2 Minute Turf Talks

We are building a series of short video clips featuring the entire EarthWorks team that we hope are both informative and entertaining. These talks are short conversations that were inspired by questions we received from clients, and are quick answers to what we see as common questions.  We’re not professional actors, and have no professional equipment, as you will see! But, we are passionate about what we do, about helping you, and we hope these clips all show a deeper respect for you and your team and business.

 

YouTube Video UExkY0ZrZFR6YkxJSTJlN2FHUFEzSE90LW9IZHFJbTFDdy43OTNDNTk0OUNGMDA1MUNG Lisa Kiefer walked into EarthWorks for an interview and immediately made an impression, opening up so honestly that she left in tears, unsure how it had gone. After she left, the decision was simple. As Jerry put it, “You have to hire her.” 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/
EW Turf Talk - Lisa Kiefer's Emotional Start at EarthWorks
December 18, 2025 10:48 am
Lisa Kiefer walked into EarthWorks for an interview and immediately made an impression, opening up so honestly that she left in tears, unsure how it had gone. After she left, the decision was simple. As Jerry put it, “You have to hire her.” 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/

Lisa Kiefer walked into EarthWorks for an interview and immediately made an impression, opening up so honestly that she left in tears, unsure how it had gone. After she left, the decision was simple. As Jerry put it, “You have to hire her.”

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/

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YouTube Video UExkY0ZrZFR6YkxJSTJlN2FHUFEzSE90LW9IZHFJbTFDdy43OTNDNTk0OUNGMDA1MUNG

EW Turf Talk - Lisa Kiefer's Emotional Start at EarthWorks

EarthWorks December 18, 2025 10:48 am

The water soluble soil test, run by labs like Logan Labs, uses deionized water instead of a strong acid to wash over the soil. This gentle extraction shows which nutrients on the soil colloid are likely to mobilize and become available for plant uptake. At EarthWorks, we have used this tool for more than twenty years through monthly monitoring programs on the same turf sites. By presenting the last five reports side by side, we can quickly spot shifts in soil chemistry. Are bicarbonates creeping up as irrigation increases in summer? Is sodium tracking with potassium or breaking away and setting the stage for sodium-induced wilt stress? Most programs include one or two greens tested every month. By comparing those same sites over time, turf managers can catch subtle changes and early warning signs long before they become big problems. These monitoring programs have helped superintendents maintain steady, balanced soil nutrition and avoid mid-season surprises. It is a simple, powerful insurance policy and one worth considering for next season. 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/

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YouTube Video UExkY0ZrZFR6YkxJSTJlN2FHUFEzSE90LW9IZHFJbTFDdy41ODI2RjhGOTVBODI2NDE5

EW Turf Talk - Stay ahead of the curve when it comes to your soils

EarthWorks December 11, 2025 3:09 pm

The importance of calcium in turf systems is well known, but few discuss it with as much clarity as Lawrence Mayhew, the EarthWorks chemist. In this episode of Turf Talk, Lawrence explains the vital role calcium plays in both the physical and biological sides of soil health. Calcium helps build soil structure and supports microbial activity, but its influence goes even deeper. Every plant cell is made up largely of calcium pectate, and when calcium is unavailable, the plant becomes weaker and more vulnerable to stress, insects, and disease. Lawrence offers a detailed look at how calcium behaves in the root zone, how ammonium sulfate can release calcium from the soil colloid, and why the mobility of this element is so critical. This is an in depth discussion on one of the most important nutrients for anyone growing turfgrass or managing landscape plants. Whether you are maintaining greens, sports fields, or home lawns, this conversation will give you a better understanding of how to build stronger, healthier turf from the soil up. 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 importance of calcium in turf systems is well known, but few discuss it with as much clarity as Lawrence Mayhew, the EarthWorks chemist. In this episode of Turf Talk, Lawrence explains the vital role calcium plays in both the physical and biological sides of soil health.

Calcium helps build soil structure and supports microbial activity, but its influence goes even deeper. Every plant cell is made up largely of calcium pectate, and when calcium is unavailable, the plant becomes weaker and more vulnerable to stress, insects, and disease.

Lawrence offers a detailed look at how calcium behaves in the root zone, how ammonium sulfate can release calcium from the soil colloid, and why the mobility of this element is so critical.

This is an in depth discussion on one of the most important nutrients for anyone growing turfgrass or managing landscape plants. Whether you are maintaining greens, sports fields, or home lawns, this conversation will give you a better understanding of how to build stronger, healthier turf from the soil up.

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/

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YouTube Video UExkY0ZrZFR6YkxJSTJlN2FHUFEzSE90LW9IZHFJbTFDdy45MTRCQjE3QzVGNDREODIz

EW Turf Talk - Why Ammonium Sulfate Can Make Calcium Available

EarthWorks November 13, 2025 4:12 pm

The EarthWorks Foliars+ 555 Soil Program takes the proven success of the Foliars+ 555 Foliar Program and brings it below the surface, focusing on soil conditioning, biological regeneration, and sodium management. This trio of products, Kick, KVantage, and BioVantage, is applied at a 5-ounce rate once or twice a month to meet varying turf needs. Kick, the first EarthWorks liquid product and once known as the “Ultimate Soil Conditioner,” is rich in humic acids sourced by chemist Lawrence Mayhew, founder of the Humic Products Trade Association. These humic acids help loosen compacted soils and bind excess sodium and bicarbonates, improving structure and drainage. KVantage introduces EcoAdaptive technology, ensuring that nutrients remain available and efficiently absorbed. With multiple forms of organic potassium, it supports recovery from sodium-induced stress and strengthens turf under challenging soil conditions. BioVantage, a Rhizobacteria-inoculated product, delivers a vital biological boost to soils recovering from sodium buildup or other stress factors. When used consistently, the Foliars+ 555 Soil Program enhances soil health, restores biological balance, and promotes vigorous, resilient turf growth throughout the season. 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 Foliars+ 555 Soil Program takes the proven success of the Foliars+ 555 Foliar Program and brings it below the surface, focusing on soil conditioning, biological regeneration, and sodium management. This trio of products, Kick, KVantage, and BioVantage, is applied at a 5-ounce rate once or twice a month to meet varying turf needs.

Kick, the first EarthWorks liquid product and once known as the “Ultimate Soil Conditioner,” is rich in humic acids sourced by chemist Lawrence Mayhew, founder of the Humic Products Trade Association. These humic acids help loosen compacted soils and bind excess sodium and bicarbonates, improving structure and drainage.

KVantage introduces EcoAdaptive technology, ensuring that nutrients remain available and efficiently absorbed. With multiple forms of organic potassium, it supports recovery from sodium-induced stress and strengthens turf under challenging soil conditions.

BioVantage, a Rhizobacteria-inoculated product, delivers a vital biological boost to soils recovering from sodium buildup or other stress factors. When used consistently, the Foliars+ 555 Soil Program enhances soil health, restores biological balance, and promotes vigorous, resilient turf growth throughout the season.

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/

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YouTube Video UExkY0ZrZFR6YkxJSTJlN2FHUFEzSE90LW9IZHFJbTFDdy5FRkU3NjdFNDBDMjFBNTlF

EW Turf Talk - Health Soil = Healthy Turf - The Foliars+ 555 Soil Program

EarthWorks November 6, 2025 4:12 pm

Few liquid turf products match the complexity and performance of EarthWorks Foliars+. Each formula starts with a rich carbon base that includes sugars, fermentation by-products, fish and kelp meal, and the signature EarthWorks humic acids. Blended from more than 30 raw materials, these products deliver the full spectrum of minerals and nutrients that turf needs to thrive. The story of Foliars+ began in the late 1980s when EarthWorks set out to build carbon and mineral-dense liquids that would nourish both the plant and the soil. At the time, most liquid fertilizers in the turf industry were simple salt-based NPK formulations that were effective but harsh on soil biology. True foliar feeding has often been more marketing than science, since most of what is sprayed on the leaf ends up in the soil. When that spray consists of synthetic nutrients alone, soil microbes are forced to burn through valuable carbon to make those nutrients available, which can ultimately deplete soil health. EarthWorks took a different approach. The Foliars+ line was designed to feed both the plant and the living soil beneath it. This balance between plant nutrition and microbial energy creates stronger turf, better color, and more resilient playing surfaces. The EarthWorks Foliars+ 555 Program brings together three powerful products: Protein Plus, Trilogy, and CalVantage, applied together at a rate of five ounces per 1,000 square feet each. Protein Plus delivers bioactive nitrogen for steady growth. Trilogy supplies carbon-based phosphorus and potassium for balance and energy. CalVantage provides highly available calcium for strength and stress tolerance. On a golf course or sports field, one case of each product fits perfectly into a standard greens program. The result is a simple, effective, and carbon-rich fertility system that elevates both turf performance and soil health. When you feed the soil, the plant always follows. 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/

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YouTube Video UExkY0ZrZFR6YkxJSTJlN2FHUFEzSE90LW9IZHFJbTFDdy4xRUU4M0JFMUQ4QTA2MjVB

EW Turf Talk - Feed The Plant, Feed the Soil, The Foliars+ 555 Foliars Program

EarthWorks October 30, 2025 2:32 pm

In this Turf Talk, we explore why fall fertility matters and how an energy storing, soil focused organic fertilizer sets your turf up for success through the winter. As temperatures cool, your turf is still working hard below the surface, storing energy in the roots and the rhizosphere. That stored energy fuels recovery and early spring green up, helping your turf stay green longer and bounce back faster after winter stress. We explain how the partnership between soil biology and the plant creates the energy reserves your turf needs. With EarthWorks, those extra weeks of photosynthesis make all the difference when playability and recovery matter most. 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/

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YouTube Video UExkY0ZrZFR6YkxJSTJlN2FHUFEzSE90LW9IZHFJbTFDdy44OEI3NUQ0QTlFM0FCOUU4

EW Turf Talk - Dealing With Winter Damage In The Spring?

EarthWorks October 23, 2025 1:53 pm

For nearly 40 years, EarthWorks has helped turf managers understand the value of Biological Soil Management — and today, carbon-based fertility is a key part of most programs. In this Turf Talk, a superintendent shares how learning to feed soil microbes and build balance made his program more efficient and improved recovery during turf stress. If you’re rethinking your approach to soil health, this story highlights how focusing on biology can simplify management and strengthen results season after season. 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/

For nearly 40 years, EarthWorks has helped turf managers understand the value of Biological Soil Management — and today, carbon-based fertility is a key part of most programs.

In this Turf Talk, a superintendent shares how learning to feed soil microbes and build balance made his program more efficient and improved recovery during turf stress.

If you’re rethinking your approach to soil health, this story highlights how focusing on biology can simplify management and strengthen results season after season.

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/

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YouTube Video UExkY0ZrZFR6YkxJSTJlN2FHUFEzSE90LW9IZHFJbTFDdy40M0Y4MEVDM0MxRTYxRERE

EW Turf Talk - Lessons In Biological Soil Management

EarthWorks October 16, 2025 2:57 pm

In this episode, we sit down with Dave Wilber, Director of Agronomy & Customer Success at TurfRad, to explore how technology is reshaping our understanding of soil health. Dave explains how TurfRad’s advanced moisture sensors detect more than just water—they uncover patterns that reflect the quality of soil management itself. He shares how well-mineralized, carbon-rich soils show consistent, stable readings and why that matters for turf managers striving to balance water, fertility, and biology. The discussion also touches on what it means to “feed both the soil and the plant,” and how carbon-based fertility programs can create measurable differences in performance. Insightful, practical, and full of real-world stories, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about turf health and sustainable management. 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/

In this episode, we sit down with Dave Wilber, Director of Agronomy & Customer Success at TurfRad, to explore how technology is reshaping our understanding of soil health. Dave explains how TurfRad’s advanced moisture sensors detect more than just water—they uncover patterns that reflect the quality of soil management itself. He shares how well-mineralized, carbon-rich soils show consistent, stable readings and why that matters for turf managers striving to balance water, fertility, and biology. The discussion also touches on what it means to “feed both the soil and the plant,” and how carbon-based fertility programs can create measurable differences in performance. Insightful, practical, and full of real-world stories, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about turf health and sustainable management.

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/

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YouTube Video UExkY0ZrZFR6YkxJSTJlN2FHUFEzSE90LW9IZHFJbTFDdy4yQjdDRUQyQ0M0MEZCQkEx

EW Turf Talk - Investment Agronomy

EarthWorks October 9, 2025 12:50 pm

Biological Soil Management is more than a buzzword—it’s the foundation of the EarthWorks approach. By feeding soil microbes with carbon-based fertility, turf managers create conditions that break down thatch, mobilize nutrients, and improve water management. This Turf Talk explores how this concept, once overlooked, is now reshaping turf management everywhere. 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/

Biological Soil Management is more than a buzzword—it’s the foundation of the EarthWorks approach. By feeding soil microbes with carbon-based fertility, turf managers create conditions that break down thatch, mobilize nutrients, and improve water management. This Turf Talk explores how this concept, once overlooked, is now reshaping turf management everywhere.

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/

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YouTube Video UExkY0ZrZFR6YkxJSTJlN2FHUFEzSE90LW9IZHFJbTFDdy4xM0YyQUYxQTg5OTgyQ0Y5

EW Turf Talk - Biological Soil Management

EarthWorks September 25, 2025 3:22 pm

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