What soil condition exacerbates the severity of dollar spot compared to brown patch?

Low nitrogen levels in the soil can exacerbate the severity of dollar spot because this fungal disease thrives in conditions where nutrients are limited. Dollar spot typically affects turf that is under stress, particularly in terms of nutrient availability. When nitrogen levels are low, grasses suffer from inadequate growth and vigor, making them more susceptible to infections from pathogens like the one that causes dollar spot.

In contrast, brown patch, which is another common turf disease, is often more prevalent in conditions of excessive moisture, high temperatures, and even when nitrogen levels are moderately high. The pathogens that cause brown patch tend to thrive in nutrient-rich environments, making them less tied to low nitrogen levels.

Thus, low nitrogen is directly linked to the increased vulnerability of turf to dollar spot, emphasizing the importance of proper fertilization practices to maintain healthy turfgrass and minimize disease risk.