In addition to high nitrogen, what else exacerbates brown patch conditions?

Frequent heavy watering is a significant factor that exacerbates brown patch conditions in turfgrass. Brown patch, caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, thrives in warm, humid environments, and excessive moisture from frequent watering creates an ideal environment for the pathogen to spread. When lawns are watered heavily and too often, especially without sufficient time for the grass to dry out, it can lead to prolonged moisture on the grass blades and in the soil, which in turn promotes fungal growth and disease development. Ensuring proper watering practices, such as allowing the lawn to dry out between watering sessions, can help manage and prevent the onset of brown patch.

While high nitrogen levels can contribute to brown patch, frequent heavy watering directly increases humidity and moisture, making conditions more favorable for fungal infections. In contrast, soil compaction and high foot traffic can stress the grass but do not directly create the damp conditions that brown patch requires. The application of potassium, although important for overall plant health, does not exacerbate the disease in the same way that overwatering does.