Can Eurasian water milfoil be a beneficial aquatic plant?

[Woodznutz]

It is as widely demonized as it is widespread in our lakes and streams, spreading and growing vigorously, casting large floating mats of vegetation that crowd out native species and blocks needed sunlight from penetrating the waters. The annual die-off provides large amounts of unwanted nutrients to the bottom sediments which ensure an even larger crop of weed growth the following season. Nutrients added to the water column contribute to large toxic algae blooms as well.

However, these same characteristics can be taken advantage of to actually improve water quality. By vigorously harvesting these weeds throughout the growing season excess nutrients captured in their rampant growth can actually reduce the fertility of the bottom sediments, much like 'overcropping' a field lowers the nutrient levels if no fertilizers are added.

Perhaps we should do that.

 

[Mushroom]

No, it is an invasive species and should be eradicated.

 

[1srelluc]

LOL....That will be how Soylent Green will get it's color.

 

[Admiral Rockwell Tory]

It is as widely demonized as it is widespread in our lakes and streams, spreading and growing vigorously, casting large floating mats of vegetation that crowd out native species and blocks needed sunlight from penetrating the waters. The annual die-off provides large amounts of unwanted nutrients to the bottom sediments which ensure an even larger crop of weed growth the following season. Nutrients added to the water column contribute to large toxic algae blooms as well.

However, these same characteristics can be taken advantage of to actually improve water quality. By vigorously harvesting these weeds throughout the growing season excess nutrients captured in their rampant growth can actually reduce the fertility of the bottom sediments, much like 'overcropping' a field lowers the nutrient levels if no fertilizers are added.

Perhaps we should do that.

Say no to drugs!

 

[Woodznutz]

No, it is an invasive species and should be eradicated.

Actually, it does everything native species do.

1. Oxygenates the water.
2. Removes excess nutrients.
3. Stabilizes the bottom sediments.
4. Provides cover and habitat for many species.

There's little hope of eradicating it. Best to make lemonade out the lemons.

 

[Mushroom]

Actually, it does everything native species do.

1. Oxygenates the water.
2. Removes excess nutrients.
3. Stabilizes the bottom sediments.
4. Provides cover and habitat for many species.

There's little hope of eradicating it. Best to make lemonade out the lemons.

All aquatic plants do those, but are not invasive species.

What is it with people actively wanting to destroy the ecosystem?

 

[Woodznutz]

All aquatic plants do those, but are not invasive species.

What is it with people actively wanting to destroy the ecosystem?

Lol. Eurasian water milfoil will actually help restore the ecosystem if left alone. Most lakes are scars on the land resulting from various geological events. Nature wants to return them to grassland and forests by filling them with organic matter. We want to enjoy these lakes, so we interfere with nature on behalf of ourselves.

Lake Wingra in Madison Wisconsin is returning to woodland and grassland under the management of the University of Wisconsin Science departments, much to the displeasure of the citizenry. They considered a lake up north that wasn't used much by the public, but it was too far for them to travel, so they chose a lake right in the middle of the city.

 

[Mushroom]

Lol. Eurasian water milfoil will actually help restore the ecosystem if left alone. Most lakes are scars on the land resulting from various geological events. Nature wants to return them to grassland and forests by filling them with organic matter. We want to enjoy these lakes, so we interfere with nature on behalf of ourselves.

Lake Wingra in Madison Wisconsin is returning to woodland and grassland under the management of the University of Wisconsin Science departments, much to the displeasure of the citizenry. They considered a lake up north that wasn't used much by the public, but it was too far for them to travel, so they chose a lake right in the middle of the city.

Why are you so damned adamant on invasive species?

Why not, maybe promote this with a non-invasive species?

I will never understand why some people have this almost insane belief that they should play God.

 

[Woodznutz]

Why are you so damned adamant on invasive species?

Why not, maybe promote this with a non-invasive species?

I will never understand why some people have this almost insane belief that they should play God.

Jes' bein' pragmatick.

*Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations:

 

[Mushroom]

Jes' bein' pragmatick.

Purposefully introducing invasive species is not "pragmatic". It's being destructive.

 

[Woodznutz]

Purposefully introducing invasive species is not "pragmatic". It's being destructive.

I'm talking about waters that are already heavily overgrown with Eurasian water milfoil. No one plants the stuff on purpose.

 

[ReinyDays]

I'm talking about waters that are already heavily overgrown with Eurasian water milfoil. No one plants the stuff on purpose.

Then how did it get here? ...

It's listed as a Class "B" noxious weed in Oregon ... OAR 603-052-1200 (5)(g)(L) ... we don't have to destroy it on sight, but we also can't allow it to propagate ...

It's great in aquariums, grows fast and sinks nitrogen ... blocks light and reduces algae growth ... I raise livebearers so it also provides hiding places for the fry ... plus it's free, just about any logging pond will be choked with it ... just don't get caught, the State will make you listen to 20 hours of our governor speaking ... cruel and unusual ...