Water poses a risk to safety.
Rapid Growth of Invasive Water Plants Causes Concern at Aller Lake in Wolfsburg
The picturesque Aller Lake in Wolfsburg is currently facing an unusual issue: the rapid growth of hornwort and Canadian waterweed. These plants, atypical for the lake, are causing concern due to their impact on sports, recreational activities, and the overall health of the lake as a recreational area.
The rapid growth of these plants is largely attributed to high nutrient availability, especially excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, and favorable environmental conditions such as sufficient light and suitable temperature. These conditions promote their fast growth, high reproduction rates, and environmental plasticity, enabling them to quickly establish and spread in the lake.
Hornwort thrives with direct light and nutrient-rich waters, allowing it to grow very quickly and absorb excess nutrients, contributing to its rapid spread in aquatic systems like ponds or lakes. Canadian waterweed, on the other hand, is known for being sturdy and adaptable, able to grow efficiently in diverse environmental conditions, also benefitting from nutrient-rich, well-lit water bodies.
The combination of nutrient enrichment, often from runoff or organic matter, warm temperatures, and clear water allowing sufficient sunlight can create ideal conditions promoting inflated growth of aquatic plants such as hornwort and Elodea. Their biological traits, including high fecundity, frequent spawning, short embryogenesis, and environmental plasticity, contribute to establishing self-sustaining and rapidly spreading populations in such habitats.
As a result, the Aller-Ohre-Ise Association is battling the water issue at the Aller Lake in Wolfsburg. Efforts are being made to control the spread of these plants, but bathers should expect significant restrictions during this time. The mowing work is expected to continue until the end of August.
Bathers and water sports enthusiasts should keep a safe distance from the mowing boat for their own protection. The mowing boat is a work machine with around seven tons in weight, propeller screws, and cutting blades up to 1.50 meters deep. Stored mowed material near the DLRG tower provides opportunity for small animals and larvae to return to the water, which could potentially lead to the regatta course disappearing entirely if not pruned back immediately.
Silke Westphalen, managing director of the Aller-Ohre-Ise Association, has expressed concern about the issue, stating that these plants are not typical for the Aller Lake. The association's goal is to make the beach area more attractive again, but the issue is impacting the overall enjoyment of the Aller Lake as a recreational area in the city of Wolfsburg.
The spread of these plants is causing a hot topic of conversation in the city, and bathing area restrictions are due to the operation of a dredger and tugboat along the lake shore. It is hoped that with continued efforts, the spread of these plants can be controlled, and the Aller Lake can return to its former glory as a beloved recreational spot in Wolfsburg.
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