Hi GFT,
I too, am interested in using barley straw as part of a comprehensive attack on the filamentous algae. In a previous msg, I applauded FA for helping to stop leakage under the new dam. Well, that was then, the algae is causing soupy conditions around the edge of the pond this spring, too much algae.
My plan is to let it go for a bit longer, until the water warms enough that I can stand to get in with a rake and grub out as much as possible, haul it over the dam and out of the drainage. My theory is that by removing the algae, it also removes that much nutrient from the water. Something I read here is that barley straw, as it decomposes, releases a toxin that inhibits new growth in FA. As such, it doesn't kill FA but inhibits new growth. One would surmise from this that using barley straw in late winter or early spring would be a good to stop the new growth. If memory serves, the inhibitive effect lasts around 6 weeks before requiring more straw, but that when the pond heats up to summer time temperatures, the FA fades.
There was also some commentary about a lack of research on how beneficial BS is in inhibiting growth of FA. Some folks say they have tried it and it worked ok. Some said they weren't sure it was worth the effort. There was also a comment about the many varieties of algae and that BS hasn't been studied enough to know which varieties of algae were effected by the toxicity. I figure it is worth a shot, especially as one of several weapons in the arsenal.
There is an aerator in my pond's future. There have been postings suggesting aeration will help with FA.
Also, I am VERY interested in adding some tilapia. Yes, they would only last one season. However, they eat algae, and bass eat tilapia. When the tilapia kick the bucket in the fall, they would provide forage for the bass and catfish. That's the theory, anyway. Unfortunately, I've been unable to locate tilapia in this part of the country.
I haven't found a source for barley straw bales here in northeastern Kansas either and have considered hauling a trailer north to pick up a load if I could locate some reasonably priced bales. I've also considered plowing some ground in the watershed that feeds my pond and raising some barley and storing the straw over winter to add in the spring. That is a fantasy this year however, since the pond is in a remote location and I don't get there often enough to do any farming.
Good luck with your FA control efforts. Let me know how it goes.
Joe
