Which combination of practices helps prevent dollar spot disease on turf?

Which combination of practices helps prevent dollar spot disease on turf?

• A. Balanced fertility and proper mowing
• B. Excessive fertilization and frequent irrigation
• C. Reducing mowing height only
• D. Ignoring pest thresholds

Answer: (A)

Dollar spot is driven by environmental conditions that keep turf leaves wet and by turf that is overly lush from excess nitrogen. The best way to prevent it is to keep the plant healthy without creating conditions that favor the pathogen. Balanced fertility means fertilizing according to soil tests and avoiding excessive nitrogen, which keeps growth steady and less prone to disease. Proper mowing means cutting at the recommended height and maintaining a dense, well-hydrated stand without stressing or scalping the leaves, which helps leaves dry more quickly and strengthens the turf’s ability to resist infection. Excessive fertilization and frequent irrigation create the exact conditions that dollar spot loves: lush, rapidly growing turf with leaves that stay wet longer. Reducing mowing height alone doesn’t address the nutrient balance or leaf moisture concerns and can stress the turf. Ignoring pest thresholds isn’t related to preventing this disease and can lead to poor decision-making overall.

Dollar spot is driven by environmental conditions that keep turf leaves wet and by turf that is overly lush from excess nitrogen. The best way to prevent it is to keep the plant healthy without creating conditions that favor the pathogen. Balanced fertility means fertilizing according to soil tests and avoiding excessive nitrogen, which keeps growth steady and less prone to disease. Proper mowing means cutting at the recommended height and maintaining a dense, well-hydrated stand without stressing or scalping the leaves, which helps leaves dry more quickly and strengthens the turf’s ability to resist infection.

Excessive fertilization and frequent irrigation create the exact conditions that dollar spot loves: lush, rapidly growing turf with leaves that stay wet longer. Reducing mowing height alone doesn’t address the nutrient balance or leaf moisture concerns and can stress the turf. Ignoring pest thresholds isn’t related to preventing this disease and can lead to poor decision-making overall.