PONDering Aquatics

Bodies of water are common on golf courses and in numerous landscape developments.  They demand strategic play on the course and are appeasing to the eye in a landscape setting.  However, our ponds and lakes are fragile ecosystems and can easily become a problem if not monitored and managed properly. 

We have placed fountains and air bubblers in the ponds on 1 and 4.  These fixtures are not only pleasant to look at but provide an important function. Disrupting the surface tension of the water is essential in algae control.  Algae blooms can quickly cover a standing or stagnant body of water.  This especially holds true around golf courses, where larger than usual amounts of phosphorous are being applied.  Phosphorous is the limiting element in aquatic settings, and when in large quantities can lead to rapid algae blooms.  The spray technicians at MCC take special care when applying fertilizer around our ponds and brook. 

To control weed populations, golf courses use dyes.  These dyes (usually blue or black) limit the amount of sunlight that aquatic plants receive.  High populations of weeds and algae can lead to fish kill and sediment build-up at the bottom of ponds (from increased organic matter decomposition).  This build-up can eventually lead to shallower, less appealing bodies of water. 

 

Here at MCC, we take a keen environmental interest in our ponds and water features.  Not only do we want them to be viewed as a benefit to the landscape, but also as healthy, life-supporting systems.