Scientific studies
Below is a digest of the numerous scientific studies carried out into the use of barley straw as a method of controlling algal growth in ponds.
Houman Rajab Islami - Islamic Azad University Tehran [Published in "Journal American Water Works Association - January 2012]
The author summarised his work and findings as follows: "This research investigated the effect of aerobically decomposing barley straw on the growth of seven problematic freshwater algae. Field trials were conducted to assess the effect of barley straw on algal assemblage. Bioassays indicated an overall reduction of algal biomass in both treatments (400 and 800 kg/ha) compared with the controls as well as a shift in algal composition from cyanobacteria to diatoms. Results suggest that the use of barley straw is an effective method to control nuisance algae in freshwater systems." You can read the full study here:
William E. Lynch Jr.
Extension Associate, Aquatic Ecosystem Management
In summary the article concluded:
"In our opinion, barley represents a natural alternative to chemical algaecides and it should be considered as a viable option. As the article notes, it may not be a complete solution in every pond, for every type of algae or aquatic weed growth. However there is ample evidence through pond owner's personal experiences and testimonials to suggest that it does work quite well at controlling algae outbreaks in certain instances."
http://www.pondalgaesolutions.com/articles/barley-straw-effectiveness.html
Barley Straw: A Potential Method of Algae Control in Ponds by Bryan Butler, Extension Educator, Carroll County; Dan Terlizzi, Water Quality Specialist Sea Grant Extension; Drew Ferrier, Associate Professor of Biology, Hood College
The authors presented their findings as follows:
"Though more laboratory and field research with barley straw is necessary to confirm the reported effectiveness in algae control, information available suggests that:
1. Barley straw does inhibit certain types of algae, including Microcystis and Synura spp., which are water quality management problems world-wide. Barley straw is reported to be effective against filamentous or mat-forming algae that include a number of different species.
2. In most reported cases, barley straw has been beneficial if started earl y in the season and maintained throughout."
The full study can be read here;
https://www.mdsg.umd.edu/sites/default/files/files/Barley%20Straw.pdf
The Oregon Garden Wetlands
Barley Straw Algae Control Research
by Deborah Hill and Renee Stoops
Testing by the authors produced the following results:
"In March 2005 we placed four bales of barley straw of 40 pounds each under the bridge in the A-Mazing Water Garden. We removed these in April and put them into straw sausages along with new straw. Then we tied them with jute and placed them in the trough above the waterwall. In June we added 40 more pounds of straw sausages to the trough. We noticed a decrease in algae growth during the time of barley treatment, and we haven’t had to use hydrogen peroxide or supplemental bacteria since."
http://www.watergardenersinternational.org/journal/1-1p/og/algae_control.html
Other cited references
-
Barrett P.R.F.,Curnow J.C., Littlejohn J.W. (1996) The Control of Diatom and Cyanobacterial Blooms in Reservoirs Using Barley Straw. Hydrobiologia.340:307- 31 1.
-
Gibson M.T., Welch I.M., Barrett P.R.F., Ridge I. (1990) Barley Straw as an Inhibitor of Algal Growth II: Laboratory Studies. J. Applied Phycol. 2:241-248.
-
Pillinger j.M., Cooper j.A., Ridge 1., Barrett P.R.F. (1992) Barley Straw as an Inhibitor of Algae Growth Ill: the role of fungal decomposition. J. Applied Phycol. 4 : 353-355.
-
Robert G.W., Liken G.E. Limnological Analyses. (1979) p. 150 - 156.
-
Street M. (1978) Research on the improvement of gravel pits for waterfowl by adding barley straw. Game Conservancy Annual Review. 10:56-61.
-
Welch I.M., Barrett P.R.F., Gibson M.T., Ridge I. (1990) Barley Straw as an Inhibitor of Algae Growth I : studies in the Chesterfield Canal.). Applied Phycol. 2 : 23 1-239.
-
Newman, J. 1997. Control of Algae with Barley Straw. Information Sheet No. 3. Institute of Arable Crops Research, Center for Aquatic Plant Management. Berkshire, UK.
-
Barrett, P. R. F. & J. R. Newman, 1993. The control of algae with barley straw. In Straw - A Valuable New Material, PIRA: Paper 41.Google Scholar
-
Barrett, P. R. F. & N. Banks, 1995. Aquatic weed control operation. Best practice guidelines. National Rivers Authority, R&D Note 395.Google Scholar
-
Barrett, P. R. F., J. C. Curnow & J. W. Littlejohn, 1996. The control of diatom and cyanobacterial blooms in reservoirs using barley straw. Hydrobiologia 340: 307–311.Google Scholar
-
Barrett, P. R. F., J. W. Littlejohn & J. C. Curnow, 1999. Long-term algal control in a reservoir using barley straw. Hydrobiologia 415 (Dev. Hydrobiol. 147): 309–313.Google Scholar
-
Caffrey, J. M., 1990. The classification, ecology and dynamics of aquatic plant communities in some Irish rivers. Ph.D. Thesis, University College, Dublin: 254 pp.Google Scholar
-
Caffrey, J. M., 1992. Management of aquatic and invasive riparian vegetation in Irish amenity watercourses. In Mollan, C. (ed.), Water of Life. Royal Dublin Society, Dublin: 130–141.Google Scholar
-
Caffrey, J. M., 1993a. Plant management as an integral part of Ireland's aquatic resources. Hydroecol. Appliq.: 77–96.Google Scholar
-
Caffrey, J. M., 1993b. Aquatic plant management in relation to Irish recreational fisheries development. J. Aquat. Plant Mgmt. 31: 162–168.Google Scholar
-
Caffrey, J. M & J. P. Allison, 1998. Eutrophication in canals. In Mollan, C. (ed.), Eutrophication in Irish Waters. Royal Irish Academy, Dublin: 1–10.Google Scholar
-
Caffrey, J. M. & C. Monahan, 1995. Aquatic plant management in Irish canals, 1990–1995. Office of Public Works commissioned report. Centr. Fish. Bd, Dublin: 102 pp.Google Scholar
-
Caffrey J. M., J. P. Allison, R. E. Donnelly, D. M. Tierney & C. Monahan, 1998. Development and management of recreational angling in Irish canals. In Hickey, P. (ed.), Recreational Fisheries: Social, Economic and Management Aspects. EIFAC/FAO: 214–226.Google Scholar
-
Champ, W. S. T. & J. Caffrey, 1994. Preliminary results from barley straw trials in Irish watercourses. 9th EWRS Symp. on Aquat. Weeds. Abstracts: 12 pp.Google Scholar
-
Everall, N. C. & D. R. Lees, 1996. The use of barley straw to control general and blue-green algal growth in a Derbyshire reservoir. Wat. Res. 30: 269–276.Google Scholar
-
Harriman, R., E. A. Adamson, R. G. Shelton & G. Moffett, 1997. An assessment of the effectiveness of straw as an algal inhibitor in an upland Scottish loch. Biocontr. Sci. Technol. 7: 287–296.Google Scholar
-
Monahan, C. & J. M. Caffrey, 1996. The effect of weed control practices on macroinvertebrate communities in Irish canals. Hydrobiologia 340: 205–211.Google Scholar
-
Murphy, K. J. & J. W. Eaton, 1983. Effects of pleasure boat traffic on macrophyte growth in canals. J. appl. Ecol. 20: 713–729.Google Scholar
-
Newman, J. R. & P. R. F. Barrett, 1993. Control of Microcystis aeruginosa by decomposing barley straw. J. Aquat. Plant Mgmt. 31: 203–206.Google Scholar
-
Newman, J. R., P. R. F. Barrett & F. G. Cave, 1994. The use of straw to control algae in drainage ditches - an ecological survey. Proc. Nature Conservation in Drainage Habitats, Nottingham University.Google Scholar
-
Ridge, I. & J. M. Pillinger, 1996. Towards understanding the nature of algal inhibitors from barley straw. Hydrobiologia 340: 301–305.Google Scholar
-
Ridge, I., J. M. Pillinger & J. Walters, 1995. Alleviating the problems of excessive algal growth. In Harper, D. M. & A. J. D. Ferguson (eds), The Ecological Basis for River Management. John Wiley & Sons Ltd: 211–218.Google Scholar
-
Welch, I. M., P. R. F. Barrett, M. T. Gibson & I. Ridge, 1990. Barley straw as an inhibitor of algal growth I: studies in the Chesterfield Canal. J. appl. Phycol. 2: 231–239.Google Scholar