What factor is primarily considered when treating submersed weeds?

When considering the treatment of submersed weeds, the primary factor to evaluate is the total water volume in acre-feet. This measurement is essential because it directly influences the concentration of herbicides and the effectiveness of treatment. A larger volume of water may require a different application rate to ensure that the active ingredient effectively reaches the target weeds, whereas a smaller water volume can allow for a more concentrated application. Understanding water volume helps in making critical decisions about the appropriate methods and amounts of herbicides needed, ensuring that the treatment is both effective and environmentally responsible.

While the density of the vegetation, surface area of the water, and the time of year can certainly play roles in the management of aquatic weeds, they do not primarily govern the initial considerations for treatment as does the total water volume. Adjusting treatments based on these other factors can be important for fine-tuning applications after the main volume consideration has been made.