 |
I have helped thousands of pond owners solve their pond problems with barley straw and natural Microbe-lift products for the past seven years and have received a wealth of feed back via my help line. The following is a briefing of what I have learned from this extensive experience.
Linda Fields, Owner, Agronomist
Which type of Barley Straw is best for my pond?
For large earthen ponds, Still Pond Farm Barley Straw Bales are the easiest and least expensive treatment method. (Use 6 bales per surface acre)
For smaller ponds and water gardens Still Pond Farm Bagged Straw and Barley Straw Filter Mats, Microbe-lift Barley Straw Extract and Microbe-lift Barley Straw Pellets can be considered.
The pros and cons are as follows:
Still Pond Farm Bagged Barley Straw
Pros: One application lasts 4 to 6 months
Least expensive
Does not change pH
Does not discolor water
Cons: Slowest to start working (several weeks in cool water)
Bags take up space about the size of a football
May be hard to hide.
Does not distribute product throughout pond as well as Extract or Pellets
Still Pond Farm Barley Straw Filter Mats
Pros: One application lasts 4 to 6 months
Slim 1/2'' mat can be hidden in filter box or skimmer
Does not change pH
Does not discolor water
Cons: Slower to start working (several weeks in cool water) than Extract or Pellets
Microbe-lift Barley Straw Extract
Pros: Disappears in pond
Begins working immediately
Does not discolor pond
Disperses itself throughout pond
Original version does not change pH
Version with peat lowers pH (good for ponds in alkaline areas)
Cons: Must be re-applied every three weeks
More expensive than bagged straw
Microbe-lift Barley Straw Pellets
Pros: Works faster than bagged straw (1 to 5 days)
Sinks to disappear in pond
Easier to distribute throughout pond
Contains peat which helps buffer
Contains humates which can help tie up excess nutrients
Cons: More expensive than bagged straw
Contains peat which can color water brown for 10 to 14 days
Lowers pH (undesirable in acid rain/soil/groundwater areas such as much of the Northeast)
Becomes inactive rapidly if bottom sludge deep enough to cover Pellets
Need More Barley Straw How To?
WHEN is the best time to start putting barley straw in my pond?
Since barley straw is an algae preventative, it is best to start putting it in the pond before algae starts growing rapidly.
WHAT is the second best time to put barley straw in my pond?
When you really need it. When the water is pea green and/or green scummy stuff is floating on the top. It will take longer to work if there is already an algae problem, but it will work in a few weeks. When algae are already a problem, the straw will prevent new algae from growing but you will have to wait for the existing algae to die of ''old age'' which is usually several weeks.
WHY should I use barley straw to control algae in my pond?
Barley straw is non-toxic, inexpensive, has beneficial side effects, and best of all, it really works.
HOW does barley straw work to control algae?
The exact chemistry of how it works is not definitely known. It is believed that the barley straws high lignin content provides a food source for beneficial bacteria that block the growth of algal cells.
HOW MUCH barley straw do I need for my pond?
A good rule of thumb is to use one half pound for small ponds up to 50 square feet (About 1000 gallons) and one full pound for ponds up to 100 square feet (About 2000 gallons).
For large earthen ponds, apply 6 bales per surface acre regardless of depth.
HOW OFTEN?:
Applications are generally required every four to six months.
HOW do I know when to replace barley straw in my pond?
Once placed in the pond, the straw should stay there until it is almost completely decomposed. Your straw should last about 6 months. Replace whenever volume of straw decreases by 75% or more.
WHERE is the best place to put barley straw in my pond?
Your best bet is to place it where the greatest volume of water will come in contact with, and hopefully wash through, the straw. Or, if you have a waterfall, anchor it at the bottom of the falls. If that is not suitable, anchor it at the narrowest point above the falls.
BARLEY BOOSTERS:
Barley straw works best in conditions that are conducive to bacteria growth (water temperatures above 50 and total alkalinity 100 or above)
NEED MORE HELP?:
E-mail us. Send us the size and shape and we will help you figure it out your straw dosing needs. Click ‘feedback’ button at the bottom of this page to email us.
|
|
|
