As outdoor temperatures warm and ice begins to thaw, ponds can provide an outdoor retreat for many Iowans. In this article, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach water quality program manager Catherine DeLong discusses best practices when treating or preventing common pond problems.
One of the most common issues that Iowa pond owners face is algae overgrowth or excessive pond vegetation due to nitrate and phosphorus loss from the surrounding agricultural landscape. According to DeLong, while some pond vegetation is essential to the health of aquatic ecosystems that support fish and other aquatic creatures, an overgrowth of pond vegetation can lead to pond odor and fish death, among other management concerns...
Continue reading this article on ISU Extension and Outreach News.
Catherine DeLong Water Quality Program Manager
Catherine DeLong is the Water Quality Program Manager for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She works statewide to bring people together to share resources, ideas and perspectives about water quality, and to help Iowans understand the role they can play in the future of Iowa’s water...