Weeds aren’t just a problem on land, but also in water. One weed continues to pose a major problem in Louisiana waterways.
It is far too common to see waterways in Louisiana clogged by giant salvinia, an invasive aquatic plant native to South America. Chris Mudge, Louisiana State University (LSU) adjunct professor of plant, environmental and soil sciences, has been studying aquatic weeds for several years and has seen just how damaging the plant is.
Upcycle Opportunities
LSU AgCenter Reporter Craig Gautreaux says students in art class are developing at an alternative use for the invasive plant.
“Initially we see a few plants, then it becomes a monoculture, meaning there’s no other plants, native or invasive, that can hang on,” says Mudge. “Then the plant stops things like navigation. Irrigation is blocked. So those homeowners and farmers or nursery owners can no longer use the water anymore.”
Mudge and others have been looking at ways to control giant salvinia. Now, Mudge and Leslie Koptcho, an art professor at LSU, are looking at an alternative use for the noxious plant — making paper for student art projects.
“Instead of stockpiling them and piling them up on the ground and making compost, which they have low nutritional value, why not take them and find alternative uses,” Mudge says. “And that was to make paper out of it.”
Worth the Wait
The papermaking class uses a variety of invasive plants found in Louisiana. It can take several days to make the paper because of the many steps involved, but Koptcho believes using them can shed light on the problems the plants create.
“We really wanted to use invasives and feature invasives this time because — one, it’s part of my research,” says Koptcho. “We really want to look at those aquatic plants that are unique to the region, and they’re posing a real problem for us in Louisiana.”
Koptcho says the class teaches her students about these problems, and in turn, the students can educate others through their art. While she understands upcycling may not solve the problem, Koptcho believes her class is creating awareness through artwork.
More on weeds:
> 7 Tips to Manage Herbicide Supplies
> Late-Maturing Soybeans Might Reduce Weeds, Based on Research from Illinois
> Blue Light: A Proven Weed Destroyer
> From Sawdust to Herbicide Drift Solution
