Barley Straw has been used for centuries as a natural pond algae treatment, which maintains fish and garden pond water quality. Barley straw is a low-cost algae management tool, which is safe for your pond ecosystem. Barley straw is more effective and works for longer periods than wheat or other straws. The variety of barley straw does not seem to have any effect on the performance. Consider using organically grown straw to limit any fertilizers or pesticides that may be present from a non-organically grown Barley crop. Barley Straw is an easy, effective and earth friendly approach to a healthy pond ecosystem.
Get certified organic barley straw. You can be assured that you are not adding any toxins to your pond that may be present in barley straw with unknown origins.
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In a water garden use a mesh bag to hold the barley straw. These are available at hardware stores or home and garden centers. Make sure the straw is loose enough for water to pass through the straw, which speeds the decomposition process. An 8 ounce bag of barley straw will treat 1000 gallons for 3 to 4 months. For a farm pond or retention pond use a 25 pound bale per 1/4 acre.
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Apply the barley straw in early spring or when water temps start to reach 50 degrees. In a water garden, place the barley straw in an area of water flow like near the outflow from a filter or beneath a waterfall. For big ponds, place the in an area of inflow, or consider pond aeration.
Tips & Warnings
The temperature of the water is an important factor. If the water temp is 50 degrees it may take up to 6 weeks for the straw to become active. When the water temperature is above 65 degrees the straw becomes active faster. In about a week, the straw should begin to release its chemical, given sufficient sunlight and oxygen.
Add aeration-an all natural method of adding oxygen to a pond and will help in the decomposition of the barley straw
Barley straw is a natural treatment to prevent algae problems in ponds. Unlike conventional algaecides, it doesn't release pollutants into the environment....
