RIO VERDE, AZ – Black layer is a turf grass condition that could be compared to a clogged artery in a human being.
Plaque buildup in an artery restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to parts of the body. Black Layer is also a “clogged” condition in turf grass in which reduced water and air movement causes an anaerobic soil that is no help to keeping a solid, healthy root system. Black layer is usually formed due to soils not properly draining, and often occurs when courses irrigate with effluent water that is high in sodium and other salts. A black-colored subsurface layer eventually forms in the turf root zones, creating a stagnant growth issue.
Black layer is common on golf courses throughout the southwest, and Rio Verde Golf Club in Arizona recently discovered thecondition in portions of its 36-hole complex. Pro Turf International, a Las Vegas-based golf course maintenance and landscape company with over 30 years of experience in dealing with issues like black layer, was called in to combat the problem.
“Due to the soils not being porous to allow for proper drainage, the black layer will form in the growing medium,” said PTIprincipal Kip Wolfe. “When overseeding with perennial ryegrass the germination would be fine but after the roots started to go into the soil profile, they would ultimately hit the black layer and then terminate. The non-rooting would then lead to ryegrass decline.”
As a test for the best results, the PTI crew did work in high playability and visibility areas on four holes located on the White Wing Golf Course. They excavated the contaminated soil eight inches deep, installed drainage, added a 3” gravel layer and 5” 70/30 sand mix. The areas were then water settled, compacted and sodded with tifway 419. The areas are recovering now.
“If black layer is left unattended, the areas affected could become much larger in size with little or no turf growth,” said Wolfe. “A lot of courses are now doing an intensive sanding program where they will deep tine their fairways and then top-dress a measurable amount of sand into the open cores, much like the process for green aerification. Another method is to slice the fairways and add sand over the top and drag it in. Whatever the choice, a little preventive measure can save a lot of money in the long run.”
ABOUT PRO TURF INTERNATIONAL
Pro Turf International is a family-owned construction, landscape and golf maintenance company with over 30 years of hands-on experience in the Southwest. They proudly serve the golf, sports, and landscape industry to enhance quality and improve conditions in a safe, environmentally friendly manner. For more information call (702) 315-5121 or visit www.ptigolf.com.
ABOUT RIO VERDE
Located 10 miles east of north Scottsdale, Rio Verde is insulated from the hustle and bustle of city life, but within reach of all that the Phoenix Valley of the Sun offers. Spend time enjoying Rio Verde’s many activities or venture into the surrounding McDowell Mountain Preserve and Tonto National Forest. The opportunities for fun and adventure are endless. Two world-class golf courses, activities for everyone, vibrant and socially active people and a friendly and welcoming community combine to help Rio Verde offer the complete active adult lifestyle with a real down-home feel. Visit www.rioverdearizona.com.
Contact:
Mike Jamison (407-474-0531)
