Rye Straw to Control Pond Scum Algae
Filamentous algae, often called pond scum or pond scum algae, are single-celled algae that form in long filaments that intertwine in wet matting. The algae starts on the bottom of shallow water, often attaching itself to structures and sometimes floating to the surface of the water. While pond scum is not toxic, it can become a nuisance. Fortunately, you can use rye straw as a natural control method for pond scum algae. It will also control invasive aquatic plants and weeds. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Preparing the Rye Straw
-
Break apart the rye straw with a three-pronged garden tiller if the rye straw comes in a bale. If the straw does not come in a bale, then work your hands into the straw, almost as if you were tossing a salad with your hands, to break up the straw so that it is not tightly packed together. The amount of straw that you need depends on the size of your pond. Approximately 55 lbs. of straw should be enough for a ¼ acre pond.
Containing the Rye Straw
-
A fishing net is the most ideal container for the rye straw, since it has holes from which the decomposing straw can seep into the pond. Lay a large fishing net on the ground and place the straw into the fishing net. Don't pack the straw into the net--loose straw will decompose more quickly. It is the decomposed straw that will control the pond algae and other weeds.
-
Application
-
Tie the fishing net with a sturdy piece of twine. Then tie a long rope to the fishing net, which will help you retrieve the net after the rye has decomposed. Place the net in shallow water and let it float out on its own. The straw may take up to a month to completely decompose. You do not need to do anything to the net or straw while it is decomposing. Retrieve the net once the rye has decomposed.
Dangers
-
Rye straw and other straws, such as barley straws, can be used frequently as a natural aquatic algae or weed control method. The decomposing straw is non-toxic and it will not harm fish or other wildlife that live in or near the pond.
-
References
- Photo Credit pond scum image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com
