ABSTRACT
The aquatic weeds on the Westlake wetland at Zandvlei (Cape Town, South Africa)
were investigated in terms of their detrimental effects, and the biotic and abiotic
conditions associated with their nuisance growth. Eichhornia crassipes was the most
problematic of the weeds, both from a human perspective and in its effect on the
system, and it appears to out-compete the initially more abundant Ceratophyllum
demersum and Azolla filiculoides after disturbances such as clearing and flooding.
Temperature, current strength and inter-species interactions were controlling the
distribution and growth of the weeds on a seasonal scale, but over the long term it is
likely that lower salinities, together with high concentrations of nitrogen and
phosphorus, have caused the increased growth noticeable over the last fifteen years.
The present management programme of annual mechanical clearance seems to be
the most cost-efficient, ecosystem-friendly option but it is suggested that the
possibility of increasing the salinity in the wetland be investigated as a way of
slowing the regrowth of the weeds after clearance.
ARCHIBALD, S (2021). Investigating The Aquatic Weeds On The Westlake Wetland: Detrimental Effects And Management Options. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/investigating-the-aquatic-weeds-on-the-westlake-wetland-detrimental-effects-and-management-options
ARCHIBALD, SALLY "Investigating The Aquatic Weeds On The Westlake Wetland: Detrimental Effects And Management Options" Afribary. Afribary, 15 May. 2021, https://afribary.com/works/investigating-the-aquatic-weeds-on-the-westlake-wetland-detrimental-effects-and-management-options. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
ARCHIBALD, SALLY . "Investigating The Aquatic Weeds On The Westlake Wetland: Detrimental Effects And Management Options". Afribary, Afribary, 15 May. 2021. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/investigating-the-aquatic-weeds-on-the-westlake-wetland-detrimental-effects-and-management-options >.
ARCHIBALD, SALLY . "Investigating The Aquatic Weeds On The Westlake Wetland: Detrimental Effects And Management Options" Afribary (2021). Accessed April 26, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/investigating-the-aquatic-weeds-on-the-westlake-wetland-detrimental-effects-and-management-options