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  • From: Barking Cat Farm <barkingcatfarm AT mindspring.com>
  • To: Market Farming <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [Market-farming] Steam Rolled Barley?
  • Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:09:51 -0500

I have seen several references and recommendations to use barley straw in
early Spring for control of algae in pond water. Problem is nobody in my area
(NE TX, Zones 7 & *) grows barley and having it shipped in is
cost-prohibitive. Closest I've found is in Missouri or Kansas. I have found
a local feed store that carries steam rolled barley in 50 lb. bags for less
than $10/bag. Anybody know if this is a good barley straw alternative?

My pond is only 1/3 acre in surface area, a little over half a million
gallons when full. We have wicked awful filamentous algae problems, as well
as iron issues (14-15 ppm, so iron bacteria loves us). Oh, and low pH, 6.3
or so. <sigh>

According to what I've read, I would need only about 4 square bales of straw
in early Spring, followed by another 4 bales about a month later to help
manage the algae. If the bags are a good alternative, anybody have good
recommendations for application rate versus the straw bales?

Thanks in advance,
Laurie
Barking Cat Farm
NE TX



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