Controlling Pond Algae with Straw Terri Poole Extension Agriculture Agent he response to my article This discovery was made by acci- Factor X does not appear to kill last year on the use of dent when bales of hay accidently existing algae in a pond. It is impor- straw for algae control in fell into a farm reservoir. The pond tant to put your bales of straw in early. ponds was huge. How- grew far less scummy with algae. April or early May may be a good time ever, there are still people asking ques- This presents pond owners with a to put them in the pond. tions who have not heard about this practical and inexpensive control for Some experts have suggested simple solution to a nasty problem. pond algae that fits well with the envi- that loose straw is more effective Now that spring is almost here, let us ronmental approach. We may not have than bales, however the bales will take another look at this topic for to rely on chemical control measures. obviously be easier to handle and those who missed it last year. Further observations have found remove after one or two months in Every summer many farm ponds that hay does have some inhibitory the water. Whether using loose or in the region are covered with algae. effect, however, straw is more effective bale straw, you will need some type This not only hampers fishing and and barley straw is the most effective. of system for handling the water- swimming, but also affects the water It has not been discovered exactly how logged straw. An enclosure of poul- quality of the pond. the hay or straw works to control the try wire or plastic mesh has been Anyone who has a pond knows algae. Some speculate that a chemical used successfully in trials. that trying to control algae can be frus- compound is released into the water On the down side, barley straw trating. Many have tried dragging it during the decomposition process and may be hard to find right now due to off, coloring the pond water or apply- it controls the algae. Researchers at the time of year and barley dropped in ing chemicals and weed killers. Some the Aquatic Weeds Research Unit have value as a cash crop last year. If you have resorted to algae eating fish. named this compound "Factor X." cannot find barley straw, don't give A simple, inexpensive, environ- Because Factor X is released from up, use an alternative. Wheat straw, mentally safe method for controlling decomposing straw, it is necessary oat straw or even hay will work. algae in ponds may have come along. for it to be in the pond a month Remember, the original observations Extension Water Quality Specialist before algae develops for best were with bales of hay in the pond. Dr. Dan Terlizzi wrote about how the results. Straw bales also need to be Don't wait, use whatever you can get British observed that barley straw replaced two or three times during and stock up on barley straw when it is reduced algae growth in ponds. the algae growing season. harvested in late June. •

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