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Planktonic Algae
Planktonic algae, or phytoplankton, are single celled plants or small colonies of cells that float freely throughout a pond. Phytoplankton found in very low densities are hardly recognizable, but will begin to give water a green "pea-soup" appearance once phytoplankton blooms become heavier. Typically, planktonic algae blooms arise in the spring or fall when ponds "turn over" after winter and summer stratification occurs. At this time, the movement of water releases nutrients trapped in the bottom sediments of the pond, which makes them available in the water column to promote algae growth. Phytoplankton blooms can also be spurred by runoff from adjoining turf after fertilization.
Few phytoplankton are beneficial in a pond because they are the base of the food chain that convert nutrients into food for fish and other organisms. They are also beneficial in that they provide oxygen to the water which benefits the health of all other aquatic life in a water body. Although phytoplankton provides some benefits to pond health, heavy growth can start to create several problems. First, too many phytoplankton can reduce photo-penetration which ultimately shades out other important plants that benefit pond health. Not only does this reduce the overall health of a pond, but is also gives the water a green stagnant look which is not aesthetically appealing to passing golfers. In addition, ponds that have heavy phytoplankton growth will tend to emit unpleasant odors due to the decomposition of dying algae.
Control of phytoplankton blooms can be achieved by constant monitoring and treatment. Monitoring allows lake managers to forecast blooms based on water temperature and clarity. When conditions are favorable, and phytoplankton growth has surpassed unhealthy levels, a treatment using chelated copper in liquid form is recommended. Once desired control is achieved, parameters can be established to maintain this level of control throughout the golf season. Depending on the level of phytoplankton, several treatments (usually every three weeks) may be required to maintain growth at desired levels.
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