Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:20:53 -0400
From: Tom Glendinning
Subject: Power Line Spraying
Power line spraying developed after the advent of Roundup circa 1973, the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate. This product is a laboratory product which mimics a plant hormone . Basically, it tricks the plant into sending water from the roots to the leaves, drying the roots and causing death. It is not a chemical in the usual sense which burns or damages the plant to death.
Persistence in the environment is debatable, depending on the source and type of application. When it reaches soil, it binds in the soil chemistry and becomes inactive. Unbound glyphosate can be degraded by bacteria. Persistence in soils varies. In Texas tests, its half life was three days. In Iowa tests, half life maximum reached 141 days.
Colder climates proved to be longer than hot climates. It becomes less persistent in water.
In other words, it is metabolized in the environment, unlike true chemicals like 2-4 D, organophosphates or DDT.
The health effects on animals appears to be minimal. There are experiments on mice, fish, tadpoles, worms. However, data of some experiments is questioned because of scientific methods and protocol, or lack of them.
The power companies used to mow the land under the lines. This took a lot of time, was many times more expensive then spraying Rondup and was hard on equipment and operators. I am sure that power bills are lower as a result.
I have used this product in landscape and agricultural applications since 1976 when I worked at a company given samples for market research in North Carolina. I have never seen damage in the form of migration across roots or persistence. Mixed in proper proportions and applied at the right time, it is a very effective, broad spectrum herbicide.
The spraying solution is not perfect, but it the best, safest solution available at the lowest cost.
Tom Glendinning
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.–Wayne Gretzky