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    • Does Coptrol Effect Plants
    • How to Control Algae in Aquaculture
    • How to Control Algae in Dams and Potable water
    • How to Control Algae in Drinking Water (Potable Water)
    • How to Control Algae in Farm Dams and Ornamental Ponds
    • How to Control Algae on Golf Courses & Greens
    • How to Control Algae in Household Potable (Drinking) Water Tanks
    • How to Control Algae in Industrial Ponds
    • How to Control Algae in Irrigation Systems
    • How to Control Algae in Potable Drinking supplies for Livestock
    • How to Control Algae in Raceways and Irrigation Channels
    • How to Control Algae in Rice Crops
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Does Coptrol effect Plants? 

The Coptrol label clearly states “water treated with this product will not adversely affect plants and may be used immediately to water fairways,putting greens, ornamental plants”


Coptrol will not harm your plants.  

As an example Coptrol is used in farming practices such as on rice paddies with no adverse effects on rice.


If the initial source of water is a farm dam or pond Coptrol should be used to eliminate algae. It can even be used to prevent an algae bloom as it remains active in the water until algae bloom and is never wasted. Irrigation systems supplied from dams or ponds are often affected by filamentous algae, especially during warmer months. Filamentous algae are easily identified by its stringy structure and are associated with blocking foot valves in dams and clogging drip irrigation systems.  


Gardens often contain water features including ponds and fountains.These features are generally relatively shallow with significant surface areas and are exposed to nutrients from the gardens surrounding them. Particularly in summer months these systems can be subject to significant algal growth. 

Algae can block essential nutrients on irrigated areas

Algae-fouled water does not contaminate turf, putting greens or fairways. However algae are highly invasive and may out-compete grasses for space in wet or shaded environments. They frequently form a dense green scum over the soil and plant surface. When dry this scum often acts as a barrier inhibiting the entrance of water and fertilizer into the soil.

Algae cause chronic problems


Algal scum can cause chronic problems on turf, especially those with poor air circulation, compacted soils and wet areas. Algal growth is encouraged by extended periods of rainy, overcast and warm weather. Algal scums slow water infiltration, keep thatch wet for extended periods, and impede oxygen and other
gas diffusion into and out of soils. 

Closed Irrigation Systems
 
When algae are present in a closed irrigation system: 

  • They use up nutrients from the solution
  • They smell
  • After blooming and decomposing they remove dissolved oxygen from the system resulting in increased biological oxygen demand. 
  • The resulting oxygen removal leads to root suffocation
  • Decomposing algae is also a food source for fungus gnats
  • Fungus gnats damage plant roots
  • Suffocated and damaged roots are ideal targets for Pythium attack. 

What steps should be taken to stop algae growing in a closed irrigation system? 

Algae need light, water and food to grow. You cannot do much about the water and the nutrients but you
can stop the light. Wherever light penetrates the nutrient solution action should be taken to stop it. Make sure you have the nutrient reservoir made from opague material and use an opaque lid. Then light proof all the channels, the entry and exit points of the solution. 

 
If algae are a problem wherever plants are grown or in your water source follow this 5 step method to keep your waters clear and bright.

First identify the algae present. If you are not certain visit www.algae.info. This site enables you to identify all the common algae in Australia.

Now calculate the volume of water to treat. Ignore depths below 1 metre. We have a page which explains the methods used to determine the amount of water to treat. If you need assistance see How to calculate the volume of water to treat with Coptrol.

Next calculate the amount of Coptrol needed. An easy way to calculate is:

If you are using run-off water from the environment

If the algae is fine and free floating use 2 mL of Coptrol per 1000 Litres (1 cubic metre) of water. That is equivalent to 2 Litres of Coptrol per 1000 square metres of surface area.

If the algae are long and stringy use 5 mL per 1000 litres of water (1 cubic metre) or 5 Litres per 1000 square metres of surface area.

If you are using treated effluent

Use 5 - 10mL  of Coptrol per 1000 litres of water (1 cubic metre) or 5 - 10 Litres per mega litre of water.

Dilute the required amount of Coptrol using a 1:10 or even a 1:20 Coptrol water dilution.

The best application method is by spraying. Apply on a sunlit wind free day when algae first appear. If this is impractical look at our general recommendations. 

If you still need help call us at no cost to you. Contact RCI where our free call numbers are displayed. Or
you can email RCI using this form.



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