Why is aquatic weed control necessary?
Plants are natural and important components of the aquatic environment. Microscopic plants (algae) form the base of the aquatic food chain. Larger algae and plants provide habitat for fish and food organisms, and all plants produce oxygen as they photosynthesize during the daylight hours. However, excessive growths of these plants can have a detrimental effect on a body of water and its inhabitants. Many shallow, nutrient-rich ponds, lakes, and drainage ditches provide ideal conditions for abundant aquatic weed growth. Some of the problems caused by aquatic weeds are as follows: • Interfere with or prohibit recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating. • Detract from the aesthetic appeal of a body of water. • Stunt or interfere with a balanced fish population. • Fish kills due to removal of too much oxygen from the water. Oxygen depletion occurs when plants die and decompose. Photosynthetic production of oxygen ceases, and the bacteria, which break down the plant mate
