How to Prevent Farm Pond Algae
- 1). Prevent soil erosion. Farm soil typically contains high levels of phosphorus and nitrates. When introduced into pond water, these create ideal conditions for an algae bloom. Use proper landscaping methods and plant an edging around your pond to reduce soil erosion.
- 2). Keep farm animals away from the pond. Animal waste material is high in nutrients that algae can feed on.
- 3). Treat the pond periodically with beneficial pond bacteria. These bacteria are harmless to plant and animal life but will rapidly absorb the nutrients that algae thrive on, thus preventing an algae bloom. Granulated pond bacteria are available at any pond supply store.
- 4). Introduce plenty of floating plants into your pond. Like beneficial pond bacteria, floating plants will also absorb material that cause the growth of algae. With nothing to feed on, algae cannot thrive.
- 5). Tie mesh bags of barley straw to weights at the side of the pond. When allowed to float on the water's surface, decaying barley straw releases enzymes that make the water inhospitable to algae growth. Barley straw is non-toxic to plant and animal life.
- 6). Clean the pond regularly. Over time, debris that floats on the surface of the pond will decay and sink to the bottom. This sludge of decaying matter releases ammonia and other chemicals that are conducive to the growth of algae.
- 7). Provide the pond with shade. To grow, algae needs direct sunlight. Limiting direct sunlight can prevent an algae bloom.
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