Did you ever wonder why I take the bales of straw used for fall clubhouse decorations and place them along the shores of our irrigation pond on #12?
Barley straw, as it decomposes, releases certain compounds that inhibit the growth of algae. It does not kill algae that is already present, but prevents new algae cells from forming, which is why its best to get it in the water before algae becomes an existing problem.
The breakdown of the straw also nourishes populations of “good” bacteria that help keep the water clean by eating up excess nutrients and pollutants.
Barley straw does not work in all instances – success depends on the pH of the water and the presence of dissolved oxygen. Luckily, our water pH is close to perfect, and we place the bales along the shores because the wave action there oxygenates the water.
They might look a bit out of place, but these bales help keep our irrigation water clean, and are a great alternative to risky aquatic herbicides which would negatively impact the turf that receives this water as irrigation.
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