Strategies to Combat Turfgrass Illnesses
Maintaining a healthy, resilient turfgrass system is essential for any lawn in Iowa. Here's a comprehensive guide to effective strategies for preventing and managing diseases in your lawn.
**Watering Practices**
Adopting the right watering habits is crucial in disease prevention. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth, minimising leaf wetness and reducing susceptibility to diseases [3][4]. Irrigate early in the morning to prevent prolonged leaf wetness overnight, which can encourage fungal growth [4][5].
**Mowing Techniques**
Mowing techniques play a significant role in turf health. Raise your mowing height to allow for more photosynthesis, enabling the grass to better resist diseases like dollar spot [3]. Follow the one-third rule, never cutting more than one-third of the grass blade to avoid stressing the turf [3]. Maintain sharp mower blades to prevent tearing the grass, increasing disease susceptibility [3].
**Fertilization Programs**
A balanced fertilizer program is vital to prevent diseases. Avoid excess nitrogen, as it can promote overly lush growth susceptible to disease [2]. Monitor soil pH and maintain a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH to discourage fungal growth [1].
**Soil Management and Other Cultural Practices**
Regular core aeration is beneficial for controlling thatch and promoting lawn health [1]. Improve drainage and reduce compaction, which can help prevent root rot diseases [1][2]. Useresolve beneficial organisms, such as compost teas or biological control agents, to support soil health and suppress pathogens [1]. Monitor and manage stress to avoid excessive play or stress on the turf, as it can increase disease vulnerability [5].
**Integrated Pest Management (IPM)**
Early detection is key in disease management. Use tools like hand lenses and quick lab tests for early detection [5]. If necessary, apply fungicides in rotation to avoid resistance development [5].
**Additional Resources**
For more information about lawn and turfgrass care in Iowa, check out articles on diseases, lawn fertilization, watering tips, and mowing your lawn [6].
By implementing these integrated practices, you can create an environment less conducive to disease and maintain a healthy, resilient turfgrass system. Keep in mind that turf diseases are influenced by factors such as the type of grass planted, plant health, soil nutrient status, soil drainage, watering practices, and stressors like temperature, compaction, and drought [7].
References: [1] University of Iowa Extension. (n.d.). Lawn Care. Retrieved from https://www.extension.iastate.edu/lawncare/ [2] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. (2020, July 28). Lawn Care: Preventing and Managing Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/documents/a1-12.pdf [3] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. (2018, October 11). Lawn Care: Mowing. Retrieved from https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/documents/a1-11.pdf [4] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. (2018, October 11). Lawn Care: Watering. Retrieved from https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/documents/a1-10.pdf [5] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. (2018, October 11). Lawn Care: Fertilizing. Retrieved from https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/documents/a1-9.pdf [6] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. (n.d.). Lawn and Turfgrass Resources. Retrieved from https://www.extension.iastate.edu/lawncare/resources/ [7] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. (2018, October 11). Lawn Care: Common Lawn Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/documents/a1-8.pdf
- Incorporating the right watering habits, such as watering deeply less frequently and irrigating early in the morning, can help minimize leaf wetness and reduce the susceptibility of plants to diseases.
- Raising the mowing height of lawn grasses can better enable them to resist diseases like dollar spot, while following the one-third rule and maintaining sharp mower blades can decrease the risk of tearing and stressing the turf, increasing its disease susceptibility.
- A balanced fertilizer program that avoids excess nitrogen and maintains a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH can help discourage fungal growth, thus preventing diseases.
- Regular core aeration and improving drainage can help control thatch and reduce the vulnerability of lawns to root rot diseases, while managing stressors like temperature, compaction, and drought can protect the turf from excessive play or stress-induced diseases.
- Adopting integrated pest management (IPM) practices, including early detection tools like hand lenses and quick lab tests, and applying fungicides in rotation, can help control and manage diseases in home-and-garden landscapes, such as lawns, trees, and plants.