What cultural practice can help mitigate the effects of Summer Patch?

Improving aeration and drainage is a crucial cultural practice for mitigating the effects of Summer Patch, a disease caused by the pathogen Magnaporthe poae. This fungus thrives in wet, poorly drained environments, particularly when grass is stressed during warm weather. By enhancing soil aeration and drainage, you can promote healthier turf that is less susceptible to disease.

When the soil is well-aerated, it allows for better oxygen exchange and root development, which strengthens the grass plants. Increased drainage helps reduce prolonged moisture on the turf surface, creating less favorable conditions for the pathogen to thrive. Proper aeration also alleviates soil compaction, which can inhibit root growth and lead to increased susceptibility to diseases like Summer Patch.

While other practices like adjusting fertilizer application, managing soil moisture, or altering mowing height can also impact grass health, they do not specifically address the underlying moisture and compaction issues that are key factors in the proliferation of Summer Patch. Focusing on aeration and drainage directly targets the environmental conditions that enable this disease to develop, making it a more effective cultural control strategy.