How to Use Barley Straw for Pond Algae
Barley straw gained popularity in England for its use as an algistatic in ponds. Unlike some commercial algae-control measures, it is a natural remedy that will not negatively affect fish, fowl or humans. While it will not kill existing algae, it may prevent some species of it from growing. Apply dried barley straw as a natural algistatic in April or after application of a commercial algicide in warmer months. It naturally decomposes during a period of approximately 4 to 6 months. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Dried barley straw
- Mesh bags or netting
- Rock or heavy object
- Rope
Instructions
-
-
1
Calculate the pond's surface area by multiplying its width by its length. For example, a 2-foot-by-5-foot pond has a surface area of 10 square feet. For large ponds, divide the square footage by 43,560 to determine its surface area in acres.
-
2
Determine the proper amount of barley straw for your pond. Purdue University recommends 0.08 ounces per 10 square feet of surface area, or 225 pounds per acre. For example, a 20-square-foot pond requires 0.16 ounces of barley straw, whereas a half-acre pond requires 112.5 pounds.
-
-
3
Divide the amount of required straw by the weight of your straw bale to determine the number of bales required. For example, if you have a half-acre pond requiring 112.5 pounds of straw, and your straw bales are 25 pounds each, you will need four and a half bales of straw for the application.
-
4
Pull the straw apart with your hands to loosen it. This exposes all of the straw to oxygen, thus helping it decompose in the water.
-
5
Place the straw in a mesh bag or netting, such as that which covers commercial Christmas trees. Use multiple bags for large ponds, with approximately one-third of a bale per bag, as recommended by Ohio State University.
-
6
Add weight to each bag by placing a rock or other heavy item in the bottom of it, and tie a rope that's longer than the depth of the water to the top of the bag. The weight sinks it to the bottom of the pond, and the rope helps you retrieve it later.
-
7
Set the bag in the pond. For large ponds, place the bags around the perimeter of the pond, in shallow areas that are no more than 6 feet in depth.
-
8
Replace the straw after it has fully decomposed.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use additional straw if the water is muddy or full of sediment.
Fresh barley straw may release chemicals that cause algae growth. Use dried straw only.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
