How to Prevent Blue-Green Algae

Cyanobacteria blooms, also known as blue-green algae, are a seasonal problem in stagnant waters around the world. Although not all blue-green algae produce blooms that contain harmful toxins, many species do. The resultant toxins can poison livestock and other animals that drink out of affected lakes, ponds, farm dugouts and other freshwater basins. However, there are some steps you can take to deter blue-green algae growth in various bodies of water.

Instructions

- 1
  Test the water quality of your basin by bringing a sample into a qualified laboratory. You want to determine if the blooms are a toxic species.
- 2
  Add aquatic plants, such as Water Primrose, Duckweeds and Red or Ferny Azollas, to your body of water to deter algae growth. Cyanobacteria algae will have to vie for nutrients with the aquatic plants you add, and this may help to keep algae growth to a minimum.
- 3
  Plant perennial grasses and trees around your water basin and in upstream areas to act as filters. Vegetation bands like this entrap nutrients so they are not able to reach your basin and feed algae blooms.
- 4
  Limit livestock access to certain areas of your basin. By fencing off certain portions, you can prevent your livestock from eating water plants. This will also help to lessen erosion and minimize waste and fertilizer run-off that often fuels algae growth.
- 5
  Use devices that encourage motion -- such as Solar Bee circulation tools -- and cause water mixing to take place. Cyanobacteria algae prefer stagnant waters, so water circulation on a regular basis helps deter algae blooms.

How to Prevent Car Tire Ground Ruts

Fungus on Centipede Grass

Yard Maintenance