What is a cultural management practice for reducing plant parasitic nematode damage?

Maintaining vigorous turfgrass health is a vital cultural management practice for reducing plant parasitic nematode damage because healthy, resilient turfgrass is better equipped to withstand and recover from nematode infestations. Healthy turf has a robust root system, which can enhance its overall tolerance to stress and improve nutrient uptake. A vigorous lawn is typically more disease-resistant, and strong plants can outcompete nematodes for resources, making it more challenging for them to cause harm.

In contrast, applying high levels of chemical fertilizers may lead to an imbalance in the soil ecosystem and can even promote nematode proliferation due to increased plant growth that nematodes can exploit. Frequent irrigation to saturate the soil can create overly wet conditions, which may favor nematode survival and make roots more susceptible to damage. Lastly, regularly planting new grass species doesn't inherently reduce nematode damage unless those species are specifically resistant or tolerant to the nematodes present in the environment. Thus, promoting turfgrass health serves as a proactive strategy to mitigate the risks posed by these pests.