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Water Quality And Herbicide Application

The possibly limited supplies of high quality water this season means that it is essential to be able to assess the quality of water that will be added to herbicides during spraying applications.

By Department of Primary Industries - 9th June 2004 - Back to News

Mixing high quality water with herbicides greatly increases the chances of obtaining a superior result. Adequate water quality is vital and the cost of having it tested is relatively small when considered next to the cost of the herbicides, the cost to apply them, and the possibility of a partial or total spray failure.

Four key areas essential to the compatibility of a water source to be mixed with a herbicide as a carrier are:

• pH
• Turbidity
• Salinity
• Hardness

The best way to determine the quality of a water source is to have it regularly tested.

A range of herbicides are affected by water pH values. In Australia most water sources have varying degrees of alkalinity (high pH) and particular examples of herbicides that are susceptible to these conditions are glyphosate and amine-based herbicide formulations.

Water with a pH above 8.5 is not recommended for use with glyphosate.

There are water conditioners available to reduce the alkalinity of a water source and this will also maximise the effectiveness of the herbicide.

Turbid water is cloudy or muddy water. Turbid water will negatively affect the performance of glyphosate, MCPA, paraquat and diquat. Turbid water can also block filters and nozzles in the herbicide applicator.

Salinity refers to the amount of dissolved salts that may naturally occur in water. Saline water will break down triazine herbicides at a faster rate than non-saline water and will affect the performance of emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulations of herbicides. However, salinity has little to no effect on the performance of most herbicide formulations.

Hard water has positive metal ions present and affects the water’s ability to lather with soap. Glyphosate and 2,4-D amine-based herbicide formulations are particularly susceptible to breakdown in hard water. Hard water becomes a particular problem with glyphosate above a value of 250 milligrams per litre of calcium carbonate in the water.

Ammonium sulfate (AMS) will (to a certain degree) soften water that contains predominantly calcium and magnesium ions. However, AMS can be quite corrosive to some parts of spray applicators, especially brass components.

Alternatives to poor quality water may involve using rainwater or buying in town water.

The benefits of using high quality water as a herbicide carrier will speak for themselves in the paddock.

For further information about how to test your quality contact the DPI call centre on 136 186.

GIPPSLAND FARMER PROSECUTED
FOR CRUELTY TO CATTLE

A Gippsland farmer recently pleaded guilty in Sale Magistrates Court to five charges following an incident last year when Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) officers found emaciated cattle and carcasses on the man’s property.

The farmer, charged under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, received a 12-month Good Behaviour Bond and was ordered to pay prosecution costs of $749.

The court heard that, in April 2003, DPI officers acting on a compliant went to the man’s property and found numerous carcasses and many emaciated stock, including five head too weak to stand.

The officers noted the property had very little pasture and an insufficient amount of supplementary feed for the cattle. Autopsies on two animals found the cause of death to be malnutrition.

DPI Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Sue Hides said most farmers were to be congratulated on the management of their livestock during dry conditions.

"However, this case highlights that it is unacceptable to everyone to allow livestock to starve to death. If sufficient, appropriate feed cannot be provided, the livestock should be sold or humanely destroyed," Dr Hides said.

Dr Hides advised that some farmers need to review their drought management plans to ensure they are within the guidelines in the Code of Accepted Farming Practice for the Welfare of Cattle.

"There is an increasing level of public awareness and concern both domestically and internationally regarding the welfare of livestock animals," Dr Hides said. "We must ensure we maintain our industry’s reputation for placing a high priority on overall animal welfare."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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