Each category requires a different management strategy to control the impact on pond ecology during the summer. Pattillo notes aquatic plants are categorized into four major categories that occupy slightly different habitats – algae, floating plants, emergent or above-water plants and submersed plants. “Pond owners need to continually manage various strategies for controlling aquatic plant growth and removal of plant loads during summer months,” he said. If this cycle isn’t balanced, issues can result.”Īccording to Pattillo, control of aquatic plant growth must be managed early in the growing season, during April or May. “During daylight hours, plants produce oxygen and raise the water pH, yet at the same time the plants respire, removing oxygen and adding carbon dioxide and lowering the pH. “An overabundance of aquatic plants can strain a pond’s ecosystem and potentially lead to a fish kill,” said Pattillo. Allen Pattillo recommends approximately 15–25 percent of the pond area contain large aquatic plants as a preventative measure to oxygen depletion. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Fisheries Specialist D. While the plants are a necessary and beneficial component of a natural ecosystem, too many can cause issues for pond owners – aesthetically, recreationally and biologically.Įxtremely hot temperatures, high plant loads and overcast skies for extended periods can cause a fish kill by depleting all the oxygen in a pond. AMES, Iowa – Recent weather conditions may have pond owners battling an abundance of aquatic plants.
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