Algae and barley straw in garden ponds part 5
Over the last 4 years or so barley straw has come into vogue as a means for solving suspended algae problems in ponds and particularly blanketweed algae problems. However discussion was almost always superficial, word of mouth or anecdotal.
Impact Upon Other PlantsBarley straw has not been recorded as having any undesirable effects on plants, fish or any other life in the pond. In fact quite the opposite has been reported. As algae growth diminished and other plant life improved this, in turn, created better conditions for insects and small crustaceans ... in fact the whole food chain showed benefits.
How Much Straw Is Needed Starting With A Clear Pond Early In Spring?
Algae grow near the surface where the sun shines brightest. As such it is the surface area of the pond that determines the amount of straw needed and not the volume or mass of water in the system. Dr Newman determined the following application rates for ponds:
50 gms of straw per sq metre of surface (about 2 ozs per 10 square feet)
In muddy water double this level.
It is better to over-use the straw than under-use but within reason bearing in mind the oxygen requirement and that you need to prevent anaerobic conditions.
Reduce by a half until a level equal to about 10 gms per sq metre (half an ounce per sq, yard) is reached to maintain ongoing control. Any re-appearance of algae should result in increasing the dosage to previously successful levels.
Beware Dense Algae Blooms and Hot Weather
Both of these conditions are bad for oxygen levels in water as described in detail earlier. Avoid using barley straw under these circumstances unless extra air is in use.
New solution to blanketweed problems
Do not go and immediately replace old straw with new ... rather add new straw some weeks before it is time to throw out the old straw. In this way continuous biological activity is maintained and the algae will not so easily regain a foothold. Remember the algae is under control ... it has not disappeared.
Take note as mentioned in the beginning that at higher temperatures the straw would not last as long as in colder water. Make an assumption that it will take about 1 month for activity to start.
It will not help to place straw on pads of blanketweed floating on the surface. The blanketweed must be removed first. Keep removing it regularly to maintain effective hydrogen peroxide levels in the water.
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Barley straw article continued Buy the low cost combo pond filter and UV containing Alfagrog or Supra as it's called in USA
"The Complete Pond Solver" by Tony Roocroft
2005 Edition. Essential reading for anybody who wants or has a garden pond. Get 12 Excel pond calculators free as well as "Water Lilies and Pond Aquatics" ebook also free
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