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Constructing Weighted Trailing Hoses for Submersed Aquatic Herbicide Applications1

William T. Haller, Lyn A. Gettys, and Margaret S. Glenn 2

Introduction

Currently, slow-acting enzyme-inhibiting aquatic herbicides (e.g., fluridone) are often applied as a whole-lake treatment. However, before these types of herbicides were available, many aquatic herbicide treatments were applied using the "bottom acre-foot method," which is using weighted trailing hoses to inject herbicides into the lower portions of the water column to control hydrilla and other submersed plants.

For example, consider a 7–10 feet deep lake that has been colonized by an early-season growth of 3–4 feet of hydrilla. Before the development of slow-acting systemic herbicides, contact herbicides such as diquat, copper, and endothall were used to control hydrilla. These herbicides were injected through hoses into the lowest portion of the water column. This targeted delivery of herbicide into the plant bed at the bottom of the lake (as opposed to the entire water column) resulted in less herbicide applied to the lake and reduced aquatic weed control costs (Figure 1). Although it is not entirely correct in the literal sense, the term "bottom acre-foot method" was used to describe this process of herbicide injection into the lower portion of the water column. This publication describes the benefits of using the "bottom acre-foot method" of applying herbicides with weighted trailing hoses and details the construction of the weighted trailing hose system used by the University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.

Figure 1. Bottom acre-foot treatment with weighted trailing hoses. This system delivers the herbicide directly into the weed bed for maximum efficiency and lower cost.
Figure 1.  Bottom acre-foot treatment with weighted trailing hoses. This system delivers the herbicide directly into the weed bed for maximum efficiency and lower cost.
Credit: Line illustration drawn by Lyn Gettys and colored by Josh Huey.

Advantages of Using the Bottom Acre-Foot Treatment

The main goal of the bottom acre-foot treatment is to position the herbicide where the weeds are growing. In other words, why treat the upper half of the water column when the weeds are only present in the lower half? This philosophy explains why granular versions of several products have been developed—to facilitate the placement of herbicides directly into targeted beds of weeds. The use of weighted hoses also allows contact herbicides to be placed below the thermocline, which is the area that separates the warm upper and cool lower "layers" of the water. Temperatures above the thermocline can get extremely warm, especially on hot, still, summer days, and herbicides applied on or just below the surface of the water don't mix with the cooler water below the thermocline. As a result, surface-applied herbicides only come into contact with the upper 1–2 feet of topped-out hydrilla and don't reach the lower portions of weeds. This allows regrowth to occur quickly from roots and crowns that have not been exposed to herbicides. Using weighted hoses allows applicators to ensure that contact herbicides are delivered to the lower portions of weeds below the thermocline; this system may be slightly more time-consuming than regular surface application, but provides much better, longer-term control of weeds.

If weeds are distributed throughout the water column—for example, if 8-feet tall weeds are present in 10-feet deep water—most contact herbicides (such as diquat at 370 ppb or endothall at 3 ppm) should be applied uniformly throughout the water column. Weighted hoses can readily be used for uniform application of herbicides or other substances throughout the entire water column of the lake to be treated (Figure 2). The research plots used by the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (CAIP) to test experimental aquatic herbicides are typically 8–10 feet deep ponds. We employ three hoses (one each of 4, 8, and 12 feet in length) attached to a single boom that is the same width as the boat (8 feet) to avoid damage to diving boards and docks.

Figure 2. Whole water column treatment with trailing weighted hoses of various lengths. This figure shows herbicide discharging from the ends of the hoses, but it is actually released approximately 18 inches above the ends of the hoses (see text).
Figure 2.  Whole water column treatment with trailing weighted hoses of various lengths. This figure shows herbicide discharging from the ends of the hoses, but it is actually released approximately 18 inches above the ends of the hoses (see text).
Credit: Line illustration drawn by Lyn Gettys and colored by Josh Huey.

The Construction of a Weighted Trailing Hose System

At the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, we use a standard Hypro pump with a 100-gallon tank set to pump about 5 gallons per minute (GPM). Pumps with greater output (e.g., 10–15 GPM) can be used as well, but require a much larger "nozzle hole" than the one shown in Figure 3. The inlet to the 1-inch galvanized manifold (or boom) is shown in Figure 4. We use 1-inch galvanized steel because it is much stronger than smaller diameter pipes; strength is important because the manifold should remain intact if a trailing hose becomes snagged on a stump or the hose becomes tangled in weeds. The 1-inch boom is reduced to ½ inch at each hose (Figure 5). The hydraulic hose connector is a key component and must be used, but note there is no hose clamp or metal connection where the hose attaches to the brass connector (the yellow band is simply a washer). The hose and brass connector (sold as Parker Push Lok 250 psi, 5/8") is designed so that the hose locks into the connector without any clamps; once locked, the hose will not come off. All hydraulic shops should have this or a similar product in stock and may be willing to insert the connectors. The spring shown in Figure 5 serves as a hose protector coil and prevents the hose from rubbing on the bow. The loose lower end of the hose is connected to a lead-filled weighted ¾" pipe as shown in Figure 6. It is important to ensure that there are no ridges or hose clamps in this area, as rough surfaces or imperfections increase the likelihood of a hose becoming snagged in weeds. It is also good practice to grind the edges and burrs from the brass connector, the female connector, and the enlarging connector to prevent hydrilla and other weeds from getting caught on the weighted hose.

Figure 3. The nozzle for herbicide discharge can be drilled to any appropriate size. Note that the leading edges of the fitting are ground down to minimize snagging on submersed weeds.
Figure 3.  The nozzle for herbicide discharge can be drilled to any appropriate size. Note that the leading edges of the fitting are ground down to minimize snagging on submersed weeds.
Credit: Greg Reynolds.

Figure 4. Inlet setup from the spray tank to the boom.
Figure 4.  Inlet setup from the spray tank to the boom.
Credit: Greg Reynolds.

Figure 5. One-inch galvanized boom reduced to ½
Figure 5.  One-inch galvanized boom reduced to ½" for attachment of the 5/8" trailing hoses. Trailing hoses can be any length, and we use two sets for our 3-hose setup. We use three 12 foot hoses to cover the bottom acre-foot and one each of 4, 8, and 12 foot hoses to treat the total water column. To treat water that is 12–16 feet deep, use hoses that are 20–24 feet in length.
Credit: Greg Reynolds.

Figure 6. Trailing hose attached to the ¾
Figure 6.  Trailing hose attached to the ¾" drilled nozzle and followed by 2 feet of ¾" lead-filled pipe.
Credit: Greg Reynolds.

The weighted end of the hose is shown in Figure 7. The ¾" pipe is 2 feet long and filled with lead. Molten lead is dangerous to handle, so have a local plumbing shop fill these pipes with molten lead. We have found that a 2-foot-long, ¾" pipe is about right for our treatments based on boat speed and the weeds we treat; a ½" pipe is not heavy enough and 3-foot-long pieces of pipe are unwieldy. A lower cap may not be necessary if the lead remains in the pipe; if a cap is necessary, be sure to ground the edges off to prevent snagging weeds. Figure 3 shows the ground edges of the pipe fittings and the nozzle hole where the herbicide is discharged into the water. Herbicide will be discharged into the sediment if the hole is on the bottom of the lead-filled pipe, but the goal of this setup is to apply the herbicide in the weeds or water column instead of the bottom of the pond—hence the positioning of the nozzle hole. If the pipe is vertical, herbicide discharges two feet from the bottom of the pond; however, the pipe is not vertical when it is being dragged, so the herbicide usually is released approximately 12 inches above the bottom of the pond and the treatment zone is the bottom acre-foot.

Figure 7. Lead-filled pipe at the end of the trailing hose. The depth of the lead-filled pipe will depend on the water depth and hose length and is greatly influenced by speed and weed density.
Figure 7.  Lead-filled pipe at the end of the trailing hose. The depth of the lead-filled pipe will depend on the water depth and hose length and is greatly influenced by speed and weed density.
Credit: Greg Reynolds.

Summary

It is likely that the engineers among the aquatic applicators will find ways to improve on this design. However, there are a few cautions to keep in mind when using weighted trailing hoses to apply herbicides. First, don't drag the hoses when the boat is travelling quickly and on a plane. Second, go slowly to keep the hoses on the bottom of the pond. Finally, avoid tight corners or the long hoses will collect lots of weeds. A good way to reduce the chance of this happening is to pull on the hoses every couple of minutes to shake loose any clinging weeds. Experience is the best guide when working with weighted hoses. Once you become familiar with this system, you'll appreciate how effective it is.

Footnotes

1. This document is SS-AGR-352, one of a series of the Agronomy Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date August 2011. Reviewed November 2020. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.
2. William T. Haller, professor emeritus, Agronomy Department, and former center director, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants; Lyn A. Gettys, associate professor, Department of Agronomy, UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Aquatic Plant Science Lab; and Margaret S. Glenn, former biologist, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication do not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition. Use pesticides safely. Read and follow directions on the manufacturer's label.

Publication #SS-AGR-352

Release Date:January 29, 2021

Related Experts

Haller, William T

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Gettys, Lyn A.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Related Units

    Fact Sheet

    Contacts

    • Lyn Gettys
    • William Haller