Barley straw is, like the other kinds of straw, harvested residues that still have many benefits. The popular benefit is that this straw can overcome the algae problem. In some areas, algae growth is very disturbing. This algae grows abundantly in the pond. Many people finally use the barley straw to control algae because the other methods have flaws.
It’s not that this method is flawless, but at least it’s not as many as the others. The major flaws of the other methods are budget consumption and efficiency. There are things to be noticed in this method. All the rules and steps have to be followed. If not, this will not work maximally.
Contents
Barley Straw Vs Algae
If you imagine the work of the plant is like herbicide (that directly cuts the algae’s existence), it’s wrong. The plant straw blocks the new algae to grow. If there is already so much algae, this straw can’t help. The existing algae will keep growing, but there will be no new ones. To make the clearance perfect, the existing algae can be removed with a manual method.
Some people worry that the plant straw will block the aquatic plant. However, the fact shows otherwise. Since the plant straw is added and blocks the algae, the aquatic plants grow more massively. It can be concluded that the plant straw doesn’t disturb other entities apart from algae.
Getting Barley Straw
To make everything easier, the fastest gateway to find a thing is to have a consultation with an expert. In this term, the local government that holds the responsibility is the right department. They have complete data abszout the farmers nearby. If there is a division that takes care of the distribution, it is excellent. If not, you will get the address and contact.
It’s also available online, and it’s a good choice for those who don’t like traveling to get the plant straw. Order, pay, and wait for the package to be delivered right to your house. People nowadays prefer this one.
The Best Time for Barley Straw Application
To know this, we have to figure out when the algae usually grow. Algae grow so fast in the fall. Before that moment, the early year was the most perfect time for application. Warm water is suitable for fast preparation.
When applied at this temperature (70 F and above) the time for it to produce chemical content is just two weeks. In colder temperatures (below what has been mentioned), the preparation is one month and a half. One application is valid for the next six months. Reapply to get the same benefit.
The dose for each acre is maximally 3 bales. If the pond previously was filled with so much algae, more bales are suggested. But don’t be overdosing because it can kill the fish. As the barley straw decays, the oxygen in the water will decrease. Always pay attention to this, especially if the fish is for a specific purpose.
Why Barley Straw is Recommended?
Here are some reasons behind this plant straw as algae preventative.
Low Cost
The price is cheaper than the other methods’ costs. Value is the most important thing, not the price and the brand. Although sometimes price represents the quality, this one doesn’t. The effectiveness has been proved. By this, you can manage your finances better.
Non-Toxic
It is safe for the other living things. Overdosing might bring bad effects, but as long as you control the amount, it can be avoided.
Durable
Compared to the other methods, this one lasts longer. For example, the manual traditional algae removal method has to be repeated for several months. Algae can still grow. Meanwhile, barley straw works for 6 months for each application.
Barley Straw in Husbandry
This crop does possess multiple benefits. It makes this crop even more popular, although the most famous benefit is still overcoming the algae problem. In the husbandry world, this crop is like the other hay, as alternative feed. As livestock feed, this ranks second after oat straw.
Oat is the most palatable one, then this one is the runner-up in that category. The rank also runs for the nutrient content. Feeding plant straw to an animal can’t replace the whole need for nutrient intake. Another supplement is needed to make the livestock completely healthy.
However, additional feed like this straw is important to erase boredom. Animals can be bored and depressed too. Even sometimes the livestock needs low-nutrient feed just to give them chewing activity. The label ‘high nutritional content’ is not always what people look for. In the end, the saying that ‘everything has its function’ is true.
Another function of barley straw in husbandry is as animal bedding. Big animals, especially livestock require good bedding to support their body posture. Their skin can be hurt by uneven surfaces.
Furthermore, a comfortable spot to rest can improve their life quality. The effect of this is incredible, to include the productivity and the daily energy. Two out of many advantages of bedding with this straw are the good price and the easy use. With that combination, this straw is difficult to resist by so many husbandry owners. Budgeting can be better and even profit higher.
Barley Straw Storage
Supply is sometimes can be difficult or easy at the same time. However, to make sure the barley straw you require is in good condition and sufficient amount, baling and storing are the keys. Bale the object to save the stock at once to manage the storage. To accomplish that, Jummos will be a good partner.
We provide a suitable machine to do this kind of job. Our machines are made in China and are already distributed around the world. Not only that, but we also provide a high-quality bale net wrap that will erase your confusion in getting one. With one-year guarantee, we make sure you get our best product. Barley straw and Jummos is a great combination that will fulfill your need to beautify your pond or to provide great feed to your livestock