Algal Growth

In turfgrass situations the main algal problem, which is categorised as a disorder, is known as Algal slime or Dark green slime and also as Squidge. An example of a green algae in turf is Chlamydomonas species; whilst blue-green algae is Nostoc species. Algal slime will typically occur on poorly drained, shaded surfaces, and especially where nutrient availability is high. They are slimy when wet and form a crust when dry. Control measures for algal slime include light regular sand dressings, aeration, scarification, controlled fertilisation (not excessive bursts), increasing the height of cut to reduce stress on the grass plant, controlled irrigation, and reduce shade.