Barley Balls for Cleaner Water? Maybe?

Shullsburg, WI(Zone 5a)

Barley Balls made from barley straw is listed in Gardener's Supply Company Catalog as being a way to keep your ponds fresh and clear all summer!

Was wondering if anyone knew what this effect was from and how effective it might really be. If it works for ponds, it should also work for large water storage tanks too. I figured the algae makes good "green manure" but if you use fine nozzles to distribute it, it tends to "gum" up the works.

And if the straw effect really works, is it possible other types of "straw" would also work? Barley isn't commonly grown. Rye, oats, and wheat straw is more likely to be available.

And this brings up the thought, that if barley has a specific effect on algae, what effect it might have in use for garden mulch???

Over to you for your inputs!

Joe

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