Write An Essay On Pond Ecology

Pond ecology is the study of the interactions amongst the organisms in a particular body of water along with its surrounding environment. The study of ecology in ponds is critical in understanding the necessities required to produce a healthy body of water for recreational use. Inadequate ecology results in a toxic environment that is not suitable for any aquatic organisms to inhabit.(McCarty, Thomas)

There are a variety of physical characteristics that make every pond one of a kind. Some of the characteristics include size, shape, depth, volume, aspect, and location. (Pattillo, Allen. Intro Guide to Pond Management) Aside from this, the only ground every pond shares is its life cycle. All ponds are born and will eventually die. The process starts with a fresh body of water. As time goes by the water will be inputted with nutrients, whether it be fecal matter or the decaying organism itself. This process is called eutrophication. If left undisturbed the water will eventually become over saturated with nutrient-filled material that resists decay. This will lead to the

Plants produce oxygen, provide food and habitat for insects, provide escape and cover for small fish, use nutrients that would lead to algae blooms. Approximately 15%-25% of the total surface area should have some form of vegetation. (Pattillo, Allen. Managing Farm Ponds in the Midwest) Sometimes, vegetation can become so dense and widespread that it will overcrowd a pond. This not only detracts the aesthetic pleasure a pond provides to a property but is also very unhealthy to a pond ecosystem. “An overabundance of aquatic plants can strain a pond’s ecosystem and potentially lead to a fish kill,” said Pattillo. “During daylight hours, plants produce oxygen and raise the water pH, yet at the same time, the plants respire, removing oxygen and adding carbon dioxide and lowering the pH. If this cycle isn’t balanced, issues can