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- Cost Effective Herbicide Applications Methods in Water Delivery Systems
Cost Effective Herbicide Applications Methods in Water Delivery Systems
Project ID: 752
Principal Investigator: David Sisneros
Research Topic: Invasive Species
Funded Fiscal Years:
2004,
2005 and
2006
Keywords: None
Research Question
Aquatic site weeds, algae, and other organisms in water systems produce large amounts of biomass which obstruct water flow and prevent access for maintenance, and negatively affect system operations. Managers wish to know:
* How can herbicides be made compatible with the Clean Water Act in irrigation systems?
* Can methods to deliver low rates of herbicides be developed which effectively control weeds in irrigation canal?
* How can we apply low herbicide rates effectively to fluctuating water flows?
* What are optimal rates and herbicides needed for _Salvinia molesta_ and other invasive aquatic weeds in irrigation systems in the Western United States?
Need and Benefit
Invasive aquatic site weeds, algae, and other organisms in Reclamation water systems produce large amounts of biomass which: obstruct water flow, prevent access for maintenance, cause structural damage, provide habitat for insects that carry disease and otherwise negatively affect system operations. With the prospects of increased urbanization, introductions of new invasive species, drought in the Western United States to potentially continue; aquatic weeds/algae problems will continue to impact water delivery systems in the Western United States. It is important to reduce these aquatic site pest in irrigation canals and reservoir systems which can lead to increase evapo-transpiration (ET) and eutrophication resulting in reduced flow capabilites; poor water quality; and decreasing water supplies that could be used for irrigation, power production, potable, industrial, and municipal uses. The purpose of this Science and Technology (S&T) Program research project is to implement Integrated Pest Management techniques incorporating chemical, cultural, mechanical and biological elements with the goals to improved operational efficiency and reduced flow restrictions for agricultural and power requirements.
Contributing Partners
Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.
Research Products
Bureau of Reclamation Review
The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.
Chemical Metering and Control System (final, PDF, 491KB)
By David Sisneros
Publication completed on September 30, 2006
