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Ecology of Aquatic Vascular Plants in Southern Ontario Impoundments

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 June 2017

A. M. McCombie
Affiliation:
Research Branch, Ont. Dep. of Lands and Forests, Maple, Ontario
Ivanka Wile
Affiliation:
Biology Branch, Ont. Water Resources Commission, Rexdale, Ontario

Abstract

Aquatic plants and physical-chemical data were collected during 1969 from 19 ponds and lakes. The fertility of these waters, as indicated by specific conductance, appeared to be a function of watershed area over the range 0 to 100 hectares. For watersheds greater than 100 hectares, differences in soil type and farming intensity were major causes of variability. Chara (Chara spp.) was found at specific conductances from 96 to 445 micromhos/sq cm (at 18 C) but was most abundant between 218 and 300. Chara also grew best in the upper half of the transparency range at Secchi disc readings varying from 2.4 to 5.8 m. Elodea (Elodea canadensis Michx.) flourished at specific conductances of 224 to 300 micromhos/sq cm and at transparencies from 2.7 to 5.8 m. Largeleaf pondweed (Potamogeton amplifolius Tuckerm.) was found only in the least fertile impoundment, whereas curlyleaf pondweed (P. crispus L.) occurred only in the most fertile impoundment. Sago pondweed (P. pectinatus L.) occurred at specific conductances of 200 to 349 micromhos/sq cm but was most prolific from 229 upward. This species also favored extensive shallow areas subject to a continuous summer flow.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

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