Home > Certified Organic Barley Straw >   Certified Organic Barley Straw 8 Ounce Package
	Our Price: $8.95 Product Code: BARLEY 8 OZ Qty:

Description Technical Specs   BARLEY STRAW  is inexpensive and healthier for your fish and plants than chemicals. Barley straw has been used for centuries in Europe to maintain fish and garden pond water quality. It has been proven environmentally safe and is inexpensive.    Features NATURAL vs. HERBICIDES The growth rate of algae makes it very difficult to control. There are many forms of algae and most are susceptible to herbicide use. The problem with using herbicides is that it also will kill your other plants and once the chemical is gone from the water, the re-growth of algae will reappear and subsequently become worse years later. Natural solutions are safer and more cost effective. HOW DOES BARLEY STRAW WORK As the straw decomposes in the water, byproducts are released creating a unique environment. The temperature of the water is an important factor. If the water temp is 40 degrees it may take up to 2 weeks for the straw to become active. When the water temperature is above 40 degrees the straw becomes active faster. In about a week the straw should begin to release its chemical, given sufficient sunlight and oxygen. Well oxygenated conditions are essential to ensure the straw will decompose and produce its chemical. If the straw is in a compacted state with restricted water movement through the straw, the effectiveness is extremely reduced.  WILL BARLEY STRAW HARM FISH OR PLANTS Barley straw does not harm fish or plant life. Actually in most cases it increases the invertebrate population providing a food source for fish. In fish farms and hatcheries where straw has been used, there are reports of improved gill function and better overall fish health.  WHERE TO APPLY THE STRAW In garden ponds, the straw should be wrapped loosely in some type of netting that will allow water to flow through. To be most effective, place the straw in or near a waterfall or stream. As the straw decomposes it will sink. Do not allow it to sink deeper than 3 feet. The straw needs acontinuous exposure to both water and oxygen. Keeping the straw oxygenated will help the barley decompose thus releasing the byproducts.  WHEN SHOULD BARLEY STRAW BE ADDED Barley straw should be added very early in the spring. It is best to apply when the water temp is low. Time should be given (about 30 days) for the straw to become active.  Once activated, the straw will create the unique environment for up to 4 months. A replacement should be added before the first bag is completely decomposed. Ponds that have a high content of suspended mud it may be necessary to add more straw than in clear waters as the byproducts can be slowly inactivated by the mud.

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