Environmental Factors Affecting Aquatic Plant Growth Potential in Marinuka Lake, Wisconsin
Abstract
Submersed aquatic macrophytes play an important role in stabilizing sediment from resuspension, sequestering nutrients, and reducing algal growth in shallow lakes. Loss of vegetation is usually accompanied by changes in stable state to one characterized by higher turbidity, low light penetration, and frequent noxious algal blooms. Aquatic vegetation once played an important role in stabilizing the sediment and providing important fish and water fowl habitat in Marinuka Lake, Wisconsin. However, macrophyte biomass levels have declined significantly in the last decade with accompanying shifts toward blue-green algal dominance. Although reasons for this vegetation decline are not precisely known, it may be related to changes in light regime due to excessive algal growth induced by watershed phosphorus loading. Other possible factors include changes in sediment fertility, carp damage, or a physical stress such as drought or excessive pool fluctuations. The objectives of this research were to evaluate environmental factors that my inhibit submersed aquatic macrophyte growth in this lake and to use these findings to develop management scenarios for improving growth and successful propagation,
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA492992
Entities
People
- William F. James
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center