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Anyone who has had a pond or water garden knows how unpleasant it is to have it taken over by 'pea soup' colored water or the green stringy slime that clings to everything. But, algae in small amounts is beneficial, especially in the early spring before the normal accumulation of bacteria has a chance to reduce the build up of leaves and fish waste that has been collecting in the pond all winter. These first algae blooms of the season will actually help reduce the nutrients in the water. But algae out of control can cause many problems for the pond owner.
Excessive amounts of nutrients are the number one reason for causing an algae bloom. You can reduce the number of nutrients in your pond or keep them from becoming a problem by:
· Only feeding fish what they can consume in 5 minutes
· Maintain the appropriate number of fish for your pond size
· Periodically clean the bottom of the pond with a vacuum or net
· Keep filters and pumps clean and in good working order
· Replace 15%-20% of the water on a monthly basis
· Plant coverage should be at a minimum of 60% of the surface area
· Maintaining good water circulation and high oxygen levels
· Replacing your Barley Straw Bundles before they are completely disintegrated
The fast growth of algae makes it very difficult to control. There are many forms of algae and most are susceptible to herbicide use. The problem with using herbicides is that it will also kill your other plants. Once the chemical is gone from the water, the re-growth of the algae will reappear. Using barley straw to control string algae has been around for years. The variety of the straw does not seem to have an effect on the performance. Hay should never be used as it increases algae growth and decomposes very rapidly which may cause a de-oxygenation of the water.
Placing barley straw in your pond or water garden very early in the spring will help deter the string or filamentous algae from developing. The chemical released by the straw is effective in preventing algae from growing rather than killing it. It is best to apply when the temperature is low but above 40 degrees. The warmer the water is, the faster the barley straw will be come active. In about a week the straw should begin to release it's chemical, given sufficient sunlight and oxygen. Well-oxygenated conditions are essential to ensure the straw will decompose and produce it's chemical. If the straw is in a compacted state with restricted water movement through the straw, the effectiveness is extremely reduced. Once activated, the straw will continue to inhibit algae growth for up to 6 months. Two applications should be enough for one year. In extended periods of very hot weather, the straw dosage may be reduced as too much straw in a small area could cause de-oxygenation of the water. Ponds that have a high mud content may need to add extra straw.
As a general rule, 8 ounces of barley straw should be enough for ponds with 800 - 1500 gallons of water. It is not an exact science and there are other variables (as mentioned above) that will determine the effectiveness of the straw. For smaller ponds, 4 ounces of straw should be applied. For larger ponds (1/4+ acre), lagoons, lakes and reservoirs, barley straw should be applied by the bale. Approximately one bale (28 pounds) per ¼ acre of water.
Whatever the size pond being treated, the barley straw should be placed in a mesh bag or some type of netting for better oxygenation. To be most effective, place the bundle of straw in or near a waterfall or moving water. The chemical that is released by the barley straw is short lived. The humic substances that are converted to hydrogen peroxide only last a few minutes. This is why it is so important to place the straw near moving water. There is a better chance of the chemical being dispersed through out the pond. If there are no falls then place the bundle either in the center of the pond (if it's a smaller pond) or on the wind side. This would be the side where the wind usually hits first. As the straw starts to disintegrate, it will sink. Some sort of a float (cork or plastic bottle) should be attached to keep it partially out of the water. Do not let the bundle become completely submerged in the water. Keeping the straw well oxygenated will also help spread the released chemical through out the water.
The Center for Aquatic Plant management in the UK has done extensive research on the use of barley straw to control string algae. In their findings they report that there are no adverse effects on aquatic plants, fish or waterfowl. Without the algae blocking the sunlight from reaching the bottom of the pond, submerged plants have been able to thrive and consume more nutrients. There seems to be an improved growth and overall health of fish where barley straw is being used. Also, the barley straw has had no adverse effects on invertebrate, which eat waste and decomposing organic matter. They have actually shown better growth rate while in the shelter of the straw. As the invertebrate leave the straw they are consumed by fish, birds and waterfowl, there by enriching the food source.
Enjoy the benefits of barley straw and enjoy your pond:
· No chemicals
· Cost effective
· No toxins to fish
· No costly equipment
· Reduces odors
· Safe for all wildlife
· 100% natural
· Biodegradable
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