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Pond Plants and Algae Management
Author: Terry Newhaven
One natural and very environmentally friendly option for beautifying a pond is the addition of aquatic plants. Pond plants not only add a great visual appeal, they also keep the growth of algae down. If the pond contains any type of fish life, plants are also essential to their survival. These aquatic plants give fish protection from predators, oxygenate the water, give them a place to spawn, and keep the temperature of the pond cool through the summer months. In addition, pond plants also work to remove any excess pollutants from the water, keeping the ecosystem of your oasis in smooth and working order.
Pond Plants to Remove Algae
The ecosystem of a pond is based around a process called the Nitrogen Cycle. This cycle starts when inhabiting fish are fed, whether by commercial food pellets or microscopic phytoplanktonliving in the water. After eating, the fish excrete ammonia from their gills into the pond. This ammonia is then consumed by microscopic organisms called nitrosomonus bacteria. These bacteria then release nitrites, which are then absorbed by nitrobacter. The nitrobacter then releases nitrates into the water. These nitrates are consumed by pond plants, which then discharge oxygen into the water that is used by fish. By consuming the nitrates, pond plants are essentially eating up the element needed to make algae grow. Having pond plants is a great way to combat the growth of algae through this natural cycle.
Types of Pond Plants
The following are common types of pond plants and their benefits.
- Phytoplankton: Although phytoplankton are technically a type of algae, they can still be beneficial pond plants. These single celled, microscopic plants can often turn a pond green in color if there is an overabundance of them. However, phytoplankton are usually consumed by the smallest fish in a pond, making them an important beginning step in the food cycle.
- Submersed Plants: Submersed plants generally have a root system that is firmly planted within the sediment at the bottom of a pond. These plants generally have leaves that do not rise above the water level, instead getting all needed nutrients from the water itself. This type of pond plant usually has a flexible leaf and is perfect for small fish to hide in from predators. In addition, submersed plants are one of the best for combating algae growth by their constant absorption of nitrates and ammonia.
- Emergent Plants: Like submersed plants, emergent plants are rooted in the sediment at the bottom of a pond. In contrast, these plants are much more rigid in texture and rise above the water level. Emergent plants, such as cattails, are great for a recreational pond owner who wishes to attract animal or bird species to eat bugs and other pests. Emergent plants can often grow quickly out of hand though, so it is best to use them in moderation.
- Rooted, Floating-Leafed Plants: Rooted, floating-leafed plants are exactly as their name suggests. These pond plants have roots in the sediment at the bottom of the pond, yet have leaves that float across the top of the water. Water lilies are a common example of this type of plant. For most recreational pond owners, rooted, floating-leafed plants will mostly be for decoration and aesthetic purposes. However, the effect of this type of plant on combating algae is still great due to their absorption of nitrates.
- True Floating Plants: True, floating plants do not have any root system embedded into the sediment. Instead, they float along the top of the water surface and move along with any water current. Just like the rooted variety, floating plants are again mostly just for decoration as they can easily overtake a pond in a short amount of time.
Plants vs. Weeds
In certain cases, extreme growth of pond plant species can turn them into weeds. This fine line is usually decided when a pond plant is causing more harm than good to a pond’s delicate ecosystem. Usually, this is by severe overgrowth which can cause other types of beneficial plants and fish to die. Phytoplankton and floating leafed plants are notorious for becoming weeds in a short period of time.
Management Strategies
Management of algae and weeds within a pond is simple. Removal of both can help combat a problem in a very short amount of time. If weeds are the main problem try removing all or thinning the population of this particular type of plant within the pond. If the issue is strictly algae, consider adding submersed or emergent plants to consume algae growing nitrates. Commercial products, equipment, and fertilizers are also available at local home and garden retailers to combat both weeds and algae within a pond.
There are four main types of pond plant and algae management:
- Physical: This method involves manually picking, trimming, or burning the plants in question.
- Mechanical: Mechanical management is the use of machinery (mower, harvester, etc.) to remove plant overgrowth or algae.
- Chemical: This form of plant management uses chemicals or herbicides to kill offending plants.
- Biological: Biological plant management involves introducing an animal, fish, insect, or other plant to compete with the plant, thus eliminating it.
Resources
For more information on pond management strategies, please visit the following links:
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