By Dana Little, June 21, 2014.<\/p>\n
Jumping into shallow water in late summer and early fall may land you in a mass of large, green, slimy blobs.\u00a0 The blobs, called metaphyton, are actually collections of algae.\u00a0 At least two processes can produce metaphyton.\u00a0 1.\u00a0 Algae floats freely in the water throughout the year, some in the form of long, green, hair-like strands.\u00a0 During the summer, winds blow these floating strands around until they collect into large clumps.\u00a0 The clumps tend to become trapped by plants growing in shallow areas.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0With time, more strands collect until they form large masses several feet across. 2.\u00a0 A second process of production starts with large mats of algae growing on the pond floor in shallow areas.\u00a0 As photosynthesis occurs, the resulting oxygen becomes trapped in the algae mat, lifting it upwards until a large green blob filled with bubbles appears on the surface.<\/p>\n
Another name for metaphyton is elephant snot.\u00a0 Experts believe that despite the disturbing look and the slimy texture of metaphyton, they are a normal part of a healthy pond.\u00a0\u00a0 Metaphyton are an excellent source of nutrition for aquatic insects, crustaceans, frogs and small fish.\u00a0 In addition, they provide shelter from predators for small pond creatures.\u00a0 Phosphorous and nitrogen run-off from lawns and developed areas increase the production of metaphyton.\u00a0 Installing a buffer zone of natural vegetation next to the water, and avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers help keep elephant snot to a minimum.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Dana Little, June 21, 2014. Jumping into shallow water in late summer and early fall may land you in a mass of large, green, slimy blobs.\u00a0 The blobs, called metaphyton, are actually collections of algae.\u00a0 At least two processes … Continue reading