Benefit of Duckweed Floating

Duckweed can often be found floating on still water.

If you live anywhere near a lake, pond or wetland it's likely you've seen duckweed growing on the surface. Although almost exclusively thought of as nuisance vegetation, duckweed offers several important benefits to wildlife and humans alike.

Characteristics

Duckweed is among the smallest and most common flowering plants on the planet. According to the University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, there is a 99% probability that duckweed will propagate in any given wetland.

Habitat

Many freshwater game fish refuge in the shade provided by duckweed, especially in tropical climates where water temperatures reach the high 80s.

Noxious Submersed Weeds

Since duckweed reproduces quickly and forms expansive populations, they allow little sunlight to penetrate the water column and reach the bottom of the pond. Exotic nuisance submersed weeds like hydrilla and Eurasian watermilfoil are less likely to grow in a low light environment such as this.

Waste-water Treatment

Duckweed can be used to reduce the nutrient load in a body of water. Because it so readily takes up phosphorus and nitrogen, duckweed essentially converts waste-water into usable biomass.

Food Source

Hen diets are often supplemented with calcium-rich duckweed.

Duckweed is rich in protein and vitamins and makes an excellent supplement to livestock feed. Duckweed contains high levels of calcium and is especially beneficial in helping laying hens produce quality eggs.

References

• Ohio State University: Duckweed and Watermeal: Prevention and Control
• University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: Giant Duckweed
• Bio-Tech Waste Management: Commercial Benefits