What Role Do Plants Play in A Healthy Pond Ecosystem?
Achieving and maintaining a healthy pond ecosystem is all but impossible without the help of pond plants and the right products or equipment. Aquatic vegetation provides biological filtration that helps remove everything from nitrogen to ammonia, and they also provide an added layer of protection and nourishment for your backyard ponds inhabitants.
What types of plants are found in a healthy pond ecosystem?
- Marginals
- Floating plants
- Submerged plants
- Emergent Plants
Maintaining these buffer areas of vegetation in all territories of a pond is crucial. These cushions work to moderate water down and channel it. Moderating moving water permits residue to drop out of the water and keeps sediment out. This will help to stop the pond from returning to dry land. One of the most important roles that plants play in a healthy pond ecosystem is oxygenation. The photosynthesis of plants during the day is one of the major ways that oxygen is released into the water.
Although plants play a pivotal role in a healthy pond ecosystem, it is important to note that too many plants can be harmful to the ecology of a pond. For instance, too many plants may be an eyesore and interfere with recreational activities. The general rule of thumb is that floating plants should cover approximately 50% to 70% of the pond’s surface at the peak of the summer. It is recommended to start with 20% to 30% coverage and let them reach an optimum level during the season. These percentages can also be applied to submerged and bog plant varieties.
Recommended Backyard Pond Products
Maintaining a pond by yourself throughout the seasons can quickly become overwhelming. For instance, since there are hundreds of different aquatic plants and other products currently on the market, it can be difficult to know which products to use and when. If you want to be able to play around with your plants, have the flexibility to move them around, consider using a basket or underwater pot to contain the plant. One recommended product for aquatic plants is the pond boss® Plant Basket. These baskets help keep plants and roots in control, so your water garden looks beautiful all year round.