What Causes Algae in Ponds?
How Nutrients Get in a Pond
Nitrogen and phosphorous are the two main nutrients needed for life but to much of a good thing is the issue with algae growth in a pond. Controlling nutrient build up can be difficult as it arrives in several ways. Soil contains nutrients, so erosion from either wind or water is a cause of algae growth. Ponds can also receive excess nutrients from agricultural field runoff. Modern agriculture often relies heavily on the use of nutrients as fertilizers and not all of it soaks into the soil. Winding its' way through streams or running directly into your pond, agricultural fertilizers can cause algal bloom nightmares in ponds. Washing laundry using detergent with phosphorous can also result in pond algae. Phosphorous enters a pond through rivers or streams that include sewage treatment effluent. According to the University of Hamburg Botany online website it is not common for sewage treatment plants to reduce phosphorous, though it is technically possible. Frustratingly, yet another source of nutrients that can lead to excess is rain. This originates from air pollution via primarily car exhaust and heavy industry.
Other Factors for Algae Growth
Exposure to a lot of sunlight will increase algae growth. Clearing of trees along a pond often leads to algae as it exposes the surface to more sunlight and warming of the pond which is also conducive to algae growth. Certain stones such as limestone can lead to high pH levels, which also contribute to algae. Another factor is very still waters. Limiting stream flow and mixing, a lack of rain can contribute to stagnation in a pond. Actively growing plants in the pond use up nutrients that would otherwise be available for algae growth. All of these factors that contribute to algae growth can be intensified by interference, or lack of planning by humans. In many cases unwanted pond algae is preventable.
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