Barley Strew

BARLEY STRAW BUNDLES are inexpensive and healthier for your fish and plants than chemicals. Barley straw has been used for centuries in Europe to control unwanted algae in lakes, ponds and home water gardens. It has been proven environmentally safe and is an inexpensive way to control algae.

TYPE OF STRAW TO USE: Barley straw is more effective and works for longer periods than wheat or other straws. The variety of barley straw does not seem to have any effect on the performance. Hay should never be used as it increases algae growth and it decomposes very rapidly which may cause a deoxygenation of the water. Barley straw will not kill existing algae but will prevent new growth from forming.

CONTROLLING ALGAE WITH BARLEY STRAW: The growth rate 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 also will kill your other plants and once the chemical is gone from the water, the regrowth of algae will reappear and subsequently become worse years later.

HOW DOES BARLEY STRAW WORK: As the straw rots in the water, a chemical is released which inhibits the growth of algae. The temperature of the water is an important factor. If the water temp is 40 degrees it may take up to 6 weeks for the straw to become active. When the water temperature is above 40 degrees the straw becomes active faster. 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.

WILL BARLEY STRAW HARM FISH OR PLANTS: Barley straw does not harm fish or plant life. Actually in most cases it increases the invertebrate population providing a food source for fish. In fish farms and hatcheries where straw has been used, there are reports of improved gill function and better overall fish health.

WHERE TO APPLY THE STRAW: In water gardens and smaller ponds, the straw should be wrapped loosely in some type of netting that will allow water to flow through. To be most effective, place the bundle of straw in or near a water fall or stream. As the straw rots it will sink. Some sort of float (cork or plastic bottle) should be attached to keep it partially out of the water. The straw needs a continuous flow of water. Keeping the straw oxygenated will help spread the released chemical throughout the pond.

WHEN SHOULD BARLEY STRAW BE ADDED: Barley straw should be added very early in the spring before algae growth develops. The chemical released by the straw is effective in preventing algae growth rather than killing it. It is best to apply when the water temp is low. Time should be given (about 30 days) for the straw to become active. Once activated, the straw will continue to inhibit algae growth for up to 6 months. A replacement bundle should be added before the first bundle is completely decomposed. Two applications should be enough for one year. Ponds that have a high content of suspended mud it may be necessary to add more straw than in clear waters as the chemical that is given off from the straw is inactivated by the mud.

HOW MUCH TO USE: Volume of water does not have as much importance as surface area does. An average home water garden of 1000 -3000 gallons of water should only need an 8 ounce bundle of straw in the spring and then again around the beginning of summer. Other articles on barley straw have suggested using less ( as little as an ounce of straw per 1000 gallons of water). I have personally tried 2 ounces in my 1500 gallon pond with no positive results. The algae continued to multiply. Avoid adding excessive amounts of straw especially in extremely hot conditions. Be sure to remove the straw if your in a climate where the water will freeze. After the algae problem is under control, any other applications of barley straw may be reduced. For ponds under 1000 gallons, 4 ounces of barley straw should be used.

DOMESTIC VS. IMPORTED The only difference between barley straw grown here and barley straw grown in Scotland is the price! The variety might be different but that has no effect on the ability of the straw to inhibit algae growth.

WHERE CAN I FIND BARLEY STRAW? (The NFKC does not endorse any commercial products. Address and prices are placed here for information purposes only)

NATURAL SOLUTIONS PO Box 114 , Keuka Park, NY 14478-0114

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