The Grass Is Greener On The Other Side, When It's Turf - RDA 416

This episode of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast brings turf science to the forefront with Dr. Charles Fontanier from Oklahoma State University.
As the summer season sets in and Oklahoma’s golf courses and athletic fields buzz with activity, the discussion centers around the strategic development and management of Bermuda grass varieties bred to thrive in Oklahoma’s unpredictable climate.
Dr. Fontanier shares how OSU’s turfgrass research addresses winterkill, drought resilience, and the demand for tough, low-maintenance grasses that can still look good and perform under pressure.

From NFL stadiums to backyard lawns, OSU's impact is growing.
You will hear about standout varieties like Tahoma 31 and Latitude 36 and learn how science and collaboration have positioned OSU at the forefront of turf innovation.
Whether you're a turf manager, landscaper, or just passionate about keeping your lawn green through the extremes, this episode delivers insight with practical relevance.

Key Takeaways:

OSU's turfgrass program focuses on Bermuda grass improvement for diverse uses.Oklahoma’s climate presents unique challenges for year-round turf maintenance.Latitude 36, NorthBridge, and Tahoma 31 have reshaped the industry.Tahoma 31 offers improved cold and drought tolerance.OSU emphasizes broad adaptability for national impact.Turf management varies significantly between homeowners and sports professionals.Sod distribution networks are essential for local turf availability.NFL and major stadiums use hybrid Bermuda for its resilience.Turfgrass breeding today focuses on low-input, sustainable systems.The economic and ecological stakes of turfgrass are deeply tied to local communities.

Timestamps:

00:02 – Introductions and episode preview
02:30 – OSU’s turfgrass breeding and management research
03:47 – Transition zone challenges and winterkill in Bermuda
06:06 – Turf management tips for homeowners and superintendents
08:13 – The rise of hybrid Bermuda for putting greens
10:36 – Development and applications of Latitude 36, NorthBridge, and Tahoma 31
13:05 – Trialing new varieties and OSU’s nationwide testing approach
17:35 – Seed vs. sod and local turfgrass availability
22:04 – Turf in sports stadiums and artificial vs. natural debate
27:04 – Maintenance economics and year-round field management
34:00 – Water-saving turf strategies and future of turf research

RedDirtAgronomy.com

The Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast is your source for in-depth discussions on agronomy explicitly tailored for the unique challenges and opportunities in Oklahoma and the Southern Plains.
Hosted by a team of university experts, this podcast dives into soil health, crop production, pest management, and innovative farming practices, all with a regional focus.
Whether you're a seasoned agronomist, a dedicated farmer, or simply passionate about agriculture in the Red Dirt region, this podcast offers practical advice, expert insights, and the latest research to help you thrive in your field.
Tune in and stay connected to the heart of agronomy in the Southern Great Plains.

• No. of episodes: 63
• Latest episode: 2025-07-14
• Education Science How To Natural Sciences

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