Which practice reduces the risk of dollar spot disease?

Which practice reduces the risk of dollar spot disease?

• A. Balanced fertility and proper mowing
• B. Increasing irrigation frequency
• C. Applying extra fertilizer mid-season
• D. Reducing mowing height to extreme

Answer: (A)

Maintaining turf health through balanced fertility and proper mowing reduces stress on the grass, which in turn lowers its susceptibility to dollar spot. When nutrients are provided according to soil tests, the grass grows with strong tissue and better natural defenses, rather than being nutrient-deficient or imbalanced. Proper mowing height prevents stress and scalping, keeps canopies from remaining damp for too long, and helps maintain a denser stand that is less inviting to pathogens. Dollar spot tends to take hold more easily when turf is stressed, nutrient-poor, or frequently damaged, so keeping nutrition balanced and mowing at an appropriate height helps the plant resist infection and recover quickly if minor damage occurs. Increasing irrigation frequency increases leaf wetness, creating a more favorable environment for the disease. Sprinkling in extra fertilizer mid-season can disrupt nutrient balance and promote tender growth that remains vulnerable. Dropping mowing height to an extreme level stresses the turf and weakens its defenses.

Maintaining turf health through balanced fertility and proper mowing reduces stress on the grass, which in turn lowers its susceptibility to dollar spot. When nutrients are provided according to soil tests, the grass grows with strong tissue and better natural defenses, rather than being nutrient-deficient or imbalanced. Proper mowing height prevents stress and scalping, keeps canopies from remaining damp for too long, and helps maintain a denser stand that is less inviting to pathogens. Dollar spot tends to take hold more easily when turf is stressed, nutrient-poor, or frequently damaged, so keeping nutrition balanced and mowing at an appropriate height helps the plant resist infection and recover quickly if minor damage occurs. Increasing irrigation frequency increases leaf wetness, creating a more favorable environment for the disease. Sprinkling in extra fertilizer mid-season can disrupt nutrient balance and promote tender growth that remains vulnerable. Dropping mowing height to an extreme level stresses the turf and weakens its defenses.