Barley straw – in bales, pellets or extracts – is often touted as a natural solution for certain algae problems. Europeans have used it for hundreds of years to help prevent algae blooms in pond and lakes, and scientists have spent the past several decades trying to determine how it actually works.
A simple method to help prevent this that you may not expect is STRAW. How does barley work to remove the algae you may be wondering? Barley straw is used for the prevention of algae growth. When barley straw begins to decompose, it releases chemicals into the water that stunt the growth of algae, if used correctly.
One answer is during the early 1990s, the use of barley straw to control algae began in England. The belief was that barley straw decomposition in a pond would control algae. The premise is that fungi decomposing the barley in water would produce a chemical that prevents the growth of algae. It is not clear and has never been determined what the chemical may be.
The exact mechanism is poorly understood, but it seems that barley straw, when exposed to sunlight and in the presence of oxygen, produces a chemical that inhibits algae growth. Barley straw does not reduce the growth of other aquatic plants.
Is barley straw good for pond water?
Barley straw is an interesting way to clear pond water naturally, and research supports its clarifying properties. A small amount of algae growth is normal in most bodies of water, and in low quantities it can actually be beneficial to ponds and fish!
Benefits Of Barley Straw For Ponds 1 Prevents new algae from growing, although does not kill algae that is already living in your pond. 2 Cleans pond 3 Safe for all aquatic life, if used in reasonable amounts 4 Helps water clarity 5 Does not affect other aquatic plants.
How long does barley take to kill algae in pond?
The addition of barley to the pond will cause the decomposition of the straw and when this reaches a certain stage, will begin reducing the algae in your pond. This can take any time from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, depending on a few factors.
To discover how barley works as an algae control method, we need to dive into the details and take a look at each step of the decomposition process as it enters your pond: 1) Barclay straw, or barley extract, is placed in the pond and slowly begins to decompose.
What is barley straw used for?
Barley straw is used for the prevention of algae growth. When barley straw begins to decompose, it releases chemicals into the water that stunt the growth of algae, if used correctly.