Many golf courses routinely use green-colored sand during the summer months to fill and smooth divots while masking the damage. However, what some may not realize is the sand can provide noticeable benefits at this time of year as well. Applying dark-colored sand can be an effective way to melt lingering snow and ice, or even to stimulate turf growth and recovery. The darker the sand particles, the better they absorb and trap the heat from the sun. This simple, but sometimes overlooked, phenomenon is known as the albedo effect.
Light-colored objects—whether snow, dormant turf or sand particles—reflect a large percentage of solar radiation. Dark-colored objects, on the other hand, absorb more solar radiation, which causes them to warm up. The contrast between a tan, dormant turf canopy (high albedo) and green sand particles (low albedo) can often be seen this time of year. Just take a look at how the turf on a tee greens up earlier near divots filled with green sand.
If you find yourself dealing with lingering ice or divots this spring, I suggest turning to dark-colored sand and taking full advantage of the sun’s rays.
Northeast Region Agronomists:
Adam Moeller, director, Green Section Education – amoeller@usga.org
Darin Bevard, director, Championship Agronomy – dbevard@usga.org
Elliott L. Dowling, senior consulting agronomist – edowling@usga.org
John Daniels, agronomist – jdaniels@usga.org