Algae grow aggressively during summer—when the scorching sun is generous and the water is untamed---in ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. Summer is the much-loved season of algae, just in time to irritate fish farmers who are waiting for their catch. Uncontrolled algae growth poses serious problems to health and environment. Algae that thrive in waters used for irrigation can obstruct the pump and

The problem with severe algal blooms has been a growing concern in rural and suburban areas throughout the United States and around the world. There have been various algae treatments developed since 1990s, but most of those treatments are expensive and timely. The use of barley straw treatment is considered as breakthrough in water treatment, used by many commercial fish farmers in Britain for several decades. Did you know that the discovery of barley straw is accidental? When a bale of barley, owned by a British farmer, dropped off in the pond that had severe algae problem, the algae, in few weeks, deliberately vanished from the pond. The farmer reported this to a researcher, and then the news spread to the other farmers throughout the United Kingdom.
Barley straws have been used to prevent the accumulation of algae in pond, lakes, and reservoirs. Most theories assert that the decomposing barley releases a chemical component that increases the oxygen content in the water, reducing the amount of algae and giving better water clarity. However, the chemical responsible for the prevention of algae is still unknown. The two potential candidates are oxidized polyphenolics and hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, there is a common misconception that barley straw could kill algae -- the truth is: barley straws do not kill algae, it prevents algae from growing in the pond.

How Barley Straws are Used?

Barley straws are used differently in different states, but there are important considerations when using this product.

The bales must be unbundled and broken apart before throwing it into the water to help the straw produce oxygen. Bundled bales do not circulate freely in the water and release limited or very little supply of oxygen. The bales of straw can be ideally placed near a waterfall or underwater current so the rest of the straw will be taken to the other parts of the pond.

The amount of straw that should be applied depends on the size of the pond. However, the recommended dosage is 225 pounds of barley per acre of water. This is equal to 5 bales of barley straws. Ponds with severe algae problems may require more straws during the first treatment. The water should be low, preferably 4-5 feet in depth, but it can also work on deeper water.

Barley straw treatment does not take effect overnight; the results may take up to six months. And of course, barley straw cannot kill algae that are already present in the pond. The best time in using this treatment is the first week of April, before the algae sprout in the pond. Also, barley straws last for a maximum of 6 months, for this reason, the straws must be replaced with new bales for best results.