Nutrient Management

Eutrophication occurs when excess nutrients stimulate an overgrowth of nuisance weeds and algae, which eventually die off and decompose in unnatural quantities. When large amounts of organic matter decompose, dissolved oxygen can become depleted, making it less available to aquatic life. This decay also releases additional nutrients into the water, creating a vicious cycle of excess growth and die-off that degrades the ecosystem over time.

Eutrophication has far-reaching impacts on aquatic environments. Nutrient-rich waterbodies are more likely to develop Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) also referred to as cyanobacteria or blue-green algae. Under the right conditions, HABs are capable of producing toxins that are deadly to pets, livestock, and wildlife, and can contribute to dangerous human health problems. Furthermore, excess nutrients can have economic consequences. For example, HABs may impede water use for recreational activities like swimming and fishing, which can hurt local tourism. Unsightly waterbodies may reduce home values for private property owners or residents in homeowners associations.

Through in-depth water quality testing, your aquatic expert will develop a detailed profile of your waterbody revealing total nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as other characteristics like dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, conductivity, and ammonia. Similar to a blood sample, water tests provide a window into the overall health of the waterbody and illuminate areas that require extra attention.

If too high, a variety of solutions can be used to bring pond nutrients down to healthy levels. Sustainable nutrient remediation products like Phoslock, Alum (aluminum sulfate), and EutroSORB work similarly to “capture” excess pond and lake nutrients in the water column or bottom sediments, limiting their effects on the ecosystem.

Other tools like beneficial bacteria can aid with the natural decomposition of muck and debris that accumulate at the bottom of the waterbody, helping to maintain balanced dissolved oxygen levels and limit the release of excess nutrients. Floating fountains and aerators can further increase dissolved oxygen and ensure it is uniformly circulated throughout the water column.

Physical removal of pond weeds and muck can also help reduce pond nutrient levels. A mechanical hydro-rake is an excellent tool to scoop out nutrient-rich material and deposit it on shore for disposal. When conducted every 3-5 years, hydro-raking can help slow and even reverse the process of eutrophication. If nutrient-rich materials have accumulated beyond manageable thresholds, dredging may be required as a last resort option to reestablish the waterbody’s holding capacity.

In addition to the nutrients released by decomposing plants and muck, lake and pond nutrients also come from external sources that flow into the water during rainstorms. These include pet waste, trash, grass clippings, and other yard debris. Taking steps to properly bag and dispose of these organic materials, as well as avoiding nutrient-rich lawn and garden fertilizers, can go a long way in preserving the health of local waterways.

Introducing native vegetation around the perimeter of a waterbody can also help “filter” pond nutrient sources as rainwater flows into the aquatic ecosystem. This beneficial buffer has the added benefit of containing shoreline sediment with a complex root system. If shoreline deterioration has become too unsightly or dangerous to tread on, it can be reconstructed using modern bioengineering techniques for many years of stability.

Lakes and ponds are incredible assets. They add beauty and value to our communities, and provide opportunities to connect with friends, family, and nature through fishing, kayaking, swimming, bird watching, and other outdoor fun. Stakeholders are often surprised by how closely nutrients are linked to problems that ruin these activities – weeds, algae, muck, flooding, bad odors. Proactively maintaining aquatic ecosystems through nutrient management and other sustainable solutions will help preserve them for decades and generations to come.

Ready to restore balance to your waterbody? Get started with an Annual Management Program.