Abstract
The physical, chemical and biological characteristics of 65 farm ponds in the Northern Tablelands and Central Western Slopes regions of New South Wales, Australia, were similar to those recorded for Australian ponds in other studies. The strongest single relationship between physico-chemical characteristics and biological characteristics was for high abundance of phytoplankton, low abundance of macrophytes, high turbidity, and high nutrient concentrations in ponds on granitic soil. Variation among the ponds was such that no other relationship was significant. Five groups of ponds were discerned on the basis of their biological and physico-chemical characteristics. One group could be classed as reasonably ‘pristine’, with high water clarity and high abundance of macrophytes; another group presented highly eutrophic, phytoplankton-dominated conditions. Ponds in these two groups can be described as being in ‘alternative stable states’. A third group had been modified with the intention of improving the appearance or utility of the ponds. The last two groups identified in this analysis had no specific parallels in the literature. Abundance of macrophytes was related to good water quality, and encouragement of increased abundance of submerged plants in farm ponds could result in improved water quality.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.