Greenhouse Culture of Submersed Aquatic Vegetation “Sod”

Abstract

Lake restoration projects can be challenging due to the limited availability of submersed native plant material, the difficulty of installing plants in an underwater environment, and the instability of many submersed sediments. Significant resources are expended to execute these types of projects, but success is often hindered because newly planted vegetation fails to anchor, establish, and expand from the transplant site. These roadblocks can be addressed by producing “sod” of submersed vegetation in the greenhouse. This technique starts with a small number of plants that are plugged into a biodegradable matrix and cultured in tanks for several months. The process culminates with well-rooted, densely vegetated mats that can be rolled up and transported to the restoration site. “Sod” produced in this manner is easily installed in the field and results in an instant population of submersed native vegetation that quickly establishes and expands from the transplant site.