What is a recommended cultural practice to avoid severe thinning caused by turf diseases?

Maintaining adequate soil nutrients is a foundational cultural practice to prevent severe thinning caused by turf diseases. Healthy turf relies on balanced nutrition to strengthen its resilience against stressors such as pests and diseases. Proper soil nutrient levels, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients, support vigorous growth and help develop thick, lush grass that can outcompete pathogens.

When soil nutrients are adequate, grass plants are better equipped to recover from environmental stresses and can maintain their density. This density helps prevent bare patches that pathogens can exploit, ultimately leading to healthier turf less susceptible to thinning due to disease.

In contrast, practices like over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth that may stress the grass and make it more vulnerable to diseases. Mowing too low can also damage turf and expose it more to disease by reducing photosynthetic capacity and weakening plant health. Frequent watering, if not properly managed, can create overly moist conditions that promote disease development, rather than prevent it. Thus, providing adequate soil nutrients is a strategic approach that directly contributes to the overall health and resilience of cool-season turfgrass.