 Bales are an environmentally friendly
way to control algae in your pond while ensuring your plants and fish are not
harmed.
An interesting method of safely controlling algae is the use of
barley straw. Other varieties of straw do not work nearly as well. This method works
best on suspended algae and has less of an effect on hair algae.
How barley straw controls algae:
As barley
straw decomposes in water, it releases lignins. These are oxidized to humic acids in
the presence of oxygen. If sunlight then shines on the humic substances, hydrogen
peroxide is formed. The peroxides in turn inhibit the growth of algae. They have no
effect on existing algae. Because hydrogen peroxide is dangerous in high doses and
is highly unstable (it does not last long), adding hydrogen peroxide directly to the
water would not work and could harm the animals and plants. Straw releases a
constant supply of low levels of hydrogen peroxide which is safe and effective.
|