Algae or surface tension? Cancel The title field is required!

1. McArthur Jacob W

   
   9/25/2012 9:09 PM

   I have an area on the edge of a green where water does not run off. Recently the quality of the turf has began to struggle. It appears to be moist and the soil is dark almost black. It may be a formation of algae. The green drainage system should evacuate any water. Is this the result of major surface tension and should I try surfactant wetting agents?
   USGA build drainage
   Miniverde .130
   
   Appreciate any advise
   Jake

   
   
   
   
2. Rosenthal Gregg

   
   9/26/2012 4:09 AM

   Spike or Aerify the area to open up the soil surface, get air in the sandy soil, moisture in, and dry out the algae. You could leave it open for a little while and dry it down, then topdress with good mixture. May need to even do it a couple of times to open the site back up if it is really sealed up. If it is a small site also a hand spiker can be of good use to release the surface algae and help set seed into sand, then a little topdressing. JMO...Good Luck
   
   Gregg R.

   
   
   
   
3. Baker Daniel

   
   9/26/2012 11:09 AM

   Are you sure this is not the beginning of black layer? I'd start with what Gregg said and consider a hydrogen peroxide product to help things along before we get any closer to winter. Are you sure your USGA spec drainage comes to that point in the green? Could you have build up gasses venting out the end of the drain line at that point? If worse comes to worse, think about digging a pilot hole and seeing what's down there.

   
   
   
   
4. Stephen Johnson

   

   0 posts
   
   9/26/2012 3:09 PM

   Mini Verde SEED???
   Huh neat thought

   
   
   
   
5. Rosenthal Gregg

   
   9/27/2012 4:09 AM

   Mini verde seed if it is out there, I was thinking bentgrass...my bad. It is my cool season edge coming out, I have grown seashore pasplaum (love it), that you can seed, but I am sure he wishes not to mix!
   
   Gregg

   
   
   
   
6. McArthur Jacob W

   
   9/28/2012 1:09 AM

   Not a gas issue. The drainage pulls water from the affected area. A friend of mine checked it out and said to treat with some fungicide to be safe. I spot aerated to dry out and sanded. Treating with some mancozeb. We'll see what happens. Thanks
   
   Jake

   
   
   
   
7. Ramirez-Calvo Samuel

   
   9/28/2012 6:09 AM

   I´m agree with Gregg. Also you can put down a fungicide application like dithane or mancozeb it helps to control algae. But first of all check your green drainage and irrigation timing.
   Good luck, Sam.

   
   
   
   
8. Jason Boyce

   

   0 posts
   
   10/3/2012 11:10 AM

   Had the exact same problem. Do you use a soil moisture meter? I think you will find this area is generally over watered. Since I have implemented the use of a soil moisture meter these issues have dissappeared, best tool I have. Aeration and venting will help dry the area, however if water reduction is not implemented for this zone I would be surprised if the issue goes away...IMO.
   
   Jason Boyce
   Smugglers Glen Golf Course
   Gananoque, Ontario, Canada