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Don't miss out on our algae control products..
Effects of algae on ponds
Barley for Algae Control
Why should I be concerned about algae blooms?
Algae, like other plants, need nutrients to grow. Nitrogen and phosphorus are especially important to them, and these nutrients can be scarce in aquatic environments. Algae growth is limited because nutrients are limited, so if more nutrients are put into the system, algae growth can explode. Algae blooms often occur because of phosphorus from runoff. Phosphorus-rich runoff can come from farms, cities and residential areas. If you use a phosphorus rich lawn or plant fertilizer be extra careful about runoff. All of our aquatic plant fertilizers will not cause excess algae growth.
When a big algae bloom happens, eventually a lot of algae are dying at the same time. The algae dying and decaying takes up a lot of oxygen, so there is little oxygen left for the other organisms, like fish. Algae blooms can kill lakes because they can make it impossible for other organisms to live. If you have an extreme algae problem add extra aeration to your pond before treating with algaecides.
Algae blooms grow larger and last longer when nutrients are abundant. Phosphorus and nitrogen are very important to algal growth, and those nutrients are common in runoff. By decreasing the runoff that goes into ponds and streams, you can help protect the animals that drink that water.
Some simple things you can do are: Prevent soil erosion. Phosphorus binds to soil particles, so soil erosion increases phosphorus concentrations. Maintain or plant vegetation along stream banks. These plants will help filter runoff. Don't¿½t let animals
defecate in or near waterways. Their nutrient-rich feces will make algae problems worse. 50-70% of your pond surface should be covered with aquatic plants by mid season.
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