Plant identification assistance is available from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at the following site for: 1) submerged, 2) floating, and & 3) emergent plants
Observe how the plant population responds, and adjust up or down in future years. In ponds which already contain largemouth bass, it is best to stock grass carp which are at least 8" long. Stocking grass carp during late spring seems to be the most effective time of year. Plants are beginning to grow but the water temperatures and dissolved oxygen content are still favorable. Carp do have feeding preferences and will generally not control emergent vegetation species such as cattail or bulrush. Most grass carp prefer species of Hydrilla, Potamogeton, Ceratophyllum, Najas, Elodea, however carp will consume other plants as well. Click here
for more information on grass carp. |
Algae
Blooms Reactive approaches to controlling
algae blooms include mechanical and chemical. Removing algae by harvesting
is an expensive and time-consuming process. When applied in the spring
or fall, barley straw can be effectively used to suppress algae growth.
Some chemical algaecides are effective however, some such as copper sulfate
compounds can have negative repercussions on fish and invertebrate populations.
There are many water dyes available to prevent algae growth within ponds,
however these tend to impede light penetration to submerged plants, thus
preventing photosynthesis, reducing oxygen levels, and limiting structural
plant habitat for fish. Chemical treatments should be used as a last resort
as they treat only symptoms, not sources of algae problems. In general, proactive approaches
to reducing nutrient inputs to your pond are the most sustainable, most
environmentally sound and in the long run, the most economical way to
control algae blooms within your pond.
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