Weed and Algae Identification and Control Methods

Weed and Algae Identification:

The first challenge in the effective control of aquatic weed or algae is in identifying what weed or algae it is that is causing the problems.

1. Free floating with no roots imbedded in the bottom sediment. These plants or weeds float on the waters surface, where they derive nutrients directly from the water or via a root system that is free floating.
2. Free floating with roots imbedded in the bottom sediment. These plants or weeds have leaves that float on the waters surface and their roots are firmly anchored to the bottom sediment of the waterway.

Emergent Aquatic Plants or Weeds - These aquatic plants and weeds grow in shallow areas of lakes, ponds, rivers and in dams. These plants survive submerged or in a, water saturated soil. These plants are not reliant on being submerged in water and often grow on the edges of waterway and extend into the pond, lake or dam.

ALGAE IDENTIFICATION:

There are two basic groups of aquatic algae:

Filamentous Algae - This type of algae begins its life growing on the bottom of the waterway and as they grow, they produce oxygen which gives them buoyancy and then makes them elevate to the waters surface. This form of algae grows together as fibron threads and is often slimy and cotton wool like in appearance and texture.

Planktonic Algae - Grows close to the surface of the water and are microscopic plants. These can often give off an odour and be toxic to humans, livestock, flora and fauna.

Step 2

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

The second challenge is identifying the environmental factors that are contributing to the promotion of aquatic plant, weed or algae's unwanted growth levels.

Addressing the source of pollution problems including rubbish, organic waste and water quality (all of which could be adding nutrients to the water and promoting weed and algae growth) can significantly reduce growth levels.

Step 3

METHODS OF CONTROL:

Thirdly there is the determination of the correct method of control for the aquatic problem. Any one or a combination of several methods can be used to control unwanted aquatic plants, weeds and algae.

There are three main methods of controlling aquatic plants, weeds and algae:

Mechanical removal to control - This method is preferred by Aquatic Site Maintenance as the approach to solving most aquatic plant, weed and algae problems. The mechanical removal to control involves the use of specialised cutting, collecting and removal equipment including the use of custom designed boats. Mechanical controls can deliver instant results without significantly impacting on the aquatic environment by targeting the problem areas leaving desirable aquatic plants and water life untouched.

Chemical Control - Is where herbicides are used to kill or inhibit growth rates of aquatic plants or weeds. Herbicides can be sprayed directly onto aquatic plants and weeds or can be added directly to the water. Chemical control can often work extremely fast in removing the problem aquatic plants or weeds, however herbicides can also kill other aquatic plants and water life. Where the water environment is in contact with humans, live stock, is used for irrigation and there is aquatic flora and fauna to protect, other methods should be considered first.

Biological Control - Could include the introduction of fish, aquatic snails and other aquatic life that feed on problem aquatic plants or weed, or conversely the introduction of other desirable aquatic plants that directly compete with the problem aquatic plants for oxygen, sunlight or nutrients. This method is a desirable long term solution where it is able to be used.

Step 4

THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MANAGEMENT PLAN:

Finally is the development of an efficient aquatic maintenance program for the effective management of your aquatic problems.

GETTING THE RIGHT ADVICE:

Aquatic Site Maintenance is Australia's leading provider in the mechanical removal of nuisance aquatic plants and provides advice, contracting services, consulting services and the manufacture and sales of aquatic plant removal equipment and boats.

Aquatic Site Maintenance believes in environmental issues and uses best practice to control problem aquatic plants and weeds.