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2008
Blagdon Water Gardens
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Barley Straw, What is it? What does it do?
What does barley straw do?
Barley Straw is an all-natural product, and does not contain any known pesticides, chemical additives, or even "ingredients" - it's just straw.
How does barley straw work?
It is thought that as the straw decays in the presence of oxygen (and possibly sunlight), chemicals are released or produced that help clear water.
How much should be used?
1/2 pound bale could treat a pond up to about 1000 gallons. In ponds with a history of problems, two or three times that amount may be required at first, and even ten times that concentration could be used.
How is straw applied?
Straw may be used unbundled or packed loosely in mesh so that water flows freely through the packet. It should be placed where moving water will oxygenate it and carry its by products to the rest of the pond. It's best to anchor it by weight and line, and then to add some sort of float to keep it from sinking to less-oxygenated water as it becomes waterlogged.
How long before improvement can be seen? This depends on several factors, including temperature, quantity of straw, and how well it was applied, and the specific type of problem the pond has. Once the water temperature is in the 60's (Fahrenheit), the straw should begin fermenting within a week or two, and its effect should become noticeable.
How often should it be added?
The first dose is best applied early in the spring, before problems begin to arise.
A second dose can be applied when the first straw appears to be mostly biodegraded, or when poor water conditions appear to be returning - usually in midsummer. it is rarely necessary to dose more than twice.
Is straw harmful to fish invertebrates or desired plants?
There are no reports of harm to either fish or invertebrates, other than the overdose/deoxygenation precautions mentioned above. Higher plants appear to also be unaffected, in fact may well benefit from the improved conditions.
Eco-Cear Barley Straw
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