Influence of Sediment and Groundwater on the Distribution and Biomass of <i>Myriophyllum spicatum</i> L. in Devil's Lake, Wisconsin

Abstract

ABSTRACT Influences of physical and chemical characteristics of sediments and of groundwater inputs on the distribution and biomass of Eurasian milfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum L., were studied in Devil's Lake, Wisconsin. Sediment cores from inside and outside M. spicatum beds were analyzed for density, particle size composition, and moisture, organic, elemental, and nutrient contents. Groundwater direction, volume, and nutrient concentration were determined using seepage meters. Whereas sediment composition appears to be inadequate to support dense growth of macrophytes, localized groundwater inputs may be important in regulating the distribution and biomass of M. spicatum in Devil's Lake.