2. Aquatic Plant Management
By Tadd Barrow, UNL Extension Educator
Aquatic plant growth in and around ponds plays an important role in providing quality habitat for fish and wildlife, increasing aesthetic and recreational benefits. However, dense plant and algae growth (over 25% of the surface area) can interfere with swimming, boating, aesthetics and fishing. Removal and/or management of some plant species may be necessary to maintain the overall objectives each acreage owner has for the pond.
Selecting the best treatment, or combination of treatments depends on the species of water plant, the extent of the problem, economic considerations, and pond uses. The first step is to be certain your pond has an aquatic plant problem. Some plant growth is natural, temporary and does not require treatment. As a general rule of thumb if the growth is more than 25% of the surface area, then treatment may be necessary. The next step is proper identification and understanding the plant species to be treated. Many plant varieties readily grow in Nebraska ponds, and it is not uncommon to have a combination of the following in your pond; Algae, duckweed, floating, submersed and emergent plants. For the most effective control, each plant type requires a different treatment, making proper identification critical. For a free of charge identification of aquatic plants and algae contact the University of Nebraska’s Water Quality Extension program (info below).
Once an aquatic plant(s) has been deemed a nuisance there are some effective and commonly used removal techniques available to the do-it-yourselfer. Harvesting methods, such as hand pulling and cutting, are the most economical and can be very effective plant management techniques for smaller acreage ponds. Harvesting efforts can be undertaken at anytime throughout the growing season, however the success of harvesting depends on the immediate and complete removal of all cut plants. Partial removal of the cut plants can increase the problem, since each plant fragment within the pond has the potential to form a new plant. Harvesting, is considered a short term solution, as plant growth will continue to come back throughout the growing season
Many acreage owners rely on herbicide applications for pond management. Although a more expensive treatment option herbicides, are relatively easy to use and in some cases the only practical method of control. Timing is important when using herbicides. It is best to treat in the spring season, along with the first signs of plant growth, when plants are actively growing and fewer weeds are present to decompose and cause oxygen depletion. Once aquatic weeds become well established, in the summer months, control can still be successful however much more effort is required to try and avoid oxygen depletion. Most fish kills that occur after a herbicide treatment are not from the chemical itself but rather as a result of suffocation due to the overabundance of decomposing plant biomass that utilizes oxygen. It is important to read and understand label directions prior to any herbicide application. Some herbicides require restrictions from drinking, livestock watering, swimming, fish consumption and irrigation for a period of time until the active ingredient in the chemical has reached a safe level. Most chemicals are short lived (7 days or less) while others contain much longer restrictions of (30 days or more). Not properly following manufacturers label directions can lead to fish kills and damage aquatic life.
Many states require permits to apply aquatic herbicides, currently in Nebraska permitting is only required if you are working with a restricted use product. One example of a restricted use product is; Magnacide H an herbicide commonly used in irrigation canals. For acreage pond applications most products available over the counter are NOT designated as restricted use and can be applied by the acreage owner. However, caution must be taken to apply the right herbicide at the correct time, at the correct rate, and in accordance with label instructions.
The length of control with herbicides depends upon the product used, clarity of the water and the type of plant targeted. Most products do not provide any residual control, and thus chemical treatment must be completed each year control is desired. Herbicides are classified as either systemic or contact. Systemic products are absorbed by the plants, move throughout the plant and kill the plant from the roots up. A full kill with Systemic herbicides generally takes 5-10 weeks, however the results are longer lasting, many times only one treatment per season is required. Contact herbicides kill only the portion of the plant they come in contact with. Contact herbicides show visible results within days and a full kill in 1-2 weeks. However, multiple treatments may be required throughout the season.
Proper pond design, following best management practices such as limiting nutrients and sediments from entering the pond are the best methods of ensuring pond plants do not become a nuisance and limit the ponds intended uses. If you have any questions regarding the type of plant in your pond, timing of application, product selection, product availability in Nebraska or any other water quality related questions, contact:
Water Quality Extension Program
University of Nebraska
c/o Tadd Barrow
Extension Educator
516 Hardin Hall
Lincoln, NE 68583
402-472-7783
tbarrow2@unl.edu
|
3. Controlling Pond Algae
By Tadd Barrow, UNL Extension Educator and John Holz, UNL Natural Resources
Algae are microscopic free floating plants which comprise a critical component of a ponds food web. Algae color the water green or brown and uncontrolled growth can lead to nuisance surface scums, poor water quality, noxious odors and an overall reduction in the ponds recreational, and aesthetic value. Excessive levels of algae occur when nutrients, especially phosphorus, are abundant. After taking steps to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering a pond, it may be desireable to control the algae growth directly. Typically this is accomplished by treating the lake with copper containing herbicides. These treatments are effective short term controls of algae, but they are also toxic to non-target organisms that are important food sources for fish.
Barley straw has been used with varying success in ponds throughout the United States and England as a method of controlling algae. As the straw decomposes in the pond, it releases a chemical which inhibits algal growth. Although years of research and anecdotal evidence have revealed that barley straw has varying effects upon algae control, the fact that it is a relatively cost effective and an environmentally acceptable way to control algae in ponds makes it a technique worth considering in acreage ponds.
Barley straws effectiveness is dependant upon complete decomposition and a release of the growth inhibiting chemical. When water temperatures are below 50ºF, it takes approximately 6-8 weeks for the straw to produce enough growth inhibiting chemical to effectively control the algae. However, it only takes 1-2 weeks when water temperatures are above 68ºF. Once the straw produces sufficient amounts of the chemical, it is likely to control algae for about 4-6 months. Therefore, straw should be applied in mid-late April in order to control summer growth in Nebraska acreage ponds.
The amount of straw required to control algal growth depends on the surface area of the pond. The recommended rate for ponds with a history of algae problems is 225 lbs of barley straw per acre. This rate is equivalent to about 0.8 ounces of straw per 10 square feet of surface area. Lower doses can be tried, but should not fall below 90 pounds of straw per acre or 0.3 pounds per 10 square feet.
The effectiveness of the straw is reduced by the sediments suspended in the water (i.e. “muddy” water). In these lakes apply 450 pounds per acre (3.3 ounces per 10 square feet). The decomposition of straw requires oxygen and applying excessive amounts (greater than 900 lbs per acre) of straw could reduce oxygen content of the water to levels that stress or kill fish.
Example: Determining the amount of straw required to treat a ½ acre pond.
- The surface area is ½ acre.
- The selected dose rate is 225 pounds of straw per acre.
- Multiply the area of the pond (in acres) by the amount of straw required per acre to calculate the total amount of straw required to treat the pond-
(1/2 acre x 225 lbs/acre = 112 lbs of barley straw).
- To calculate the number of bales needed to treat the pond, divide the total amount of straw required to treat the whole pond by the weight of a single bale of barley straw. For this example assume one bale weighs 45 pounds. So, 112 lbs needed ÷ 45 lbs./bale = 2.5 bales)
For the barley straw to be effective the bales must be broken apart. Bales packed too tightly do not allow adequate water movement through the straw, inhibiting straw decomposition and chemical release. The loose straw should then be placed in some form of netting or loose woven sack (i.e. onion sacks). Then use floats to suspend the straw filled netting in the upper 3 to 4 feet of the pond. The straw loses its effectiveness if it sinks below this depth.
Water movement near the surface will keep the straw well oxygenated and distribute the growth inhibiting chemical throughout the upper portion of the pond. This ensures that the chemical is produced where the majority of the algae are growing and away from the bottom sediments which will inactivate the chemical. Therefore, it is recommended that floats be inserted inside the netting at the same time the netting is filled with straw. The netting is then anchored into place using rope attached to bricks or concrete filled buckets.
In order to improve the distribution of the growth inhibiting chemical, it is recommended that nets be placed equidistant from other nearby nets and the shore. The placement of the nets does not need to be exact and practical considerations must be considered. On small ponds where only one net of straw is required, place the net in the middle of the pond.
In Nebraska Barley straw can be readily obtained from:
The University of Nebraska Ag Research and Development Center, near Mead, NE
Lannie Wit
624-8087 (turf shop)
402-540-9241 (cell)
$10.00 per bale and some 1/2 size bales are available for $5.00 each.
|
Tim and Kris Cada
Clarkson , NE
402-892-3138
$10.00 per bale |
Dale Fattig
Brady , NE
308-584-3451
www.fattigfish.com
$20 per bale |
For further information on barley straw contact
UNL Extension Water Quality Program
c/o Tadd Barrow
Extension Educator
516 Hardin Hall
Lincoln, NE 68583
(402) 472-7783
tbarrow2@unl.edu
|
4. Nebraska Pond Management Book Now Available
By Tadd Barrow, UNL Extension Educator
Do you have questions about how to build a fishing pond or how to manage an existing one? The long awaited Nebraska Pond Management handbook is now available. It was developed to provide information that pond owners can use to manage existing ponds or construct new ones.
Ponds need to have good water quality, favorable habitat, and proper management in order to develop balanced fish populations that will achieve desired angling results. The handbook contains 96 pages and consists of 5 chapters that provide information on pond construction, environmental modifications (both terrestrial and aquatic), stocking, management, and how to correct or even prevent potential maintenance problems.
The handbook is available online from Nebraska Game and Parks, at http://OutdoorNebraska.com. Click on 'Fishing', then on 'Nebraska Pond Management Handbook'.
If you still questions after reading the handbook, contact a fisheries biologist at the nearest Nebraska Game and Parks Commission district office, or the Commission’s Private Waters Specialist in Lincoln (402-471-5435).
Jeff Blaser
Private Waters Specialist
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
District 5 - Lincoln
|
5. Cost of Pumping Water for Domestic and Acreage Needs
By Tom Dorn, UNL Extension Educator
We occasionally are asked by rural residents, “How much does it cost to pump water with our domestic well?” I will show the calculations necessary to compute the electricity consumption. Note: This discussion is for electricity cost only and does not include an estimate of depreciation and repairs resulting from use of the pumping equipment.
The horsepower and therefore the electricity required to pump water depends on four factors:
- The distance the water must be lifted from the pumping water level in the well to the soil surface. (Lift component)
- The pressure in the distribution system. (Pressure component).
- The volume of water pumped per minute, gallons per minute (GPM)
- The efficiency of the pump and motor.
Note: The lift component and the pressure component combine to make up the total "head" the pump is working against. Head is expressed in feet. Each PSI of system pressure the pump must produce is equivalent to lifting water an extra 2.31 feet.
- Total head (ft) = lift (ft) + PSI x 2.31 ft/PSI
Lets look at the example of a domestic well pumping 10 gallons per minute while lifting water from 125 feet pumping depth, and producing 45 PSI pressure in the distribution system.
Water Horsepower (the useful work imparted to the water) is computed as follows:
- Water Horsepower (WHP) = GPM x Total Head (ft) / 3960
- WHP = 10 GPM x (125 ft + 45 x 2.31) /3960
- WHP = 10 x (125 + 289 ) / 3960
- WHP = 10 x 414 / 3960
- WHP = 1.05
If we assume the pump is 75% efficient, the motor driving the pump must produce 1.05/0.75 = 1.4 horsepower to drive the pump. Assuming the single phase (220 volt) motor is 70% efficient, the pump motor consumes 1.07 kWh of electricity for each horsepower-hour. Therefore, we would expect this pump to use 1.07 kWh/hp x 1.4hp = 1.5 kW-h for each hour of operation.
- A family of four will use about 250 gallons of water per day (91,250 gallons per year) for domestic uses.
- This pump would have to run 9,125 minutes or 152 hours a year to supply domestic uses. Total annual electrical use for domestic use is 152 hours x 1.5 kWh/hour = 228 kWh. At $0.09 per kWh the cost for pumping water for the household would be $20.52.
- If the family also irrigates a 10,000 square foot (0.23 acre) lawn an average of 0.75 inch per week from May 1 through September 30, add 102,750 gallons for the lawn, making the total water used on the acreage 194,000 gallons per year. The electrical cost would be 323 hours x 1.5 kWh/hour = 485 kWh x $0.09 per kWh = $43.65.
One of the questions I get on occasion concerns what a landowner should charge for pumping drinking water for cattle on pasture.
- In the summer months, cows nursing a calf require about 22 gallons of water per day. Each cow therefore will drink about 22 x 31 = 680 gallons of water per month.
- The pump described above would need to run 68 minutes = 1.13 hours per month to pump the water needs of each nursing cow. The electricity usage therefore would be 1.74 kWh x 1.13 hours = 2 kWh per nursing cow per month. At $0.09 per kWh the electricity cost would be about $0.18 per month.
|
6. Windmills, Wells & Water Quality
By David Shelton, UNL Extension Agricultural Engineer and Sharon Skipton, UNL Extension Educator
Is that old windmill contaminating your drinking water?
Probably not. However, the well below the windmill tower may be. Often, these wells are deteriorating and no longer used, but the well shaft is still a direct connection from the ground surface to the underlying aquifer. This can allow surface runoff to flow directly down to the water-bearing zones, often carrying organic wastes, fertilizers, and other chemical residues such as pesticides and petroleum products into the groundwater. Small animals can fall into these wells, further adding to the contamination. Contaminants that enter an old, out-of-service well are likely to migrate to in-service water supplies such as a new well on the property. Once groundwater is contaminated, it is difficult, if not impossible, to clean up, and the process is always expensive.
Unused wells, especially those that are old and/or in disrepair, or that do not meet current standards as an inactive well, pose a major threat to groundwater quality and represent a serious threat to human health and safety. State law refers to these as "illegal" wells.
There are thousands of these wells in the state, many on acreages and in other rural areas. Often, when an old farmstead is sold off as an acreage, the new owner has a new well drilled, but neglects to properly decommission the old well or wells on the property.
While a windmill tower can be a sure sign, wells can be present at many other locations too. Acreage owners should carefully observe their property for any signs that a well may exist. Some signs include: concrete pads where the legs of a windmill tower once stood; depressions where an old well pit or the walls of a dug well may have collapsed; an old stock tank in an over-grown area; a small area that is fenced off, especially if there are also pipes sticking out of the ground; flat stones, a concrete slab, old boards, metal sheets, or other items that could be covering an old well shaft; and many others. Sometimes there are no signs. For example, a landowner recently discovered a 36-inch diameter, 50-foot deep dug well when the front wheel of his tractor dropped into it. He had no idea that this well was there, despite having grown up on that farm.
Nebraska regulations require that illegal wells be decommissioned by a licensed Nebraska Well Contractor following the requirements of Nebraska Health and Human Services System Title 178, Water Well Standards and Contractor's Licensing Act, Chapter 12, "Regulations Governing Water Well Construction, Pump Installation and Water Well Decommissioning Standards".
The decommissioning process includes removal of well equipment (pump, piping, etc), disinfection, sealing, filling, capping, and reporting. The cost of decommissioning a well depends on several factors including accessibility, construction technique and materials, diameter, depth, and condition. Generally this is not particularly expensive. For example, in conjunction with a special water quality educational program, 14 out-of-service domestic and livestock wells in one watershed were recently decommissioned at an average cost of $313 per well.
Because of the importance of protecting water quality, nearly every Natural Resources District (NRD) offers an attractive incentive to assist well owners with the cost of decommissioning. Payment rates vary by NRD, but typically these programs will pay for 60 to 75% of the costs. Thus, out-of-pocket expense to the well owner will often be on the order of $100 or less - a small price to pay to help assure that water quality and human safety are protected.
To apply for well decommissioning cost-share assistance, well owners must first contact the appropriate NRD for an information and application packet that gives program guidelines, forms, and instructions. No cost-share payments can be made unless all procedures are followed.
If there is an unused well on your property, contact the NRD office today to begin the decommissioning process. It's okay to keep the windmill for decoration, but have the well properly sealed and do your part to protect groundwater quality and human health and safety.
David P. Shelton
Extension Agricultural Engineer
University of Nebraska
Haskell Agricultural Laboratory
Concord, NE 68728-2828
(402) 584-3849
dshelton2@unl.edu
|
Sharon Skipton
Extension Educator
105A Mussehl Hall
University of Nebraska
Lincoln, NE 68583-0714
(402) 472-3662
sskipton1@unl.edu |
|
7. Appliance Efficiency and Maintenance Can Help Conserve Water
By Sharon Skipton, UNL Extension Educator
Around the house, minor adjustments can go a long way in conserving water and saving money. Start by fixing leaks and dripping faucets.
About one-fifth of toilets leak. To test a toilet for leaks, put a few drops of food dye in the tank. If color appears in the bowl after 15 minutes, the toilet has a leak that should be repaired. Usually, this means the toilet flapper needs to be replaced or the water level readjusted.
Look for leaky faucets. Often, they require inexpensive and simple repairs such as changing washers or O-rings.
While they can be expensive, consider replacing old appliances or fixtures with water-reducing equipment if possible.
- Newer toilets use 1.6 gallons or less per flush instead of the 8 gallons per flush that toilets installed before 1993 might use.
- Shower heads made after 1994 use less than 2.5 gallons of water per minute, as compared with older shower heads that use up to 8 gallons per minute.
- Faucet aerators restrict water flow while adding air to make the flow appear the same.
- Some newer laundry machines use about one-third as much water as less efficient older models.
- On-demand water softeners use less water than traditional ones because they respond to actual water use and water hardness rather than a timed schedule for regeneration.
|
8. Adults, Youth Can Enter 2007 Master Conservationist Program
By Richard Fleming, UNL-IANR Master Conservationist Coordinator
Nebraska adults and youth in both rural and urban areas who have implemented soil and water conservation practices are eligible to enter the 2007 Master Conservationist Recognition program. The deadline for entries is April 1, 2007.
There are categories for youth groups and individuals, residences, communities and private businesses as well as production agriculture (farming and ranching). Master Conservationist program brochures are available at the local Extension office.
Outstanding production agriculture entries in farming and ranching are selected each year from
entries in five Master Conservationist district areas across Nebraska. The districts are outlined on a map in the program brochure.
Residential entries, ranging from a home yard to an acreage, compete in a statewide category.
Community categories for youth age 19 or younger include a group award and an individual award. An adult sponsor/advisor is required in both youth categories.
Community-private entries involve programs carried out by an individual business. Community-public entries include those carried out cooperatively by a combination of groups, public agencies or businesses. Entries in these two categories compete on a statewide basis.
All entries are judged by representatives of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), Natural Resources Districts and the Nebraska state office of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The Master Conservationist program is sponsored by the Omaha World-Herald and the UNL Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Recognition plaques will be presented at the annual NARD banquet Sept. 24, 2007 in the Kearney Holiday Inn.
|
9. UNL Soil Fertility Web Site
By Charles Shapiro, UNL Soil Scientist
Need information on soil fertility or testing?
Visit UNL Soil Fertility online and click on 'Soil, Manure and Plant Analysis'. At the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Soil and Plant Analysis Laboratory (SPAL), you can print off submittal forms for soil and water sample analysis, and check the current prices for testing.
UNL Soil Fertility, http://soilfertility.unl.edu
|
|
|
|
