A novel approach to aquatic weed control and habitat restoration using biodegradable jute matting

Abstract

This technical paper presents results from pilot field trials conducted on the novel use of a biodegradable jute material to eradicate the highly invasive aquatic macrophyte Lagarosiphon major Ridley from Lough Corrib, Ireland. The results demonstrate the ability of the jute material to comprehensively kill L. major and to restore native macrophyte communities to areas of the lake that were previously overgrown with this priority invasive species. To date, eight indigenous plant species (four charophytes and four angiosperms) have been recorded growing through the loose-weave jute fabric. However, no Lagarosiphon has been recorded as doing so. This material has the potential for broader application in the management of nuisance aquatic weeds and in the restoration of native flora extirpated by these alien species.

Experimental weed control of Najas marina ssp. intermedia and Elodea nuttallii in lakes using biodegradable jute matting

“…Jute textiles are often used in the civil engineering applications and landscaping as geotextiles. Caffrey et al (2010) were able to successfully inhibit the growth of the invasive macrophyte Lagarosiphon major (Ridley) moss in lough Corrib and to restore native macrophyte communities to areas of the lake that were previously overgrown by Lagarosiphon major. The method used by Caffrey et al (2010) is based on experiences gained by the use of plastic foil in lake restoration (Hilt et al, 2006) and weed control (Boylen et al, 1996;Mayer, 1978;Pieterse and Murphy, 1990).…”

“…Caffrey et al (2010) were able to successfully inhibit the growth of the invasive macrophyte Lagarosiphon major (Ridley) moss in lough Corrib and to restore native macrophyte communities to areas of the lake that were previously overgrown by Lagarosiphon major. The method used by Caffrey et al (2010) is based on experiences gained by the use of plastic foil in lake restoration (Hilt et al, 2006) and weed control (Boylen et al, 1996;Mayer, 1978;Pieterse and Murphy, 1990). The use of plastic material has considerable disadvantages as it is very difficult to sink and secure to the lake bed (Caffrey and Acevedo, 2007;Hilt et al, 2006;Mayer, 1978) and might release unwanted chemicals into the water (Yang et al, 2011).…”

“…Another approach to aquatic weed control, which has been successfully applied in Ireland (Caffrey et al, 2010), is light exclusion through the use of benthic barriers, namely jute matting. Jute is a vegetable fiber produced from the plants Corchorus olitorius L. and Corchorus capsularis L. that can be spun into strong threads.…”

“…Furthermore, the plastic material requires seasonal maintenance and ultimate removal from the habitat; the whole operation can produce significant costs and expenditure of time. On the other hand, jute has considerable advantages compared to plastic as it is a natural biodegradable material and easy to handle and to work with (Caffrey et al, 2010). Based on the results by Caffrey et al (2010), a study was initialised to adapt the method to German lakes, respectively the two invasive macrophytes Elodea nuttallii and Najas intermedia.…”

Nature Conservation Against All? Aquatic Macrophyte De-Weeding – Cut or Conserve? A Stakeholder Analysis

“…For example, the use of chemical substances in aquatic weed control (Eicher 1947) is prohibited in Germany due to ecological side effects, while more ecologically friendly methods (Caffrey et al 2010) are restricted to local application. Methods applying herbivore antagonists of aquatic macrophytes (Cross 1969) often exchange effective control of aquatic macrophytes for the problem of neozoa proliferation (Hessen et al 2004;Lake et al 2002;Søndergaard et al 1990).…”