Best Management Practices for Maryland Golf Courses

Figure 18. Artificial aeration helps to maintain DO levels, like this solar powered sub-surface aeration system in use at the Army Navy Country Club. Photo credit: Sandra Burton.

Aquatic Algae and Plants

Phytoplankton, or algae, give water its green appearance and provide the base for the food chain in ponds. Tiny animals called zooplankton use phytoplankton as a food source. Large aquatic plants (aquatic macrophytes) can grow rooted to the bottom and supported by the water (submersed plants), rooted to the bottom or shoreline and extended above the water surface (emersed plants), rooted to the bottom with their leaves floating on the water surface (floating- leaved plants), or free-floating on the water surface (floating plants). These different types of aquatic macrophytes can have different functions that protect water quality. Aquatic plants growing on a littoral shelf may help protect receiving waters from the pollutants present in surface water runoff. In open areas, floating-leaved and free-floating plants suppress phytoplankton because they absorb nutrients from the pond water and create shade. For more information on managing aquatic plants and algae in ponds in Maryland, see Urban and Stormwater Pond Management and see Plants Recommended for Stormwater Ponds for Maryland-specific native aquatic plant recommendations.

Best Management Practices

• Ponds are more resistant to problems if they have a narrow fringe of vegetation along the edge, instead of highly maintained turfgrass. • In ponds with littoral plantings, problem plants should be selectively controlled without damaging littoral shelves. • Encourage clumps of native emergent vegetation at the shoreline.

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