Canada Goose Weed Dispersal and Nutrient Loading in Turfgrass Systems

Abstract

High populations of Canada geese (Branta canadensis L.) can lead to feces accumulation in areas adjacent to surface waters, creating concern about aquatic eutrophication. Further, turf managers and livestock farmers work to keep their facilities free of noxious or toxic weeds that geese potentially disperse. We investigated the prevalence of viable seeds and nitrogen and phosphorus content in resident Canada goose droppings. During spring, summer, and fall of 2008, we collected 127 fresh individual droppings which were placed in seedling trays within an irrigated greenhouse and allowed 30 days for weed seed to germinate. Trays were cold stratified for 30 days and returned to the greenhouse for an additional 30 days. Also, during summer and fall of 2007 and 2008, we tested 304 fecal samples from 8 sites for total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and total phosphorus (TP). Out of 127 droppings planted, 4 plants germinated (3.1%): Pennsylvania smartweed (Polygonum pennsylvanicum L.), annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.), and 2 Kyllinga spp. The average amounts of TKN and TP in fecal samples were 24.2 mg/g (range = 12.6 to 55.7) and 3.6 mg/g (range = 1.4 to 8.3) of dry matter, respectively. The results indicate that Canada geese in suburban and urban areas are not frequent vectors of viable seeds, but do have potential to contribute nutrients to adjacent surface waters.

Yield reductions in agricultural grasslands in Norway after springtime grazing by pink‐footed geese

“…By reducing the biomass of the sown plants, there is more space and light for weeds to establish (Frankow-Lindberg 2012). It has also been reported that goose droppings may bring in additional weed seeds (Ayers et al 2010). These findings support the farmers' experience that goose grazing repeated over multiple years speeds up the grassland deterioration.…”

Case study on the efficacy of a lanthanum-enriched clay (Phoslock®) in controlling eutrophication in Lake Het Groene Eiland (The Netherlands)

“…Faeces analysis revealed mean PO 4 -P concentrations of 2 mg g -1 dry feces, which is in agreement with the literature data on geese droppings (Van Geest et al, 2007;Ayers et al, 2010). Assuming that a Canada goose daily produces 80 g dry weight of droppings (Scherer et al, 1995), then on average, daily more than 4 kg of droppings are produced around the lake.…”

Reduced dairy grassland yields in Central Norway after a single springtime grazing event by pink‐footed geese

“…By reducing the biomass of the sown plants, and even removing some plants (timothy) entirely by pulling up the haplocorms and roots (reported by farmers; E. Eythórsson, unpublished data), there is more space for weeds to establish. Geese may also bring in additional weed seeds with their droppings (Ayers et al ., ), especially because they also forage on remaining stubble fields from the previous autumn, which are rich in weeds. Indeed, repeated goose‐grazing events during the early growing season (i.e.…”