The use of chemicals to control unwanted plant growth in ponds, lakes,
and ditches has increased rapidly as more demands are made on these aquatic
resources. This has also caused much confusion regarding what chemicals
may be safely used in water. The proper choice of chemical for nuisance
vegetation control is extremely important. There are basically two groups
of aquatic vegetation: vascular plants and algae. Within these groups
there are several general types.
| VASCULAR PLANTS: plants having stems and leaves |
| 1. |
Emergent - plants growing in or near the water with a large
portion of the plant exposed above the water level such as cattails,
rushes, spatterdock, and water willow. |
| 2. |
Submersed - plants growing attached to the bottom soil and growing
within the water column, often completely to the surface, such
as elodea, curlyleaf pondweed, naiads, coontail, and milfoil. |
| 3. |
Floating - plants which are either free floating, such as duckweed
and watermeal, or plants which are rooted in the bottom and produce
leaves which float on the surface, such as water lilies and watershield. |
| |
| ALGAE: plants without true leaves and stems, many are microscopic |
| 1. |
Chara and Nitella - specialized algae which grows attached to
the bottom soil, extends into the water column and very closely
resembles several vascular plants. |
| 2. |
Filamentous Algae - probably the most common aquatic nuisance
plant. Growth is highly variable ranging from very slick and slimy
to coarse horsehair texture. Forms floating mats. |
| 3. |
Planktonic Algae - single plants are mostly microscopic in size;
however, due to high numbers present, they give the water a color
(brown to green) and in very nutrient rich waters often “bloom”
producing excessive growth and soupy green water. The blue-green
algae group produces strong odors and some species also release
toxins which have resulted in illness and death to livestock. |
| |
| Within these general categories, there are many distinct kinds;
or species of plants. Experience has shown that many factors affect
the results of treatment programs including chemical choice, dosage
rate, application method, timing, weather conditions, extent of coverage,
water movement, etc. Some factors are beyond our control but must
be considered in planning. The primary steps in planning an aquatic
weed control program: |
| 1. |
Use of water - check this against precaution statements for
chemical. |
| 2. |
Proper identification of nuisance vegetation. (Guessing can
be costly.) |
| 3. |
Proper dosage of chemical - varies with plant type and species.
Rates are generally given by surface acre (43,560 sq. ft.) or
acre foot (surface acres X average depth of water). |
| 4. |
Time of application - most aquatic herbicides can be used effectively
any time throughout the growing season with proper adjustments
and precautions. Early season treatments when plants are actively
growing are generally most effective and efficient. |
We stock only registered aquatic chemicals and the popular non-toxic vegetation
control alternatives: Aquashade, Beachcomber rake, and
the Aqua Weed Cutter. Registered fish toxicants are in stock if your needs
are for partial or total fish eradication. Application equipment is also
stocked for your own lake management program. These items are presented
in several categories with a brief explanation of uses and precautions for
chemicals, to help you choose the correct equipment and materials. If you
need assistance we provide identification and program recommendations for
aquatic vegetation. We also provide on site professional consultation, and
complete contract programs to provide you with a complete job, at a reasonable
cost; click here to request more information via email,
or you can download our Do-It-Yourself Treatment Program PDF and send in your request using traditional mail.
Aquatic Control offers special discounts to large volume purchasers
such as dealers, licensed applicators, lake associations, and fish farmers.
Call or write for quotations on large volumes of chemicals or equipment.
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