Benthic barriers use geotextile fabric, plastic or other materials placed over the ground under water to stop the growth of unwanted rooted aquatic plants (for more information on benthic barriers see http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/management/aqua023.html). A recent study looked at how long barriers needed to remain in place to kill Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum). After 8 weeks 100% of the milfoil was dead. Control was also improved by removing sediments that fell onto the barrier.
Karen Laitala, Karen L Laitala, Timothy S Prather, Donn Thill, Brian Kennedy, and Chris Caudill. 2012. EFFICACY OF BENTHIC BARRIERS AS A CONTROL MEASURE FOR EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL. Invasive Plant Science and Management In-Press.
