How can improper cultural practices affect turfgrass diseases?

Improper cultural practices can significantly stress turfgrass, which in turn exacerbates existing diseases or increases susceptibility to new ones. When turf is not properly managed—such as through inadequate watering, improper mowing heights, or insufficient fertilization—it may weaken the plant's health overall. Stressed grass is more prone to diseases because its natural defenses are compromised. For example, under-fertilization may lead to nutrient deficiencies, making turf more vulnerable to pathogens, while poor irrigation can lead to drought stress, which hampers recovery from disease.

Enhancing disease resistance and promoting healthy root growth are aspects that are best achieved through correct and thoughtful cultural practices, not improper ones. Similarly, while proper management can reduce the reliance on fungicides, relying on incorrect practices typically increases issues, necessitating more reliance on chemical controls rather than making diseases easier to manage through healthy turf conditions.