Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Using Barley Straw to control algae

Hello everyone,
My name is Doug Russell, I am 17 years old and I go to Eastwood High School in Pemberville, Ohio. I am actively involved in the FFA and for my project I have planted and baled barley straw. My family has a backyard pond and for the past two years we have placed barley straw in it to control the algae. We have definitely had success with it. I have also sold barley straw to many people in my area to control the algae their ponds. I would like to talk to anyone who would be interested in trying this. Please remember, barley straw only prevents new algae from growing, it does not kill present algae. Also, this is not a guaranteed practice but the success rate is very high.
I have a website, http://www.geocities.com/dougsbarleystraw/Barley.html
please check it out.
Thank you everyone,

Doug Russell

See my post under Product Sources - Barley Straw.

Okay, barley straw prevents algae growth. But how do you control the algae that is threatening to cover my entire pond? The green mess encircles my pond (1.5 acres) all around the banks about 20 feet from the shore. It makes it impossible for my kids to fish, because even when they catch a fish, you have to peel the slime off of the fish, and it just takes the fun out of it. Any suggestions?

1. If possible, prevent any excess nutrients from getting in. For example, fertilizer, eroding soil, fallen leaves, etc.

2. Encourage native vegetation. Aquatic weeds will use up many of the nutrients, which will help "clean" the water and preempt the algae.

3. Get a lake rake & start raking.

4. Aerate to help the pond process the nutrients.

5. If all else fails, spray Cutrine Plus over areas that you want to clear.

An alternative would be to talk to a southern pond expert about fertilizing to create a plankton bloom, which can prevent filamentous algae.

Mike Robinson
Keystone Hatcheries