What is the recommended area of water to be treated with herbicide at a time?

Treating 1/4 to 1/3 of the surface area of water at a time is recommended to minimize potential environmental impacts while ensuring effective control of aquatic pests. This approach allows for a more controlled application of herbicides, giving non-target organisms the opportunity to remain unharmed and reducing the likelihood of toxic buildup in the ecosystem.

By limiting the treatment to a smaller portion, it also enables monitoring of the treated area for results and allows for adjustments in management strategies without overwhelming the water body with chemicals. This method can help maintain the overall health of the aquatic environment.

The other options, such as treating half or the entire surface area, could lead to excessive chemical concentration and have detrimental effects on aquatic life. Focusing solely on the perimeter may not effectively address the problem if invasive species are distributed throughout the water body. Thus, the recommended practice balances effectiveness with ecological safety.