Should you fertilize when managing dollar spot in turf?

Should you fertilize when managing dollar spot in turf?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only with micronutrients
• D. Only in spring

Answer: (B)

Managing dollar spot relies on reducing leaf wetness and limiting lush, nitrogen-rich growth. Dollar spot is favored by dense, high-nitrogen turf because the extra growth provides more susceptible tissue and longer leaf-wetness periods for the pathogen to colonize. Therefore, applying fertilizer specifically to control this disease is not recommended; you’ll often want to withhold or limit nitrogen during active outbreaks and rely on cultural practices and, if needed, fungicides to get the disease under control. When fertility is applied, use moderate rates, favor slow-release nitrogen and include adequate potassium to support overall turf stress tolerance, but don’t expect fertilization alone to suppress dollar spot. The other options imply fertilizing as a direct control or at a restricted time, which doesn’t address the disease dynamics as effectively as adjusting nitrogen use and cultural practices.

Managing dollar spot relies on reducing leaf wetness and limiting lush, nitrogen-rich growth. Dollar spot is favored by dense, high-nitrogen turf because the extra growth provides more susceptible tissue and longer leaf-wetness periods for the pathogen to colonize. Therefore, applying fertilizer specifically to control this disease is not recommended; you’ll often want to withhold or limit nitrogen during active outbreaks and rely on cultural practices and, if needed, fungicides to get the disease under control. When fertility is applied, use moderate rates, favor slow-release nitrogen and include adequate potassium to support overall turf stress tolerance, but don’t expect fertilization alone to suppress dollar spot. The other options imply fertilizing as a direct control or at a restricted time, which doesn’t address the disease dynamics as effectively as adjusting nitrogen use and cultural practices.