Ragam Metode Pengendalian Gulma Eceng Gondok (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solm) Di Danau Rawapening Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

Abstract

Rawapening Lake is highlighted as experiencing a decline in environmental quality. This condition can be seen in the increasingly widespread invasion of water hyacinth weeds that cover the surface of the water. Aquatic plants from the Amazon River, which are included in the list of the 100 most invasive weeds in the world, have the ability to grow rapidly vegetatively and generatively. Water hyacinth triggers an accelerated reduction of water in the lake through evapotranspiration, lowering dissolved oxygen levels, resulting in the loss of various species and decreased fish production. The uncontrolled growth of water hyacinth also disrupts boat navigation, damages fishing nets, destroys hydroelectric turbines, spoils the landscape, and becomes a habitat for disease vectors. This research uses the systematic literature review (SLR) method, a systematic way to collect and analyze data and other research findings in articles used as research material. This literature review regarding water hyacinth control methods aims to provide alternative options for dealing with this invasive weed in Rawapening Lake. All methods of controlling water hyacinth have their own advantages and disadvantages, including physical (mechanical) control, chemical control, and the use of biological agents. Physical control does not require special skills to clean water hyacinth from water. However, water hyacinth that is cut and sunk will affect dissolved oxygen levels and the enrichment (eutrophication) of the waters, so that it can trigger an explosion in the growth of the water hyacinth itself. Chemical control can save costs and energy compared to physical control, especially for handling water hyacinth invasions in wide waters. However, the use of herbicides in controlling water hyacinth can also destroy non-target plants, which can cause widespread ecological problems. Controlling the population using biological agents to reduce the number of water hyacinths is an option that can be selected. The weakness of biological control is the length of the cleaning process compared to mechanical and chemical methods, thus making someone reluctant to apply it. Biological methods are relatively safe for the health of the aquatic environment but require a long time, while mechanical and chemical methods can be applied effectively and efficiently but have a negative impact on the ecological conditions of the waters. Short-term control of water hyacinth in Lake Rawapening and other small bodies of water is more effective by means of physical control in collaboration with biological control.