Barley Straw for Algae Control in Ponds

Barley straw offrs a potential method of algae control.

The use of barley straw to control algae in ponds offers a fairly new method of control, according to Purdue botany professor Carole Lembi. Although the effectiveness of barley straw remains questionable, according to Ohio State University, you may want to try the method and see how it works.

How it Works

As barley straw decomposes in the pond, it releases compounds that may help control algae. While the compounds do not get rid of existing algae, they do help prevent growth of new algae.

Quantity

Deciding how much straw to use in your pond depends on the total surface area of the water. For every square yard of water, about .025 lbs. of straw works well. For small ponds of just 4 square yards, that means you need just .01 lbs. of barley straw.

Timing

Since barley straw primarily controls new algae, the bales of straw need to go in the pond in the spring before the algae starts growing. Once the pond warms up and the algae grows, the straw in the pond helps control the problem by keeping new growth at bay.

References

• Purdue University; Aquatic Plant Management; Carole A. Lembi; 2002
• Ohio State Uni8versity Extension; Algae Control with Barley Straw; William E. Lynch Jr.; 2002

Resources

• Water Gardens International: Barley Straw Algae Control Research