How much barley straw to use?
Barley straw is most effective in shallow (1 m) water with sunlight and good circulation. Clear water means less straw is needed. However, with turbid, muddy water, and less sunlight, more straw may be required to do the same job. Low temperatures are less effective. Water surface area is used to calculate dosage. In still water ponds, the minimum quantity of straw needed to control algae is 2.5 grams of straw per square meter of water surface. In water with a severe algae problem, high first treatments up to 50 g per m2 may be required. Start with small quantities and monitor effects. Barley straw may be pre-started in non-algae problem areas with good oxygenated water flows. You can tie the straw in small bundles, make flat sheaves, or stuff it into net bags. Weight or stake them to the bottom in an area with water movement. Water Degassing Did you know that for every pound of oxygen consumed by fish, they exhale one pound of carbon dioxide? Carbon dioxide can, therefore, cause a pro
