Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Barley Straw to Control Algae?? By: Kevin Brown

     In my travels, I am often asked about Barley Straw in relation to pond management.  Many factors must be considered when formulating a plan for effective algae control, but throwing a bale of straw into your pond should not be one of them.
     There are a number of Barley products and Barley extracts on the market today, but the conditions in which they may control nuisance algae are widely unknown.
     Some algae species may be controlled whereas others remain entirely unaffected.  Factors such as water temperature, nutrient load, and the PH levels of the pond, all play a major role in the efficiency of Barley Straw.
     AQUA DOC continues to use the safest and most effective products to control algae in lakes and ponds.  Perhaps with more time and knowledge, Barley Straw may one day fill a niche in aquatics.  The verdict is still out, however, much more testing needs to be done before Barley becomes a staple in this applicators toolbox.
     In conclusion, knowledge, study, and caution are all highly recommended when considering Barley Straw as a means for consistent algae control.  The research is inconclusive and the results are inconsistent.

By:  Kevin Brown, Aquatic Specialist
AQUA DOC Lake & Pond Management

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