornell Turfgrass on YouTube, Facebook, and X for expert advice, live discussions, and educational content throughout the growing season.