Rehabilitating Eutrophic Lakes Using Tree Planting along the Shoreline

Abstract

In order to improve the water quality and shoreline aesthetics of eutrophic lakes in urban areas, we developed a technique for planting trees in the shallow waters along the shore. Our studies indicated that Taxodium seedlings directly planted in water less than 1 m deep and Salix spp. cuttings planted in perennial water in wetlands, grew well and could become revegetation agents. Floating planters of Taxodium and Salix spp. also grew well. The storage capacity of a 1 m high Salix gilgiana tree was 13.4 mg for N and 1.72 mg for P per day in the growing season. Total absorption of Zn by the tree form of T. distichum 3 months after planting was 9.3 mg/100 gdw (dry weight) and that of Cu was 2.3 mg/100 gdw. Moreover, the floating planters attracted fish and waterfowl.