Localized Black Layer

Black layer can occur in localized spots or patches when environmental conditions,traffic, and management practices clash. A recent case occurred when greens were aerified during warm weather followed by high traffic during a tournament about 10 days after aeration. The greens were leached prior to aeration and sand topdressing. Nevertheless, several of the greens were plagued with small patches of black layer and a heavily trafficked practice green was severely damaged. The greens have a dense organic matter layer at…