Duckweed or Lemna minor is a very small, free-floating plant with three 0.06″ to 0.125″ long leaves known as fronds and a hair-like root. They make standing or slow-moving water their habitat. Its fast spreading attribute results in massive pond coverage. Given their ideal conditions, they can grow exponentially in just a few days. Therefore, this is a threat that needs to be managed. So, before finding its ways of prevention, it is necessary to understand the cause of its growth.

Introduction of duckweed in a pond

The introduction of duckweed is unknown to the human eye. Large ponds and small artificial lakes are most affected by duckweed. Since the water is relatively stagnant in both, it takes hold and becomes quite difficult to get rid of. Visiting waterfowl leave because the duckweed sticks to their feathers and feet.

The presence of excessive nutrients and sunlight are the other two main causes behind the notorious growth of duckweed. While the penetration of sunlight can be controlled to some extent, what can essentially be done is to limit the level of nutrients in the pond.

Control and prevention of duckweed

Elimination of duckweed can be done using aquatic herbicides in the proper proportion. But, this should not be your first step. As a preliminary step, you should always opt for a manual removal. You can use a pond skimmer or pond net and remove as many weeds as you can. If possible, do this activity on a windy day because the plants (that you want in your pond) will be compressed on one side and you will be able to remove many. Once you’ve done this part, it’s time to take the next step to prevent future growth:

1. installing a fountain

As already mentioned above, the reason behind its growth is stagnant water and to curb this threat, install a simple fountain. There are mainly two benefits of having one in your garden pond:

A. Shakes up the surface of the water: The fountain breaks up stagnant water and makes it difficult for weeds to spread and survive.

B. Oxygenation of water: In a pond, there are two types of algae: aerobic and anaerobic. Aerobic is a healthy algae and one of its main tasks is to remove excess nutrients from the water, the food that duckweed feeds on.

two. Bubble Aerator Installation

A bubbler aerator is good for removing duckweed infestations and keeping the pond healthy. Provides surface agitation and deep aeration in a large lake or body of water. So if there is a lot of commercial or agricultural runoff in your pond, the healthy algae produced by the bubble aerator will fight back.

3. Add Koi or grass carp to the pond

One of the most recommended solutions for duckweed control is the addition of these aquatic herbivores. They love duckweed and will consume it as their main food source.

Four. Chemical disposal

Fluridone is a very effective long-term solution.

Therefore, prevention and control of duckweed is not possible with a single method. You must use the above mentioned solutions together to see effective results. Therefore, these control measures will prevent your pond from turning green.