Stewardship Tip Mar 2nd, 2010- Aeration
Winter will end some time. Although with all the snow we have, it certainly doesn’t seem like it. Thinking about a nice green lawn may not hasten winter’s demise, but it certainly won’t hurt. It might help to carry you through those overcast, snowy days.
While you’re thinking about your nice, green lawn, schedule your spring aeration.
Whether you’re a DIYer or prefer to have someone do it for you, aeration is important for every lawn. Aeration will open up the soil. It will help to develop a deep root system. Aeration will loosen compacted soil. It will help to break up thatch. A well-aerated lawn will promote better water infiltration and reduce runoff potential.
Why aeration is important to the fish: Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are key components in lawn fertilizer; when applied properly, fertilizer promotes a lush, healthy lawn.
When fertilizers are improperly applied, N and P can run off the lawn and end up in the watershed. In a pond or lake, N and P can contribute to algal blooms. Algae grows faster than larger plants; N and P promote its growth. In large concentrations, N and P can cause excessive growth. As an algal bloom grows, portions of the bloom sink and fuel bacterial growth. Bacterial metabolism consumes oxygen and can lead to water conditions that are low in or devoid of oxygen. These conditions can be stressful or even fatal for fish.
Aerating promotes better water infiltration. Water, from rain or irrigation, will carry the fertilizer down to the roots in aerated soil rather than into the gutter. This will help to reduce the amount of N and P that are introduced into the watershed.
Take a little time this week and schedule your spring aeration. It will be good for your lawn, good for your watershed, and good for your fish. It will also take your mind off of that pile of snow outside your back door.
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SAFE Angling Kits, available at the Recycled Fish On-line Store, are ready to fish kits loaded with lots of great tackle from FoodSource Lures, Water Gremlin, Dr. Drop, Bullet Weights, Daiichi, Tru-Turn, and
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