Which practice most directly improves soil aeration and drainage in compacted turf soils?

• A. Aeration
• B. Mowing less frequently
• C. Increased fertilizer
• D. More irrigation

Answer: (A)

Relieving soil compaction by creating pore space is what directly improves aeration and drainage in compacted turf soils. Aeration does this by removing cores or using hollow or slit tines to break up the tight soil, opening up channels that air, water, and roots can move through. With more porosity, oxygen can reach the root zone, water infiltrates rather than pools, and root growth and microbial activity improve, leading to healthier turf.

The other practices don’t directly change the soil structure. Mowing less frequently doesn’t relieve compaction or increase pore space. Increasing fertilizer boosts shoot growth and can increase thatch, which may worsen drainage issues. More irrigation can saturate the soil and reduce available air, not improve it, unless paired with actions that actually create space in the soil.