construction and refurbishment of earthen irrigation channel banks

• Able to survive during non-operational or winter period• An availability of seed or rhizome supplyThe best plant for a given site should be selected based on a consideration of thedegree to which it meets the required characteristics, its adoptability, rapidity ofestablishment and its reasonable availability.Advantages• Roots bind the soil and the plants act as a buffer against wave turbulence.• Reduces erosion of batter from fretting, waves, rainfall and stock damage• Biological systems can potentially be considerably cheaper than engineeringsolutionsDisadvantagesUnsuitable species could:• grow into and reduce waterway area• may spread as a weed into irrigated pasture and crops• can provide food source and habitat for unwanted aquatic animals such as carp• can be difficult to transplant and establish on a mass scale• uncertainty of successful establishment18.5.1.1 Aquatic Plants suitable for Northern Victoria and the RiverinaRiver Club Rush (Schoenoplectus Validus) - Grows up to 3m tall. Spreadsthrough rhizomatous root growth. Likes permanently wet conditionsSpike Rush (Eleocharis Acuta) - Grows to less than 1m tall. Spreads throughrhizomatous root growth. Likes wet/dry cycle.Sedge (Carex Appressa) - Grows to about 1.2 to 1.5m. Grows in clumps. Likeswet/dry cycle.Common Rush (Juncus Usitatus) - Grows to about 1.2m to 1.5m. Grows inclumps. Likes wet/dry cycle.Some introduced plants which may establish themselves:Water couch (paspalum distitchum) can be a weed in small, slow-flowingchannels. However in large channels this plant can provide some protection tothe banks.Umbrella sedge (cyperus eragrostis) or cyperus australicus can also providesome protection.Plants to be discouragedCumbungi (typha species) - high growing species which will migrate into andreduce waterway capacity, particularly small shallow channels – too rampant –likely to spread throughout the channel.Construction and Refurbishment of Earthen Channel Banks August 2002 - Edition 1.0 18-16