Countering blue green algae blooms with ultrasonic solutions

Golf course lakes and ponds can become plagued by toxic algae that can threaten plants and wildlife. Learn how ultrasound technology can overcome this issue without the use of chemicals.

August 9, 2022 | Lawrence Field on gcmonline.com

Golf courses frequently feature penalty areas, lakes, and ponds to adorn the landscape and add beauty to the course, create tranquility and enhance the golfing experience. Environmental care plays a role, too; Many courses strive to achieve recognition through Audubon International or Nature Conservancy status to demonstrate their commitment to improving environmental stewardship of course lands.

Unfortunately, golf course lakes and ponds can also become plagued with algae which creates a distraction or nuisance. Even worse, these algae blooms can harm the landscape and kill wildlife. Lakes and ponds are often the primary water source for a course’s irrigation system and algae blooms can cause serious concerns for superintendents. A warmer climate and abundant nutrients found in fertilizers, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, contribute to the dangerous spread of algae on golf courses.

For many golf courses, the use of chemicals has been the traditional solution to this problem. While effective, chemicals can harm other forms of life both in and surrounding the lakes and ponds. It also frequently requires continuous application and can present safety hazards for crews to handle and store. Residential communities surrounding golf courses, as well as the members and guests themselves, often voice negative reactions to the use of algaecides and pesticides.

Audubon International explains in its Environmental Management Practices for Golf Courses guide that Best Management Practice (BMP) for chemical use is to… Continue reading on GCM Online