Grass Me Up

This episode explains what anaerobic digestate is, how it is made, and why it is increasingly used in fertilizers for lawns and sports turf. Dr. Russell Sharp discusses the benefits (fast-acting ammonium nitrogen, organic carbon, low cost) and the risks (strong odor, scorch, variable nutrient content, contamination, and poor performance on compacted soils), and gives practical recommendations on w...

Dr. Russell Sharp breaks down why moss thrives in lawns and sports turf, explains Eutrema’s updated Ultimate Iron fertiliser, and compares iron sulfate with premium chelated iron. He covers practical control methods, cultural fixes like scarification, better irrigation and aeration, and alternatives such as silica and wetting agents, plus why repeated iron sulphate use can harm soil biology. https...

Dr. Russell Sharp returns to the Grass Me Up podcast with updates from Eutrema’s new HQ, rapid business growth, and successful results using Liquid Gypsum on sports turf. He covers new product launches (a fungal amino acid and Phosphorus Liberator ), hands-on work at local pitches, and concerns about upcoming UK fertiliser registration rules that may impact small suppliers. Expect more science-led...

Dr. Russell Sharp explains what glyphosate (Roundup) is, how it works as a systemic non‑selective herbicide, and why it remains widely used in turf care and agriculture. The episode covers controversies and legal cases, the misuse of LD50 data, environmental persistence, effects on soil micronutrients and microbial communities, and emerging resistance in some weeds. Practical advice is given on sa...

Many pre-plant granular fertilisers share a 6-9-6 NPK because a few UK manufacturers produce bulk granules and white-label them for multiple brands, creating an illusion of choice. Granules are cheap to make, often contain chloride salts that can cause leaf scorch, and can stick to leaves if moisture is present. Liquid fertilisers, while requiring a sprayer, offer greater flexibility, plant-availa...

Dr. Russell Sharp examines fertiliser products that claim to contain dozens or even 90+ chemical elements, explaining why many of those claims are impossible, unsafe, or irrelevant. He walks through the periodic table, rules out noble gases, synthetic and highly radioactive elements, and highlights the nutrients plants actually need, urging listeners to ask suppliers for clear element lists. https...

Dr. Russell Sharp explores the emerging world of hydroponic sports turf and lawn care, discussing research trials, recirculatory systems, LED lighting, and practical applications from rapid sod production to full-scale stadium and golf green solutions. Learn about environmental benefits, water and nutrient recycling, commercial feasibility, and real-world examples — plus a preview of the new Grass...

Dr. Russell Sharp of Eutrema explains triacontanol — an increasingly popular, biostimulant extracted from natural waxes — and how it can improve lawn and sports turf growth and stress resilience. He covers what triacontanol is, why Eutrema’s high‑concentration, solvent‑free formulation is different, real‑world results, and how to try free samples with Eutrema orders. https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/bio...

Dr. Russell Sharp explains what fairy rings are, why they become visible after droughts, and how their hydrophobic exudates and waxy residues can cause grass death and uneven growth on lawns and sports turf. He outlines practical management: maintain irrigation, reduce thatch, use wetting agents, consider spot applications of lime sulfur as an organic soil sterilant, and reseed damaged areas. Fung...

Dr. Russell Sharp takes a deep dive into flooding and waterlogging across gardens, farms and sports turf—explaining causes like clay pans and heavy rain, the physiological damage to roots and crops, common symptoms such as patchy chlorosis and shallow rooting, and secondary risks like nutrient loss and pathogen spread. The episode also covers practical treatments and prevention: why you shouldn’t...

Dr. Russell Sharp explains why pouring liquidised food waste or adding fresh, uncomposted plant material to soil or lawns can harm plant growth. Microbes breaking down this material consume available nitrogen, causing nitrogen deficiency and chlorosis in your plants, and fresh food waste can also attract pests like rodents and rabbits. The episode advises always composting organic matter or signif...

Dr Russell Sharp explains what thatch is, how it builds up, and why it harms turf. He covers causes like rapid growth, drought and the harmful effects of overusing iron and copper products. The episode reviews control methods — scarifying, raking, microbial and enzyme treatments — and the limitations of some commercial products. Russ outlines Eutrema’s Thatch Degrader, how it stimulates native mic...

Dr. Russell Sharp revisits previous claims about ICL (formerly Israel Chemicals Limited), clarifying that there is no evidence they manufacture white phosphorus but detailing findings that ICL supplies white phosphorus to the US Army and onward to Israel, who use White Phosphorus against civilian populations. The episode also examines ICL’s sponsorship ties to an IDF battalion that has been filmed...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Grass Me Up, a podcast dedicated to turf science and agronomy. Hosted by Dr. Russell Sharp, this series promises a deep dive into the world beneath our feet. Whether you're a professional groundskeeper, a lawn enthusiast, or simply fascinated by plant science, this podcast will enlighten you on everything from soil microbes to mower techniques. Discover how to h...