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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