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Ponds found to take up carbon like world's oceans AMES, Iowa -- Research led by Iowa State University limnologist, or lake scientist, John Downing finds that ponds around the globe could absorb as much carbon as the world's oceans.

Professor Downing found that constructed ponds and lakes on farmland in the United States bury carbon at a much higher rate than expected; as much as 20-50 times the rate at which trees trap carbon. In addition, ponds were found to take up carbon at a higher rate than larger lakes.

"Aquatic ecosystems play a disproportionately large role in the global carbon budget," Downing said. "Despite being overlooked in the past, it's small bodies of water that are important because they take up carbon at a high rate and there are more of them than previously thought. The combined effect is that farm ponds could be burying as much carbon as the world's oceans, each year."

Ponds capture carbon in two main ways:

•Algae and plants take carbon dioxide out of the air as they grow and the carbon remains in the pond when the plants die.
•Water run-off brings in carbon from surrounding farmland soil. The research estimated there are 304 million natural lakes and ponds in the world, covering an area of 4.2 million square kilometers, twice the area previously thought. As many as 90 percent of these water bodies are one hectare (two acres) or less in area.

Downing's research team published its most recent findings in the Feb. 15 issue of the journal Global Biogeochemical Cycles in a paper titled, "Sediment organic carbon burial in agriculturally eutrophic impoundments over the last century." The team included members from Europe, the United States and Canada. The work was sponsored by the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Downing has presented invited seminars on this research to the International Society of Limnology, the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography, and at several major research institutions in North America and Europe. Most recently, he was invited to discuss his research by the Pond Conservation, a charity in the United Kingdom dedicated to creating and protecting ponds and the wildlife they support. He spoke today at University College London. An upcoming presentation is scheduled for the annual meeting of the European Pond Conservation Network in Valencia, Spain.

Jeremy Biggs, Pond Conservation director of policy and research, said the research has exciting implications. "It may be that ponds will be the modern equivalent of the swamps that formed coal in the past. But before we all rush into making ponds to trap carbon we need to do some basic research here in the UK. If the rate of carbon uptake in ponds in Europe is the same as that found in the USA study, we may well have discovered an important new natural way of trapping carbon," he said.

Downing's ongoing research, partnering with the United States Geological Survey, and his contributions to the Iowa Lakes Survey will investigate the role of small Iowa lakes in the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide and other important gases such as methane.

Source

Just for giggles I went back through all the “messages from the president” that I have done to date. It seems I like Calvin and Hobbs because I have mentioned them more than any one else…it seems that Calvin rules RULE!

Next on my favorites list was/is Ponditat and Info-Tanza. Wonders will never cease! Then from there it was a free for all between marketing and inept manufacturers, well mostly marketing. Next was feel good stuff and pity pot stuff evenly divided.

That sums up the first 36 “Messages from”…so where do we go from here?

Let’s start this year off with a story from the local TV news, the station is channel 8 and it seems there is confusion about what this year should be called. Is this two thousand ten or twenty ten? For my money I will call it 2-10, zeros not a number but ten is, right? Is this it? A slow news day in Central America! Life should be so simple!

It seems I have put on some winter weight so my new mantra, “Thin in ten!

Ok! Enough silliness, let’s get down to brass tacks, what does this year hold in store? To quote Bullwinkle the moose as he looked into his crystal ball, “enie meanie jeanie beanie the spirits are about to speak” and they would break for a commercial.

So this is the commercial, what has membership in a pond organization done for you? What do you want it to do? If you want it to “Promote, Protect and Advance the waterscape industry” then IPPCA is worth the look because that’s what we do.

IPPCA is serious about this industry and to that end has developed relationships with the regulators on the federal level and on many local levels to help keep laws off the books that compromise the hobby of water gardens. IPPCA is involved with bio health issues of this industry like invasive plants or fish or infection issues that affect the hobby of fish keeping.

IPPCA developed the International Pond and Water Garden Society or IPaWGS. This relates to issues just for the pond and water garden enthusiasts, which includes lilies and water plants, backyard habitats. To that end, the home owner can become a certified backyard “Ponditat” because with pond stewardship also comes wildlife. Critters happen even if you don’t plan on them and water is a very important ingredient in maintaining life. So if you or Grandpa or auntie M has a pond that has critters and birds visit then ya’ll could qualify as a “Ponditat”.

Now back to the program….

Nice thing about being old is I was doing bad puns and somewhat skewed word usage before most of my critics were born. That and the fact I was watching paint dry before it was lead free. Journalism was my second major, my thought was learn the right way to do it, the proper way, and then have fun with it. No I’m no Stephen King. While in “school” I wrote a horoscope column for a local tabloid paper.

One day when things would not look good I might use the phrases, “as nervous as a barefoot blind man in a tack factory” or “don’t take your guns to town today, you just might shoot yourself in the foot”. To the purest this seemed a cavalier approach to astrology and horoscopes, to those critics I say pish-tosh!

That being said, that’s why I not Stephen King!

Most in the IPPCA are that way, if there is something not right it needs to be fixed. I had a friend explain it best, “My dad was a craftsman and he would spend time doing things right even if he didn’t or hadn’t done it in the first place”. Now mind you we weren’t well off and that may have been part of it, my dad spent time making things right.

I had a friend about 4 years ago that just up and quit doing water. I was shocked but He explained it this way,” We build ponds everyday and to us as pond builders we are the worst people to judge a waterfall or pond, because our 5 on a scale of 1 to 10 would be a 15 on the home owner scale.” He had a time study done that found as a landscaper his company spent 80% of its resources on 20% of the business. Not quite the way you want that 80/20 rule to work.

Even when we don’t have a temperate in Nebraska, it’s been single digits or below zero but there are still things to do with business. I am starting spring already in another six weeks cleaning starts so there are confirmations to get, product to order to get ready for the thaw.

In two ten that sound of metal you hear maybe TIN or Silver it depends on how you prepare for your season.

If you can live with it, it’s good.

Rocke Huntington
President

Register your PONDITAT™ today and receive the following valuable gifts:

•A ONE YEAR FREE membership in IPaWGS (A $30 value).
•POND CARE kit by American Pond™ ($75 value).
•An "Certified Wildlife Ponditat™ plaque. Perfect for outdoor mounting.
•A Monthly Pond Industry newsletter filled with valuable pond articles and maintenance tips.
•Access to unadvertised Manufacturer Pond Supply Discounts, close outs and monthly specials.
•Entry into the Ponditat™ of the Year photo contest.


The 10th annual Koi Health Seminar will be held

Seminar topics:

• Parasite identification and treatments


• Microscopic techniques


• Water quality and treatments


• Bacterial evaluation and management


• Culture and sensitivity


• Antibiotic classification and


• applications


• Viral evaluation and management


• Fecal exam and parasite management


• Surgical techniques


• Necropsy and sampling techniques


• Quarantine procedures


• Fall Ikeage

All course materials are included. Registration and information available online Register Here Early registration is suggested. For more information contact Vicki Vaughan at 706-247-6274 or vicki@flatrockkoi.com

I have been in the landscape industry for 16 years. The last 5 years I have been 'in charge' of our pond division. The pond side of the company is growing ever year. I do a few 'kit ponds' but mostly customized situations. From small 1,500 gph to 75,000 gph at a head of 30'. We also install custom pondless waterfalls. I design and calculate all of my ponds. From the bulkhead fittings to the total dynamic head. I also do alot of 'fixs' that other companys can not do or have caused themselves. I have put streams through walls and installed liners up to 40,000 sqft.

Nature's calling for eco-friendly water purification is clear- Great Lakes Bio Systems, Inc. manufactures a complete line of natural enzyme-based products designed to promote water clarity and sludge reduction for ponds, lakes, and water gardens. Our solutions assist pond builders and owners by leveraging the power of enzymes, bacteria, and trace minerals to accelerate Mother Nature's natural process of purifying water.

Achieve sparkling clear water without the use of harmful chemicals with Orb-3 Lake & Pond products. By removing organic pollutants that contribute to murky pond water, our non-bacterial enzymes begin breaking down excess organics immediately and stimulate the natural biota to consume unwanted compounds, like ammonia, faster. These ecologically-minded products are the result of decades of research and development with the end-result being a solution that is among the most concentrated in the industry, containing thousands of active and unique enzyme compounds.

Sensible and safe, the Orb-3 line offers 3 non-evasive applications for the treatment of varying-size water bodies, as well as the livelihood of plant and fish life.

Beneficial Bacteria: promote the natural digestion of leaves, grass clippings, and fish or duck waste in both aerobic and anaerobic backyard ponds

Non-Bacterial Enzymes: speed the breakdown of excess organic material and suspended solids in water gardened eco-systems Trace Minerals: support water garden immunity by naturally replenishing the micro-elements crucial to fish and aquatic plant wellness

Satisfy your need for alternative applications for the eco-conscious lake & pond owners as well as professional pond managers. Orb-3 Solutions improve an eco-systems ability to stay young - minimizing sludge buildup while keeping water sparkling clear. Contact Us to find out how our eco-friendly, enzyme solutions are making the industry "green with envy".

Great Lakes Bio Systems, Inc. Revolutionizing the Lake & Pond Industry, Naturally.

As your local Ace Hardware, our store is a member of the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. Ace Hardware began as a small chain of stores in 1924 and has grown to include more than 4,600 stores in 50 states and more than 70 countries.As part of a cooperative, every Ace Hardware store is independently owned. From neighborhood hardware stores to lumberyards to super-size home centers, each Ace Hardware is unique and tailored to meet the needs of its local community. We are all committed to being "the Helpful Place" by offering our customers knowledgeable advice, helpful service and quality products. As the helpful hardware folks in your community, we promise that, "helping you is the most important thing we have to do today."

Hours This week's hours:
Saturday 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Monday 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM

With the economy in a slump, some people will do things they normally would not do. Set an example for friends, family, business associates and strangers. Be the best you can be.
Some of the favorite quotes:


Today I received a phone call from a local turf and landscape company asking me to stop by their office and to bring my certification from firestone. I said sure I'd be by later. After arriving and talking for a few minutes I asked how did you get my information, and he said on the firestones website.

So you may ask, how did I arrive at getting my firestone certification. That's easy, I attended InfoTanza, an event put on every year by the IPPCA. I attended a class on Firestone liner. There I received valuable information on EPDM liner with hands on training from Bill Johnson on how to seam liner. I used to turn down jobs due to the lack of knowledge of seaming liner but now those days are over thanks to Bill Johnson, the InfoTanza and all my knowledgable friends I've meet thru the IPPCA.

I know this is just the first of many opportunites now for my business to grow. Once again THANK YOU!!!!


Xstream Aquatics
Larry Moore Jr.
216 Proud Clarion Way
Danville, KY 40422
859-329-9043

January is National Mail Order Gardening Month

Planning season for the upcoming year's success and accomplishments generally begins in January for gardeners, homeowners, and many outdoor workers and businesses. Planting season is preceded by planning season.

The lull in business following the winter holidays, coupled with cold days that make outdoor activities less inviting to many, tends to get folks into a mode of wishing and daydreaming and a perusing of the loads of catalogs that seem to flood our mailboxes early in the year. Indeed, sitting by the fire can lead to some very useful planning time.

Catalog merchants and mailorder and online vendors know that you want your advertising flyer or message in front of potential buyers especially December through February. Seed catalogs timed to fill mailboxes at this time when many have time on their hands are probably showing up at your place, and may be covering the desk or coffee table unless they've been put in the trashcan already.

I want to encourage anyone who has some need or desire to do more in the yard or garden next spring and summer to consider actually taking advantage of some of these catalogs. And, there are many to choose from!

The Mail Order Gardening Association has a website that lists lots of catalogs and links to gardening portals. But, here is a quick list I've put together that you might want to check out further:

American Meadows, Burpee's, Blue Stone Perennials, Forest Farm, Heirloom Acres Seeds, High Country Gardens, J.E. Miller Nurseries, Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, Pinetree Garden Seeds, Raintree Nursery, TyTy Nursery, and Wayside Gardens (who usually have the prettiest pictures even if not the best pricing).

Perhaps the oldest is D Landreth Seed in New Freedom, PA. They are celebrating 225 years. George Washington was a customer, as was Franklin Roosevelt. This venerable old garden seed company gave plant lessons to members of Lewis and Clark's party in the 1790's and they are today teaching a new generation of gardeners how to garden today with their informative catalogs. (Still free by the way. Go to Landrethseeds.com)

It's not only gardening, of course. Merchants of many types mail out millions of catalogs during the winter to those who have ordered before (and to many they hope to entice to order this time).

My own mailbox includes both retail, as well as wholesale and manufacturers, catalogs. The average homeowner may think they get lots of catalogs; but, I assure you, businesses and contractors find even greater quantities they have to decide if they keep or toss.

You may be able to buy common bulk garden seeds at a local hardware or country store more economically than what you'll find in catalogs. But, you have so many unusual choices you would never know about if you never gandered at a mail order catalog filled with pretty and infinitely varied choices.

I encourage gardeners and homeowners who are thinking about gardening for the first time during these difficult economic times to consider an order or two from these catalog stores, and then to file the catalog away for reference—and the occasional complaint if things don't go as anticipated. Most who have been in business for a long time have a track record which you could verify through the BBB or a number of online rating sites. Be careful as you would making any store purchase, but have fun trying something new via mail order. I started ordering seeds as a youngster in early elementary school when first class stamps were five or six cents.

With the rising costs of so many things, growing some veggies, flowers or shrubs from seeds or small plants might be fun and also enable you to trim the grocery bill. Even landscape shrubs can be ordered to come in a box to your door—so take a little daydream adventure and check out a catalog or two.

You may be surprised with what goodies you'll encounter and also find some joy in a cold day that is not good for being outdoors.

Your planning at this time of year will enable planting season to be much more productive and organized. Take advantage of Mail Order Gardening Month as a starting line to a profitable and productive new year.

The author is a landscaper specializing in waterfeatures. Contact Max at rockcastles.com or by phone (865) 360-6951. Ideas for future articles are welcomed, as are inquiries.

Notice: I invite you to take a look at my website www.rockcastles.com For that lovely waterfall, stream, pond, or stonework you've been dreaming about, give me a call!



Thank you!

Max Phelps
We are pleased to welcome Douglas W. Brown of Waterfalls and More to IPPCA.

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Discussion Topics:

Does your company accept credit cards? How much are you paying for every transaction? How much money is your company paying out each year for those transactions? Need your input on this one.

Does MAP pricing affect your business?



when...

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses .

6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.

11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )

12.. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.

13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.

15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list..

AND NOW YOU ARE LAUGHING AT YOURSELF