What’s up, grass spectators? I missed you!
It’s been two weeks since a grass update and I’m sure you’re all on the edge of your seats. “Oh god, no grass update? How will I LIVE?” I am sure you asked, fist in the air, cursing god. Fear not, because I’m back and ready to bring some underwater gardening into your life.
Our grasses are growing faster than ever – it seems that while it took a few weeks to really see some growth going on, they’re now on a crazy growth spurt. All the blades are about a foot long and they’re waving and swimming and having a pretty good time, it seems. While the equipment’s gotten kind of funky, which is normal, algae growth has pretty much stopped as I’ve noted in previous updates. I consulted with our Chesapeake Bay Foundation friends Blair Blanchette and Kenny Fletcher to see why that might be.
According to Fletcher, the communications manager for the CBF, it may be due to a variety of factors: every tub is a unique environment. Staff scientists at the CBF noted that what may be happening is “as grasses reach strong growth periods they may outcompete algae for nutrients.” Nice – I knew I raised these guys to be fighters.
“In the wild, algal blooms can block sunlight, killing underwater grasses,” said Fletcher. “Grasses, on the other hand, add oxygen to the water and absorb nutrient pollution that can lead to algal blooms. So it’s possible that you’ve seen that play out on a smaller scale in your grasses tub.”
This is what it’s all about, folks. While we can’t say for certain, this could be evidence of how beneficial these grasses will be once out in the wild, and we were able to replicate this on a smaller scale. Imagine what everyone’s indoor grasses will do together once in the bay – a reminder that 198 kits were distributed during last year’s Grasses for the Masses http://www.cbf.org/how-we-save-the-bay/programs-initiatives/virginia/grasses-for-the-masses
Can’t wait to join forces with all the growers next month!!
Until next time!
