Application Directions
Pre-Application Dose Determination:
For algae treatments, applicators should conduct initial dose determination tests simulating a full-scale treatment program to determine the minimum efficacious concentrations for eliminating the target species, unless an effective dose is already known for the given target pest population.
Maximum Annual Application Rates for Aquatic Uses in Impounded Waters, Ponds, Lakes, and Reservoirs:
Maximum annual application rate of 21.9 lbs. of metallic copper per acre-foot (8 applications per year at up to 1 ppm). This rate/frequency is calculated based on staggering the treatment of each half of the water body every 14 days (at a rate of 2.74 lbs. metallic copper per acre-foot = 1 ppm) for eight months (244 days). In situations where rapidly reproducing toxic algal species pose a public health threat to drinking or recreational water resources,applicators must receive authorization from applicable state, local or tribal water resources authorities to apply copper in excess of 21.9 lbs. of metallic copper per acre-foot (8 applications per year at up to 1 ppm).
For Large Bodies of Water Separated Into Sections (Water Management Units):
Maximum annual application rate of 46.6 lbs. of metallic copper per acre-foot per year (17 applications per year at up to 1 ppm). This rate/frequency is calculated based on the maximum number of possible applications allowed based on a 14-day minimum (at a rate of 2.74 lbs. metallic copper per acre-foot = 1 ppm) retreatment interval for eight months (244 days). Do not apply more than 46.6 lbs. of metallic copper to a water management unit, regardless of the pest(s) targeted by applications. In situations where rapidly reproducing toxic algal species pose a public health threat to drinking or recreational water resources, applicators must receive authorization from applicable state, local or tribal water resources authorities to apply copper in excess of 46.6lbs. of metallic copper per acre-foot per year for a single water management unit.
For Algae and Bacteria* Control in Impounded Waters, Lakes, Ponds, Reservoirs and Canals for Irrigation and Chemigation Systems:
Apply Agri-Life® for 3 acres or less by pouring directly into ponds, small lakes or reservoirs. Agri-Life® application for 3 acres or more should be applied at several points into ponds, lakes or reservoirs. Larger bodies of water can be treated through metering pump, dragging a feeder hose behind a boat across a body of water or dispensing via conventional spray equipment mounted to a boat, helicopter or airplane onto the surface. Agri-Life® will quickly diffuse throughout the water body in several hours, broad distribution will speed dispersal. No more than ½ of the body of water may be treated in a single application. For small ponds or for spot treatments around shoreline, such as on private piers and docks, apply Agri-Life® by directly pouring 2 fluid ounces per 125 cubic feet (¼ tsp or .0002 lbs. per 20 gallons) of water for 1 ppm of copper into the water around half of the perimeter of the body of water or at the spot to be treated. When applying from boat, use minimal speed to allow the prop wash to disperse and mix the product into the treated waters. Dispense up to 5.5 gallons or 2.72 lbs. per acre-foot of water (see use rate chart below). Apply in late spring or early summer when algae/bacteria* first appear. For best results, disperse Agri-Life® evenly to warm, still water on a sunny day when algae are near the surface. Several application points speed up dispersal.
For irrigation systems via slug delivery, maximum annual application rate is 13 lbs. metallic copper (26.26 gals. of Agri-Life) per year per 5 miles of conveyance. Apply copper into irrigation conveyance system or lateral at up to a maximum rate of 0.5 lbs. metallic copper (1.0 gals. of Agri-Life) per cubic foot per second of water per 5 to 30-mile treatment depending on water hardness, alkalinity and algae concentration. This method may only be used in constructed irrigation conveyance systems, laterals and aqueducts.
Use rates vary, depending on algae/bacteria* species, water hardness, water temperature, and amount of algae/bacteria* present; as well as whether water is clear, turbid, flowing or static. Preferably, the water should be clear with temperatures above 60°F (15.6°C). Higher dosages are required at lower water temperatures, higher algae/bacteria* concentrations, and for hard waters. Static water requires less chemical for algae/bacteria* control than does flowing water. Use higher dosages for chara, nitella, and filamentous algae (pond scum), and lower dosages for planktonic algae. If there is uncertainty about the dosage, begin with a lower dose and increase until control is achieved or until the maximum allowable level has been reached (see the use rate chart below).
Use Rates
| Gallons of Product per acre/ft (lbs. Cu2+/Acre Foot) | Equivalent Metallic Copper (ppm) |
|---|---|
| 0.33 (.16 lbs.) |
0.06 |
| 0.50 (.25 lbs.) |
0.09 |
| 3.30 (1.63 lbs.) |
0.60 |
| 5.50 gals. (2.72 lbs.) |
1.00 |
Useful formulas for calculating water volume and flow rates:
To find the capacity of water storage containment in gallons: Multiply the water volume in cubic feet times 7.5
Note: 1 Cubic Foot per Second of Flow = 27,000 gallons per hour
and 1 Acre Foot = 326,000 gallons
*Non-public health bacteria
Control of Algae / Bacteria* in Livestock Watering Ponds, Tanks and Troughs and Drip Systems in Livestock Watering Tanks:
Stock watering ponds, tanks, and troughs:
For the control of algae/bacteria* in stock water ponds, tanks, and troughs, add ¼ tsp. or .0002 lbs. of Agri-Life® to 30 gallons of water for a final ppm of 0.7 ppm. Do not exceed 1 ppm (¼ tsp. or .0002 lbs. per 20 gallons). Apply by boat or from side of pond at equal intervals or directly to tanks or troughs.
For drip-system use in livestock watering tanks:
Tanks fed by a continuous flow of spring or well water may be equipped with a chemical drip-system designed to meter-in Agri-Life® based upon water flow rates. Systems should be adjusted to maintain a concentration of 0.7 ppm copper in incoming stock water (0.15 fl. oz. of product per minute to a water flow of 100 gallons per minute). Treat continuously or as needed to control and prevent algae re-growth.
In Non-Sprinkler, Non-Drip Irrigation Conveyance Systems and Chemigation Systems, Ditches, Canals, and Similar Open Irrigation Conveyances:
For continuous addition, add 2 fl. oz. per hour of Agri-Life® for each 1,000 gallons of water per hour. For conveyance systems longer than 30 miles, dispense this rate among injection points every 30 miles. Do not exceed the total dosage of 1 Gallon Agri-Life® in 60,000 gallons of water (1 ppm metallic copper).
When using the slug application method, the maximum annual application rate of 13 lbs. metallic copper (26.26 gals. of Agri-Life®) per year per 5 miles of conveyance. Apply copper into irrigation conveyance system or lateral at up to a maximum rate of 0.5 lbs. metallic copper (1.0 gals of Agri-Life®) per cubic foot per second of water per 5 to 30-mile treatment depending on water hardness, alkalinity and algae concentration. This application method may only be used in constructed irrigation conveyance systems, laterals and aqueducts.
To Control Algae or Bacteria* in Sprinkler, Drip or Other Types of Closed Irrigation Equipment:
Use 1 pint of Agri-Life® per 7,500 to 300,000 gallons of water. Agitation is not required. Do not mix with basic substances. Agri-Life® must be applied continuously for the duration of the water application.
Example Calculations
Chemigation and Irrigation Flow Rates
(0.06 ppm Cu2+)
| Water Flow Rate gallons per minute (gpm) per acre/ft. | Water Flow Rate cubic feet per minute (cfm) | Dosage Rate ppm Metallic Cu2+ | Agri-Life® fl. oz./min | Feeder Pump Setting Agri-Life® mL/min |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,000 | 400 | 0.06 | 0.4 | 11.8 |
| 6,000 | 800 | 0.06 | 0.8 | 23.6 |
| 9,000 | 1,200 | 0.06 | 1.1 | 32.5 |
| 12,000 | 1,600 | 0.06 | 1.5 | 44.3 |
Chemigation and Irrigation Flow Rates
(1.0 ppm Cu2+)
| Water Flow Rate gallons per minute (gpm) per acre/ft. | Water Flow Rate cubic feet per minute (cfm) | Dosage Rate ppm Metallic Cu2+ | Agri-Life® fl. oz./min | Feeder Pump Setting Agri-Life® mL/min |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,000 | 400 | 1.0 | 6.4 | 189.3 |
| 6,000 | 800 | 1.0 | 12.8 | 378.5 |
| 9,000 | 1,200 | 1.0 | 19.1 | 564.8 |
| 12,000 | 1,600 | 1.0 | 25.5 | 754.1 |
Biological Fish Ponds and Aquaculture Systems:
Before treating ponds containing fish with Agri-Life®, measure total alkalinity (not hardness or pH). The toxicity of copper to fish increases as the total alkalinity decreases. Sensitivity to copper varies between fish species. For copper sensitive species, do not exceed 0.06 ppm metallic copper. When algae concentrations are high, to avoid suffocation of fish after treatment, either treat in a series of smaller doses over time or have emergency aeration available. Apply at the rate of 1/4 to 1/2 gallon of Agri-Life® per acre foot (326,000 gallons) of water to yield concentrations ranging from 0.05 ppm to .09 ppm metallic copper, respectively.
Metallic copper concentration is directly proportional to amount of Agri-Life® added per acre foot. A maintenance dose of 4 to 8 ounces per acre foot may be used every 14 days. The rate is dependent on water temperature, fish density arid the degree of suppression targeted.
| Computation for Aquacultural Ponds of Amount of Agri-Life® Applied to One Acre Foot (12 Inches Deep) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gallons (lbs. Cu2+/A) Agri-Life® | Gallons Water | Copper ppm |
| 0.25 (0.123) | 326,000 | 0.05 |
| 0.50 (0.247) | 326,000 | 0.09 |
| 0.63 (0.31) | 326,000 | 0.11 |
For use in controlling algae in catfish ponds, copper can be applied throughout the spring and summer when water temperatures are consistently above 70°F when total alkalinity and hardness concentrations fall between 100 and 300 mg/L as CaCO3. Applications are no longer needed in the fall after fish are harvested or the average water temperatures fall below 70°F. Apply mid-morning at a rate of 0.31 lbs. metallic copper per acre-foot (0.11 ppm metallic copper). Use copper only if you plan to harvest fish before fall and anticipate problems with off- flavoring algae. Do not make routine copper treatments for algae control in fingerling ponds or in broodfish ponds because off-flavors are not a problem in those fish. Do not use this treatment regimen in waters of low hardness and alkalinity (less than 50 ppm as CaCO3) because copper may stress or kill fish.
To Control Algae in Rice (Domestic and Wild) Fields:
Application should be made when algae have formed on the soil surface in the flooded field. Applications are most effective when made prior to the algae’s leaving the soil surface and rising to the water surface. Depending on water depth, 1 quart to 1 gallon per acre is normally sufficient. Use the lower rate at minimum water depth and the higher rate at maximum water depth. Higher use rates are acceptable, but never use more than 1ppm metallic copper. The maximum use rate per acre should be determined by the water depth, as shown in the table below, and flow. Agri-Life® can be metered into the rice field as water is being applied or slug fed into each paddy when water is being held. The maximum annual application rate must be no greater than 5.48 lbs. of metallic copper per acre-foot per for control of algae control in water-seeded rice.
| Water depth (inches) | Maximum application rate (gallons/A) |
|---|---|
| 2 | 0.9 |
| 3 | 1.35 |
| 4 | 1.8 |
| 5 | 2.25 |
| 6 | 2.7 |
To Control Tadpole Shrimp in Rice (Domestic and Wild) Fields:
Application should be made to the flooded fields any time the pest appears from planting time until the seedlings are well rooted and have emerged through the water. Depending on depth, 1-4 gallons per acre is normally sufficient. Use the lower rate at minimum water depth and the higher rate at maximum water depth. Higher use rates are acceptable, but never use more than 2.5 ppm metallic copper.
Maximum use rate per acre should be determined by the water depth, as shown below. The maximum annual application rate must be no greater than 13.7 lbs. of metallic copper per acre-foot per year for control of tadpole shrimp.
For simultaneous control of both tadpole shrimp and algae: The maximum annual application rate must be no greater than 13.7 lbs. of metallic copper per acre-foot per year.
| Water depth (inches) | Maximum application rate (gallons/A) |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2.25 |
| 3 | 3.4 |
| 4 | 4.5 |
| 5 | 5.6 |
| 6 | 6.75 |
For aerial applications, ensure all aircraft mounted components used to hold or distribute and spray Agri-Life® are constructed of materials outlined in the Application and Handling section (see pg. 4) of this label. Never use materials for this application which are inconsistent with this labeling. Ensure all distribution connections are tight and free of leaks. Failure to follow these instructions could result in the compromise of air frame integrity. In this case air frame failure could result. See the Spray Drift Management section (see pg. 5) of this label for further restrictions on spraying Agri-Life®
For Control of Listed Plant Diseases in Food and Non-Food Crops, Tropical Plants, Annual / Perennial Plants, Potted Flowering Plants, Schrubs and Vines, Trees and Turfgrass in Nurseries, Greenhouses and Fields:
Please refer to the 49 State Label or CA Label tabs for crop, disease, application rate/acre range per application and maximum allowable load per growing season per acre, minimum treatment interval and application directions.
Agri-Life® contains 5% of metallic copper.
Agri-Life® contains 0.495 pounds of metallic copper per gallon. The pre-harvest interval (PHI) for Agri-Life® is 0 days.