Barley straw as algae inhibitor

From: pwijerat@raychem.com
Date: Sun Nov 01 1998 - 18:04:22 PST


Date: Sun, 1 Nov 1998 18:04:22 -0800
From: pwijerat@raychem.com
To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com
Message-Id: <aabcdefg3472$foo@default>
Subject: Barley straw as algae inhibitor


     Hi, folks,

     The other day, I happened to pick up a copy of the Sunday Times
     (published in the United Kingdom), and noticed the following response
     to a reader's question:

     One of the most successful ways of clearing ponds of unsightly algae
     is using submerged bales of barley hay. Nobody know quite why this
     works, although it is being investigated by the University of Reading.
     It's thought that the straw breaks down in the water to create
     microenzymes that attack the single-celled algae. It has also been
     discoverd that after several months the straw inhibits blanket weed.
     Greenwater Barley Straw is available in mini-bales through garden
     centres or Mandrake Marketing, PO Box 14,Llandysul SA44 4YP. Call
     01545-590677 for stockists.

     Wonder if a layer of straw would inhibit algae in CP terrariums or in
     seed-starting beds.

     Peter



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